2022 Invasive Species/Lake Plant Report

Finger Lake is a wonderful lake that we all enjoy throughout the year. To keep it that way, all residents have in the past and must continue in the future to be diligent in preventing the introduction of invasive species into the lake. FOFL has made the prevention of invasive species a priority by completing a whole lake assessment for invasive plants and animal a few years back with a grant from the DNR. The Association also sponsors an annual study to look for invasives and study the plant life in general. Several studies were completed in 2021 looking for invasives and observing the plants found in the lake. This report summarizes what we learned.

First, we need to start by considering the importance of lake plants in the lake. It is easy to complain about heavier plant growth around our swimming areas and docks and certainly they can be a challenge to manage at times. But as is the case on land, plant life is vital in a lake environment. Plants provide the necessary food, shelter, and habitat for all fish and other aquatic and animal life we enjoy on the lake. Finger Lake has moderate plant growth and nearly all of the plants we have collected and studied from the lake are highly desirable plants found in healthy lakes. The plant growth we see on Finger Lake is actually a very big part of the quality of our fishery on the lake. In fact, we have identified some very rare and highly desirable plants like Vasey’s Pondweed in the bay area of the lake.

The only plant considered a “nuisance” plant by the DNR and found in Finger Lake is Southern Naiad. This plant is native to Wisconsin and is found in other lakes in the north. While it is native to our state, it none-the-less is a problem plant at times because of its habit of wild, dense growth. Southern Naiad is found throughout Finger Lake in water less than 14 feet deep. In recent years it has been much less of an issue than a decade ago, probably because of the dark brown water color which reduces the light penetration needed by this plant – a situation that could change in the future. We will need to keep an eye on this plant and hopefully it remains in check. For those residents living on the lake a decade ago, I am sure you remember the challenges Southern Naiad caused back then.

We continue to monitor for invasive plants and animals in the lake. As has been the case for several years now, no invasive plants have been found in the past, or were found in the 2021 study, on Finger Lake.The only invasive animal found in the past is the Chinese Mystery Snail, and in the 2021 study it was again the only invasive animal found. This snail poses little harm in the lake, the big issue with it is its propensity to rapidly reproduce and create huge populations. There is some evidence that fish and ducks are feeding on this snail, and this should help keep it in control. This is great news! Thanks to everyone for helping keep the lake free of invasive species.

FOFL strongly encourages lake residents to educate themselves on the proper practices for keeping invasive species out of the lake. It is every resident’s responsibility to make sure each of us and our guests and family members make every effort to stop invasives. The damage they create can be overwhelming to a small lake like ours. Please help! If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.