The Solution

Based on careful research of other New York State lakes combating milfoil, the project team determined that the only practical long-term response is to physically remove the plants – including the roots – from the lake. This is best achieved by divers hand-pulling the plants from the lake bottom and removing the entire plant from the water.

Improving upon effective designs used elsewhere, the team built and tested a pontoon boat with a suction dredging system and compressed air for divers. The divers pull the plants and feed them into the suction hose, which transports the milfoil to the pontoon platform, where it is bagged. A support boat periodically collects the bags and delivers them to shore, where the milfoil is eventually converted to agricultural compost.

Aggressive Work Plan

A total of six boats are now in operation, manned by thirty specially trained divers. The boats are working from north to south from May to September to systematically eliminate milfoil patches around the lake. Early efforts have focused on shallow areas where the spreading potential is greatest.

We do not expect milfoil to be completely eradicated from the lake, however the population can be reduced so thoroughly by 2009 that maintenance can be easily achieved with limited manpower.

Make your donation to fund this effort.