Aquatic Weed Treatment Scheduled at Indian Lake in South Kingstown for Thursday, June 27

Published on Tuesday, June 25, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is advising the public that Indian Lake in South Kingstown will receive treatment to control an aquatic invasive plant, Hydrilla verticillata, on Thursday, June 27. The aquatic weed control treatment is specifically targeted for the invasive nuisance plants and does not harm fish or other wildlife. 

Anglers and boaters are advised to avoid using the pond on Thursday, June 27 when the treatment will be applied as not to impede the state-licensed applicator’s airboat and staff. Signs will be posted with information along the shoreline, but the chemical being applied does not limit or restrict boating, swimming, nor fishing. Indian Lake is a 260-acre lake popular with anglers for Largemouth bass and other warm water species.

Aquatic weed infestation is a nuisance to anglers, boaters, and swimmers and can affect proper management of freshwater ponds for wildlife. Hydrilla, first observed in August 2023, is often referred to as “the perfect aquatic weed” because it is so difficult to manage, due to its several different modes of reproduction, and wide tolerance to a range of water conditions. The spread of hydrilla can result in significant ecosystem changes that threaten habitats of fish and wildlife and reduce water quality. Indian Lake was the first waterbody where invasive hydrilla had been identified in Rhode Island. In response to the first detection of hydrilla in RI, DEM received federal grant funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to help rapidly respond to the new invasive and begin management efforts to treat the plant this summer. DEM will also educate boaters that they are the first line of defense helping prevent the spread of hydrilla by ensuring their recreational equipment is clean of any plant fragments. The most efficient and cost-effective management strategy to further control hydrilla from spreading throughout Rhode Island is to prevent the plants from being moved by people out of Indian Lake.

Hydrilla easily multiplies from small plant fragments and can quickly spread when contaminated boats travel to other lakes and ponds. The transport of any plant or plant part into or out of any Rhode Island waterbody on boats, vessels, other water conveyances, vehicles, trailers, fishing supplies, or any other equipment is also prohibited. It is recommended that all boaters thoroughly clean their vessels and equipment of attached weeds before and after using the freshwaters of the state. For more information on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, click here.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.