Scouts remove invasives, join the effort

June 29, 2023| Environment, People

By: Donna Macalle Holly

The Lake Hopatcong Water Scouts are a dedicated group of volunteers who search out and eradicate invasive water chestnut in Lake Hopatcong. Water chestnut and other invasive species can be introduced to the lake through boats, trailers, waterfowl, and various other means. It is crucial to prevent the spread of water chestnut as left unchecked, it has the potential to dominate and disrupt the entire ecosystem of the lake.

An invasive water chestnut plant tucked among the lily pads near Liffy Island.

Earlier this month, a team of four Water Scouts located and hand-pulled 62 invasive water chestnut plants (with 79 rosettes) near Liffy Island in the Woodport section of the lake. This week, another team of four Water Scouts found and removed an additional 13 plants (with only 1 rosette on each plant) in the same area. These plants were found among the lily pads, about 100 feet away from the shoreline and luckily, were removed before the plants could produce seeds. 

Water chestnut plants typically begin flowering and producing seeds or nuts in mid-July, a process that continues throughout the fall until frost kills the rosettes. Each rosette can produce 15-20 seeds, each of which has the potential to give rise to 10 to 15 new rosettes. As you can see, the numbers can expand exponentially in a short period of time.

Currently, Water Scouts are actively surveying their designated sections of shoreline for water chestnut. You can see the 22 scouting zones along the 45 miles of Lake Hopatcong shoreline HERE. To continue to prevent the proliferation of invasive water chestnut, more Water Scouts are needed!

If you enjoy paddling and have your own kayak, we encourage you to join the Lake Hopatcong Water Scouts. No prior experience is necessary and training will be provided. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage in an ongoing volunteer conservation effort and make a positive impact on our lake. Find out more HERE.