Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, and other organisms that live primarily in water. Some of these species can harm the environment, economy, and human health. Once AIS find their way into a waterbody, they are virtually impossible to eliminate and extremely expensive to manage. If current populations of AIS go unchecked and new species are introduced, the negative impacts on Skaneateles Lake will increase dramatically.

Known AIS in Skaneateles Lake include:

Eurasian watermilfoil
Curly-leaf pondweed
Scuds
Starry stonewort
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia
Zebra and Quagga mussels

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Over 180 other AIS can be found in the Great Lakes just 40 miles away, and new AIS have made their way into neighboring finger lakes. For example, Hydrilla — more aggressive thank watermilfoil — has made its way into Cayuga Lake, costing them millions of dollars over the past few years. So far, Skaneateles Lake has remained clear of hydrilla, but if it finds its way here it could be disasterous for the lake.

Boat Launch Steward Program

In August 2012, SLA instituted the Boat Launch Steward program to help combat AIS introduction to Skaneateles Lake. Boat Launch Stewards are positioned at three Skaneateles Lake boat launch locations—the New York State DEC Boat Launch, the Skaneateles Town Boat Launch in Mandana, and Andrew. R. Fuller Park Launch in Scott.

The stewards receive training on invasive species found in Skaneateles Lake, and potential invaders from other water bodies. Their duties include asking permission to conduct a visual inspection of water crafts / trailers for any attached marine life, and removing any vegetation that is found. The stewards record inspection data as part of the New York State Watercraft Inspection Steward Program Application (WISPA). The stewards also educate visitors on the value of launching a clean, drained, and dry boat.

Read the 2023 AIS Report

Milfoil Control Program

In 2007, SLA created a Milfoil Control Program that has reduced the species’ coverage on Skaneateles Lake to a level now requiring “maintenance” control. The SLA Milfoil Control program consists of a lake survey each fall to locate and document large growth patches of milfoil, and then the following spring those patches are covered with benthic mats constructed from geotextile material. Each mat is left on a milfoil patch for a minimum of 8 weeks to insure complete elimination, and then the mats are rotated. The Milfoil Control Program costs ~$200K annually and is funded by SLA membership and other sources, including $30K in Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FLLOWPA) funds administered by Onondaga County.

Read the 2023 Milfoil Report