Last week we discussed the environmental and ecological impacts resultant from hydrilla infestations and spread. This week we will continue our discussion, talking a little more about the economic and cultural impacts that most often affect us. Hydrilla can directly affect flood control, power generation, navigation, fishing, swimming, boating, property values and in some cases, even human health.
Economic Impacts
Although we may not always be able to quantify it, hydrilla infestations on our lakes can have severely damaging impacts on our local economy. Property values are most often the first to take a hit when hydrilla infests a water body. As the plant becomes more abundant and problematic, the aesthetic value associated with a once pristine lake front home can be quickly diminish. As homeowners are forced to sell their properties, local businesses dependent on “lake customers” may also suffer. Direct impacts can be seen to local grocers, bait shops, and boat rental shops, but the indirect effects of hydrilla can be felt far down in our local economy, affecting construction companies, realtors, dentists, etc. hydrilla can also reduce the ability of power companies to generate hydroelectric power, often blocking intake structures with their mats. hydrilla can also increase the likelihood of flooding in an area by reducing the ability of water to flow and dissipate.
Cultural Impacts
Many recreational activities are also halted by out-of-control hydrilla infestations. While small to moderate amounts of ANY vegetation can positively influence fishing and fish numbers, untreated heavy infestations can decrease the size and numbers of popular sport fish, such as the Largemouth Bass. Large mats often become tangled in fishing equipment making it hard to enjoy a day on the water. Clogged motors and choked propellers are also often a direct result of hydrilla infestations. Hydrilla infestations also have severe human health impacts. Some amounts of hydrilla can lead to problems with swimming and wading and have even been linked to drowning deaths in a few cases. As mentioned in previous discussions, hydrilla also creates the perfect stagnant habitat for mosquito breeding. Those itchy bites aren’t the worst that can come of this problem, as mosquitoes often carry diseases which can harm us, our pets and our livestock.
Managing the Problem
Although the impacts from hydrilla are almost overwhelming, there are several solutions to alleviating problems caused by hydrilla. More than $100 million are spent annually on control of aquatic weeds. This may seem like a rather large number but the benefit-to-cost of aquatic weed management to local economies can be anywhere from 5:1 to 15:1, meaning that for every $1 spent on control, there is a $5 to $15 benefit. Not bad huh?
For more information on Hydrilla and associated impacts, visit the NCSU Hydrilla page or read more on the weed in Kenneth Langelands “The Perfect Aquatic Weed” in the attached web links. Next time we will be discussing the ways that we manage hydrilla in our local lakes, including Lake Gaston, and more recently, Kerr Lake. For a head start, visit the AERF Biology and Control of Aquatic Plants posted in the web links for additional information.
Web Links For Additional Information:
NCSU Hydrilla Information
The Perfect Aquatic Weed – Kenneth Langeland
AERF BMP Handbook
If you have questions please contact your Aquatic Extension Associate, Brett M. Hartis, at (919)-515-5648 or email at bmhartis@ncsu.edu.
