The state’s fight to eliminate the invasive species Elodea has been successful so far, but more of the plant was found just outside Anchorage last month.
Invasive Plant and Agricultural Pest Coordinator Heather Stewart with DNR says a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employee who usually works out of Fairbanks discovered the infestation by accident.
Stewart: “She happened to be in the area and was walking a dog. The dog happened to jump into the water and she noticed, her being a trained hydrologist, knew exactly what she was looking at.”
The find was immediately reported and a survey by invasive plant specialists determined the plant to be growing in a ditch area outside Potter Marsh, less than one acre in size.
Elodea is a plant commonly sold as vegetation for fish tanks and aquariums. Following the spread of it through Alaskan lakes and streams that state has banned importation, buying, and selling the plant.
Stewart says because of the location, the agencies involved have guessed this particular infestation began due to someone dumping out some kind of aquarium but there’s no way to find out exactly.
Elodea eradication has been successful over the last few years in places like Anchorage’s Lake Hood and three Nikiski lakes.
Stewart says the area this Elodea was found is unlikely to be spread due to boats, float planes, or foot traffic, although the state hopes to have a mitigation plan in place by January.