2017 aquatic macrophyte survey report - village of tuxedo...

Tuxedo Lake 2017 Aquatic Macrophyte Survey Report

310 Washington Ave, Suite C.

Washington NJ 07882

www.solitudelakemanagment.com

http://www.solitudelakemanagment.com/

Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1 Procedures.................................................................................................................................... 1 Macrophyte Summary ................................................................................................................. 2 2011 – 2017 Aquatic Macrophyte Abundance Discussion............................................................ 4 Summary of Findings.................................................................................................................... 7 Recommendations........................................................................................................................7 Appendix .......................................................................................................................................9

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February 15, 2018 David McFadden Tuxedo Lake P.O. Box 31 Tuxedo Park, NY 10987

2017 Aquatic Macrophyte Survey Report Tuxedo Lake Village of Tuxedo Park, New York

Introduction In 2017 the Village of Tuxedo Park secured the services of SOLitude Lake Management to conduct an aquatic vegetation survey to re-assess the infestation of the invasive Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). At Tuxedo Lake, biologists surveyed 104 sites, which were historically GPS-referenced (2011), on August 28th, 2017 (during the peak season of aquatic macrophyte growth) to determine the abundance and distribution of submersed and floating vegetation. The survey focused on the littoral zone, typically defined as depths less than 10 feet in the Northeast. The littoral zone is the region of the basin that can support rooted macrophyte growth due to light penetration. The data collected during this survey and maps are located in the appendix.

Procedures In 2017, using historically GPS-referenced sites, 104 sample locations were surveyed at each location using a Trimble GeoXH 2017 series. The survey boat was piloted to each sample location. The water depth was measured, using a boat mounted depth finder, a handheld depth gun (HawkEye digital sonar system, or equivalent). The water depth was recorded on a field log, and is depicted on the water depth maps in the Appendix of this report. Any other pertinent field notes regarding the sample location were also recorded on a field log. Next, a weed rake attached to a 10 meter-long piece of rope was tossed from a random side of the boat. It is important to toss the weed rake the full 10 meters (a loop at the end of the rope should be attached to the boat to prevent losing the anchor). The weed rake is slowly retrieved along the bottom, and carefully hoisted into the boat. To determine the overall submersed vegetation amount, the weed mass is assigned one of five densities, based on semi-quantitative metrics developed by Cornell University (Lord, et al, 2005). These densities are: No Plants (empty rake), Trace (one or two stems per rake, or the amount that can be held between two fingers), Sparse (three to 10 stems, but lightly covering the rake, or about a handful), Medium (more than 10 stems, and covering all the tines of the rake), or Dense (entire rake full of stems, and one has trouble getting the mass into the boat). See the Appendix of this report for pictures of these representative densities. These

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densities are abbreviated in the field notes as 0, T, S, M, and D. Next the submersed weed mass is sorted by Genus (or species if possible) and one of the five densities (as described above) is assigned to each Genus. Finally, overall floating macrophyte density within a 10 meter diameter of the survey boat is assigned a density, as well as an estimated density for each separate genus (or species). This data is recorded in the field notes. This procedure is repeated for the remaining sample points. A sample of each different macrophyte is collected and placed in a bottle with a letter or number code (A, B, 1, 2, etc.). If possible, these samples should include both submersed and floating leaves (if any), seeds, and flowers (if present), to facilitate identification. These bottles are placed in a cooler stocked with blue-ice packs or ice, and returned to SOLitude Lake Management’s lab for positive identification and photographing. Regionally appropriate taxonomic keys are used to identify the aquatic macrophytes. The weed rake used for aquatic macrophyte surveys has a specific design. It is constructed with two 13.5-inch wide metal garden rakes attached back to back with several hose clamps. The wooden handles are removed and a 10-meter-long nylon rope is attached to the rake heads. Pictures of the various submersed and floating densities are located in the appendix of this report.

Macrophyte Summary At Tuxedo Lake, 104 sites were surveyed on August 28, 2017 to determine the abundance and

distribution of submersed and floating vegetation. Submersed vegetation was collected at 83

sites or at 80% abundance in the basin. Overall, 11 different aquatic plant species (including

benthic filamentous algae and floating filamentous algae) were observed. Dense abundance

of submersed macrophytes was supported at 17 (or 20%) of the sites surveyed. Medium

densities were observed 16 sites (or 19%), while sparse abundances were observed 30 sites (or

24%). Trace abundances of submersed macrophytes was supported at 30 sites (or 36%).

Nuisance level abundances of floating macrophytes (medium or dense) were not observed in

the survey. A floating macrophyte was observed at one site (1%) at trace abundances. The

appendix contains additional information on each individual plant species.

The dominant submersed aquatic species, Eurasian water milfoil, was observed at 77 sites

(74%). Trace abundances were observed at 31 of the sites surveyed (or 40%). Sparse densities

were recorded at 24 (or 31%) of the sites, while medium abundances (10 sites or 13%) and dense

abundances (12 sites or 16%) were also observed. Eurasian water milfoil was observed

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throughout the majority of the shorelines of the

entire basin at various densities. The heaviest

concentrations of Eurasian water milfoil, often at

the surface with flowers, were located at both

the northern (dam area) and southern ends of the

basin. This corresponds with the original

infestations documented in 2011 and 2012.

However, despite hand pulling efforts, Eurasian

water milfoil has spread throughout much of the

littoral zone of the lake.

Wild celery was observed at 30 sites (29%) at various abundances. Dense abundances were observed at five sites (or 17%) concentrated at the dam. Medium densities were only observed at seven sites (23%). Sparse abundances accounted for six sites (or 20%) while trace abundances were observed at 12 sites (40%). The majority of the wild celery was observed throughout the main shorelines of the northern half of the basin. Scattered densities of wild celery decreased along the main shorelines approaching the southern end of the basin. Bass weed was observed at ten (or 10%) of the sites surveyed. Dense abundances were observed at one site (or 10%). Sparse abundances were observed at three sites (30%) and trace abundances were observed at six sites (or 60%). Bass weed was scattered throughout the northern and southern shorelines. Southern naiad was observed at eight of the sites surveyed (8%). Sparse abundances were recorded at one site (13%). Trace abundances accounted for seven (or 88%) of the sites surveyed. Southern naiad was scattered throughout most of the northeastern shoreline. A presence was also observed scattered along the northwestern and southeastern shorelines. A total of five sites (or 5%) of leafy pondweed was observed. Trace abundances was observed at three sites (60%). Sparse abundances were recorded at two sites (or 40%). Leafy pondweed was located along the northeastern shoreline and along the dam area. Robbin’s pondweed was observed at three (or 3%) of the sites surveyed. Trace abundances were observed at one site (33%) and one sparse site (33%) was recorded. One medium site (33%) was also recorded. Heavier concentrations of Robbin’s pondweed were observed at the southern end of Tuxedo Lake. Another site was located along the eastern shoreline near the launch. Arrowhead rosettes were observed at two sites (2%) during the survey. One site (50%) was observed at sparse abundance. Trace abundance was observed at one site (50%). A presence of arrowhead rosettes was observed along the northwestern and southeastern shorelines at low abundances.

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Benthic filamentous algae were observed at one site (1%) at low abundances. Trace abundance was observed at one site (100%). Benthic filamentous algae was observed along the southwestern shoreline. Watermoss was observed at one site (1%) at low abundances. Watermoss is a low growing

aquatic plant and requires reduced cover from other submersed aquatic vegetation species to flourish. Trace abundances were observed at one site (or 100%), located along the southeastern shoreline. Small pondweed was observed at one site (1%) at trace abundance. This pondweed was present along the dam. Floating filamentous algae were observed at one site (1%) at sparse abundance. Filamentous algae were located at the southern end of the basin. 2011 - 2017 Aquatic Macrophyte Abundance Discussion

Aquatic Macrophyte Scientific Name Type 2011 Total Percent

Abundance (%)

2012 Total Percent

Abundance (%)

+/- 2017 Total Percent

Abundance (%)

Eurasian Water Milfoil Myriophyllum spicatum S 5.7% 4.8% + 74.0%

Wild Celery Vallisneria americana S 29.8% 35.5% - 28.8%

Bass weed Potamogeton amplifolius S 5.7% 5.7% + 9.6%

Southern Naiad Najas guadalupensis S - - + 7.6%

Leafy Pondweed Potamogeton foliosus S - 5.7% - 4.8%

Robbin’s Pondweed Potamogeton robbinsii S 17.3% 13.5% - 2.8%

Arrowhead Sagittaria sp. S 4.8% 13.5% - 1.9%

Benthic Filamentous Algae A 4.8% 4.8% - 1.0%

Watermoss Fontinalis sp. S 2.8% 3.8% - 1.0%

Small Pondweed Potamogeton pusillus S 8.6% 1.0% = 1.0%

Floating Filamentous Algae

A - - + 1.0%

Slender Naiad Najas flexilis S 17.3% 11.5% - -

Stonewort Nitella sp. A 1.0% 1.0% - -

Pipewort Eriocaulon aquaticum S - 1.0% - -

Spikerush Eleocharis sp. S - 1.0% - -

Spiral-fruited Pondweed Potamogeton spirillus S - 1.0% - -

Table 1., above is a summary of the species collected/observed during the surveys performed in 2011, 2012 and 2017. The Type column is a quick classification of the macrophyte. Abbreviations are as follows: A-Algae, E-Emergent, S-Submersed, F-Floating leaf or Free Floating. The +/- column displays the increase (+), decrease (-), or no change (=) between the years of surveys performed. The results of each species are discussed below.

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Based on data from surveys performed back in both 2011 and 2012, over the past 5 years Eurasian water milfoil now dominates the aquatic macrophyte community at 74%. Even though the infestation was minimal at the time of discovery it has spread and increased in abundance throughout the shorelines of Tuxedo Lake. Variability is expected from year to year, due to variation in suitable growth conditions for Eurasian water milfoil, as shown in comparison to 2011 (5.7%) and 2012 (4.8%). With increasing warm temperatures and free-floating fragments of Eurasian water milfoil, this further supported the growth and establishment within the basin. Figure 1 displays the comparison of the abundance distribution of Eurasian water milfoil from 2011, 2012, and 2017. Distribution abundance charts of each individual aquatic plant species is listed in the appendix.

Figure 1. Eurasian Water Milfoil 2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance Comparison at Tuxedo Lake As shown in Table 1., in both 2011 and 2012 native aquatic macrophytes dominated the aquatic plant community in Tuxedo Lake. In 2017 there was a decrease throughout the majority of the native community for overall abundance. In 2011 Eurasian water milfoil was at 5.7% and decreased the following year to 4.8% in 2012. Five years later, Eurasian water milfoil currently dominates the aquatic plant community at 74.0%. If aggressive management efforts are not taken by the Village of Tuxedo Park, the Eurasian water milfoil will continue to increase in abundance. Increasing abundance of an invasive species such as Eurasian water milfoil will likely negatively impact recreational activities,

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fisheries, the native submersed plant community and potentially altering the overall health of Tuxedo Lake. Wild Celery dominated the aquatic plant community in both 2011 (29.8%) and 2012 (35.5%). However, in 2017 there was slight decrease in abundance by 6.7%. This could be attributed to seasonal variation, but the increase in Eurasian water milfoil could also explain this decrease. Bass weed, a pondweed that supports high quality fisheries habitat, was consistent in both 2011 and 2012 at 5.7%. In 2017 this increased by 3.9% which is likely due to seasonal variation this year, however, this species can easily be outcompeted by the Eurasian water milfoil just like the Wild Celery. Southern naiad was not observed in previous years but was present during our 2017 survey at 7.6%. Leafy pondweed was observed in 2012 at 5.7% and decreased slightly by 1.0% in 2017 to 4.8%. Robbin’s pondweed decreased by 3.8% from 2011 (17.3%) to 2012 (13.5%). In 2017 Robbin’s pondweed further decreased by 10.7%, resulting in an overall percent abundance of 2.8%. This low growing pondweed was likely inhibited by Eurasian water milfoil growth. In 2011 Arrowhead was observed at 4.8% and increased by 8.7% in 2012, resulting in overall percent abundance of 13.5%. Abundance overall decreased significantly in 2017 by 11.6% (or 1.9%). Benthic filamentous algae were consistent from 2011 to 2012 and decreased by 3.8% in 2017. Watermoss, a low growing aquatic macrophyte, slightly increased from 2011 to 2012. In 2017, the Watermoss decreased to 1.0%. Small pondweed was observed at 8.6% in 2011 and decreased to 1.0% in 2012. The overall percent abundance for this pondweed species was observed at 1.0% in 2017. This could possibly be explained by seasonal variability, but the increased abundance of Eurasian water milfoil could have played a role in this pondweed’s decrease. Floating filamentous algae was not observed in both 2011 and 2012. However, in 2017 filamentous algae was observed at 1.0%. Slender naiad, another low growing native macrophyte, was observed at 17.3% in 2011 which decreased in 2012 to 11.5%. Slender naiad was not observed during the survey performed in 2017. It is possible this low growing plant was outcompeted by the invasive Eurasian water milfoil.

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Pipewort, Spikerush, Spiral-fruited pondweed, and Stonewort (with the exception of 2011 for Stonewort) were not observed in 2011. The presence of these species were observed at 1.0% in 2012 but were not observed at the surveyed sites in 2017.

Summary of Findings

• Eurasian water milfoil dominated the aquatic macrophyte assemblage and was present at 74% of the sites surveyed during on August 28th. Its distribution is present throughout all shorelines with the heaviest abundance at the dam and southern end of the lake. Tuxedo Lake Association should consider consistent aggressive long-term management techniques to gain the control of Eurasian water milfoil.

• Wild celery was the second most common aquatic macrophyte that was observed during the survey, occurring at 29% of the sites surveyed.

• Overall aquatic macrophyte diversity (n=11) is considered to be low for a New York lake. Due to the lack of a littoral zone, this contributes to overall low diversity.

• One floating macrophyte was observed during the survey at one site located at the southern end of the basin (floating filamentous algae).

• Overall a low presence of both benthic filamentous algae and filamentous algae was observed during the survey.

Recommendations Based on historical and current data that has been collected, in addition to the goals of Tuxedo Lake, the following management options are available and recommended in 2018: Eurasian water milfoil should be managed as aggressively as possible in the lake. It is possible that some of the reductions in desirable native aquatic plant abundance and distribution are a direct cause of Eurasian water milfoil expansion. Past manual control has not achieved lakewide reductions, so herbicide use should be given serious consideration in 2018. The herbicides Sonar and Procellacor (registration expected in 2019) may be appropriate for portions of the Eurasian water milfoil infestation, given their efficacy on Eurasian water milfoil and their approved use in potable water systems. Following a reduction in overall Eurasian water milfoil biomass, manual removal (hand pulling) could then become the preferred control strategy, assuming the effort is increased based on survey results. We recommend repeating the GPS-logged aquatic plant survey in late 2018 to assess the efficacy of 2018 control programs. This data and the maps generated will be crucial to determining a long-term Eurasian water milfoil control strategy, especially regarding appropriate to shifts to less aggressive programs, such as manual removal. SŌLitude Lake Management genuinely appreciates the opportunity to assist with the lake management efforts at Tuxedo Lake looks forward to being of service for the 2018 season.

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Sincerely, Emily Mayer Aquatic Biologist 310 East Washington Ave Suite C Washington, NJ 07882 Phone: 908-850-0303 Fax: 908-850-4994 www.solitudelakemanagement.com [email protected]

http://www.alliedbiological.com/

mailto:[email protected]

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Appendix Aquatic Macrophyte Index Aquatic Macrophyte Distribution Charts 2011, 2012, and 2017 2011 Aquatic Macrophyte Survey Map – Eurasian Water Milfoil 2012 Aquatic Macrophyte Survey Map – Eurasian Water Milfoil 2017 Aquatic Macrophyte Survey Maps

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Aquatic Macrophyte Index Arrowhead (Submersed Rosette) (Sagittaria sp. Common Name: Arrowhead. Native.): This plant is the submersed rosette of a species of arrowhead. The submersed rosette lacks both flowers and seeds, so further identification is usually not possible. However, when the submersed rosette form is found, lake edges are usually inhabited by emergent arrowhead plants of similar species. Arrowhead has emergent leaves, and usually inhabits shallow waters at pond or lake edges, or along sluggish streams. It can tolerate a wide variety of sediment types and pH ranges. Arrowhead is very suitable for constructed wetland development due to its tolerance of habitats, and ability to act as a nutrient sink for phosphorous. Typical arrowhead reproduction is via rhizomes and tubers although seed production is possible if conditions are ideal. Arrowhead has high wildlife value, providing high-energy food sources for waterfowl, muskrats and beavers. Arrowhead beds provide suitable shelter and forage opportunities for juvenile fish as well. Bass Weed (Potamogeton amplifolius. Common Names: Large-leaf pondweed, bass weed, musky weed. Native.): Bass weed has robust stems that originate from black-scaled rhizomes. The submersed leaves of bass weed are among the broadest in the region. The submersed leaves are translucent, gracefully arched and slightly folded, attached to stems via short (one to six cm) stalks, and possess many (25-37) veins. Floating leaves are opaque and oval-shaped, adorned with numerous veins, and are attached to long stalks (8-30 cm). Stipules are large, free and taper to a sharp point. Flowers, and later in the season fruit, are densely packed onto a spike. Bass weed prefers soft sediments in water one to four meters deep. This plant is sensitive to increased turbidity and also has difficulty recovering from top-cutting, from such devices as boat propellers and aquatic plant harvesters. As its name implies, the broad leaves of this submersed plant provides abundant shade, shelter and

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foraging opportunities for fish. The abundance of nutlets produced per plant makes it an ideal waterfowl food source. Benthic Filamentous Algae: Filamentous algae is a chain or series of similar algae cells arranged in an end to end manner. Benthic filamentous algae is attached to a hard substrate, such as logs, rocks, a lake bottom, or even other aquatic plants. When growing in heavy densities, benthic filamentous algae can appear as brown or green mats of cotton-like vegetation that can reach the surface. When large pieces break off the bottom substrate they become floating filamentous algae patches. These patches become unsightly and a nuisance to swimming, boat movement and fishing. Benthic and floating filamentous algae can comprise an entire range of morphologies, but flagellated taxa are far less common. Green algae and nuisance blue-green algae taxa are the most common mat producers. Eurasian Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum. Common Names: Asian water milfoil. Aggressive, Exotic, Invasive.): Eurasian water milfoil has long (two to four meters long) spaghetti-like stems that grow from submerged rhizomes. The stems often branch repeatedly at the water’s surface creating a canopy that can shade out other vegetation, and obstruct recreation and boat navigation. Low light conditions and high surface water temperatures promote canopy formation. The leaves are arranged in whorls of four to five, often spread out along the stem one to three centimeters apart. The leaves are divided like a feather, resembling the bones on a fish spine, typically with 14 to 20 pairs. Eurasian water milfoil is an exotic, originating in Europe and Asia, but its range now includes most of the United States. It’s ability to grow in cool water and at low light conditions gives it an early season advantage over other native submersed plants. It can grow in water up to 15 feet deep, and prefers fine-textured inorganic sediments. In addition to reproducing via fruit production, it can also reproduce via fragmentation. It does not produce winter buds, and can persist under the ice as an evergreen plant. Waterfowl

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graze on Eurasian water milfoil, and its vegetation provides substandard habitat for invertebrates. However, studies have determined mixed beds of native pondweeds and wild celery can support more abundant and diverse invertebrate populations. Leafy Pondweed (Potamogeton foliosus: Common Name: leafy pondweed. Native.): Leafy pondweed has freely branched stems that hold slender submersed leaves that become slightly more narrow as they approach the stem. The leaf contains 3-5 veins and often tapers to a point. No floating leaves are produced. It produces early season fruits in tight clusters on short stalks in the leaf axils. These early season fruits are often the first grazed upon by waterfowl during the season. Muskrat, beaver, deer and even moose also graze on the fruit. It inhabits a wide range of habitats, but usually prefers shallow water. It has a high tolerance for eutrophic conditions, allowing it to even colonize secondary water treatment ponds. Stonewort (Nitella sp. Common Names: stonewort, nitella. Native.): Stonewort is actually a multi-branched algae that appears as a higher plant. Although it’s not considered a higher plant, stonewort is usually included in aquatic macrophyte surveys, since it occupies a similar ecological role. It lacks conductive tissue and roots, using simple anchoring structures called rhizoids. Stem lengths can reach 0.5 meters, and leaves are arranged in whorls. Although similar in appearance to muskgrass, stonewort has smooth stems and branches usually bright green to translucent, and lacks the distinct musky odor. Another distinguishing characteristic is the number of cap cells on the oogonia: stonewort has ten cap cells (while muskgrass has five cap cells). Stonewort inhabits soft sediments in the deeper water of lakes, and can be found as deep as 10 meters. Fish and waterfowl graze on stonewort.

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Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum. Common Names: Pipewort. Native.): Pipewort has translucent green leaves, 2 to 10 cm long, that form a compact basal rosette. The individual leaves taper from the base to the tip, and bear a checkered appearance due to fine criss-crossing veins. Pipewort has pale unbranched roots that appear segmented, a distinguishing characteristic. Each rosette typically produces a single flower stalk that can range from a few centimeters to several meters in length, depending on the depth of the water. The flower head is round with many small flowers packed in a tight formation. Pipewort prefers sandy substrates and soft water with excellent clarity. Reproduction can be from overwintering roots, or insect pollination of flower tips. Robbin’s Pondweed (Potamogeton robbinsii. Common Name: Fern Pondweed. Native.). Robbin’s pondweed has robust stems that emerge from spreading rhizomes. The rhizomes can be tightly spaced, creating a carpet of Robbin’s pondweed that possibly could inhibit other submersed plants from becoming established. The leaves are strongly ranked creating a fern-like appearance most clearly seen while still submerged, yet still evident when out of the water. Its distinct closely-spaced fern-like leaves give it a unique appearance among the pondweeds of our region. Each leaf is firm and linear, with a base that wraps around the stem with ear-like lobes fused with a fibrous stipule. No floating leaves are produced. Whorls of flowers can be produced, but fruit rarely is produced. Robbin’s pondweed thrives in deeper water, often inhabiting a thin margin at the edge of the littoral zone, beyond most other submersed plants. Under some circumstances, portions of Robbin’s pondweed can over winter green. Robbins pondweed creates suitable invertebrate habitat, and cover for lie-in-wait predaceous fish, such as pickerel and pike.

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Slender Naiad (Najas flexilis: Common Names: water nymph, northern water nymph, slender naiad, bushy pondweed. Native.): Slender naiad has fine-branched stems that can taper to lengths of one meter, originating from delicate rootstalks. Plant shape can vary based on environmental conditions; from compact and bushy, to long and trailing slender stems, depending on growing conditions. The leaves are short (1-4 cm long) and taper to a point with very fine serrations (actually minute spines) that are often only visible under a microscope. The leaves broaden gently where they meet the stem. It is a prolific seed producer, generating seeds with faint pits longer than wide. It is found in a variety of habitats, and can colonize sandy or gravelly substrates. Slender naiad typically does not reach nuisance density, due to its low-growing structure in all but the shallowest of waters. It is a true annual, and dies off in the fall, relying on seed dispersal to return the next year. Stems, seeds and leaves are important food sources for waterfowl, marsh birds, and even muskrats. Small Pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus. Common Name: Small pondweed. Native.): Small pondweed has slender stems and a slight rhizome that branches repeatedly near the ends. Only submersed leaves are produced, and these are linear, attaching directly to the stem of the plant. The leaves have three veins and the mid-vein is usually bordered by several rows of lacunar (hollow) cells. There is usually a pair of raised glands at the base of the leaf attachment (called nodal glands). Membranous stipules are wrapped around the stem in early growth, but as the plant ages, these tend to break down, becoming shredded in appearance and free. Flowers and fruits are produced in one to four spaced whorls on a slender stalk. The fruit is plump with a smooth back and a short hooked beak. Small pondweed can tolerate turbid environments and inhabits shallow zones to a depth of three meters. Small pondweed is grazed upon by waterfowl, muskrat, deer, beaver, and even moose. Locally, it can be a very important link in the ecological balance of a lake system. It also provides suitable grazing opportunities and cover for numerous fish.

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Southern Naiad (Najas guadalupensis. Common Names: Southern water nymph, bushy pondweed. Native.): Southern naiad is an annual aquatic plant that can form dense stands of rooted vegetation. Its ribbon-like leaves are dark-green to greenish-purple, and are wider and less pointed than slender naiad. Flowers occur at the base of the leaves, but are so small, they usually require magnification to detect. Southern naiad is widely distributed, but is less common than slender naiad in northern zones. Southern naiad reproduces by seeds and fragmentation. Spikerush (Eleocharis sp.: Common Names: hairgrass, spikerush. Native.): The stems of spike rush are usually slender and short (up to 12 cm long), but certain species can have stems that are about one meter long. The stems emerge in tufts from fine spreading rhizomes. Sometimes the stems are topped with a spikelet of a tight spiral and flowers and eventually nutlets. The nutlets widely vary in surface patterns, and this characteristic is needed for identification to species level. There is also a sterile form of at least one genus that is completely submerged and usually found away from the shoreline. Spikerush prefers firmer substrates, and can tolerate turbid conditions. The leaves provide suitable food for waterfowl, and excellent habitat and shelter for aquatic invertebrates.

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Spiral-fruited Pondweed (Potamogeton spirillus. Common Name: Spiral-fruited pondweed. Native.): Spiral-fruited pondweed has slender stems that originate from a delicate, spreading rhizome. The stems tend to be compact and have numerous branches. Submersed leaves are linear with a curved appearance. Floating leaves are delicate, ellipse-shaped and range from 7 to 35 mm long and two to 13 mm wide. Stipules are fused to the leaf blade for more than half of their length. Nut-like fruits are produced on stalks of varies lengths. Shorter stalks tend to be on lower axils with fruit arranged in a compact head, while longer stalks tend to appear on upper axils, with fruit arranged in a cylindrical head. The fruit itself is a flatten disc with a sharply-toothed margin. Its smooth sides appear like a tightly coiled embryo, a distinguishing characteristic. Spiral-fruited pondweed prefers shallow water with sandy substrate, but can inhabit a wide range of bottom substrates. It serves as an important stabilizer and cover for fish fry and invertebrates. Water Moss (Fontinalis sp. Common Name: water moss. Native.): Water mosses are submerged mosses that are attached to rocks, trees, logs, and other hard substrates by false rootlets located at the base of their stems. It prefers cooler waters and low pH water, in general, although individual species can vary. It can grow in quiet lakes and ponds, or attached to rocks in quick moving streams. The stems are dark-green to brown, and about one foot long. The leaves share a similar color as the stems, and are usually ovate with fine-toothed margins. Water moss is particularly sensitive to copper. Water moss is highly utilized by aquatic invertebrates, and as a breeding site for small fish. Due to its short growth pattern, water moss rarely reaches nuisance levels.

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Wild Celery (Vallisneria americana. Common Names: Wild celery, water celery, eel-grass, tape-grass. Native.): Wild celery has long flowing ribbon-like leaves that have a basal arrangement from a creeping rhizome. The leaves can be up to two meters long, have a cellophane-like texture, with a prominent center stripe and finely serrated edges. The leaves are mostly submersed, although they can reach the surface allowing the tips to trail. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants, but reproduction is usually via over wintering rhizomes and tubers. Wild celery usually inhabits hard substrate bottoms in shallow to deep quiet waters and streams. It can tolerate a wide variety of water chemistries and is somewhat turbidity tolerant. Wild celery is the premiere food source for waterfowl, which greedily consume all parts of the plant. Canvasback ducks (Aythya valisneria) enjoy a strong relationship with wild celery, going so far as to alter their migration routes based on wild celery abundance. Extensive beds of wild celery are considered excellent shade, habitat and feeding opportunities for fish as well.

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Arrowhead (Sagittaria sp.)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

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Bass Weed (Potamogeton amplifolius)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

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Benthic Filamentous Algae 2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

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Eurasian Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

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Floating Filamentous Algae2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

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Leafy Pondweed (Potamogeton foliosus)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

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Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

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Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Robbin's Pondweed (Potamogeton robbinsii)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Slender Naiad (Najas flexilis)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Small Pondweed (Potamogeton pusillus)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Southern Naiad (Najas guadalupensis)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Spikerush (Eleocharis sp.)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Spiral-fruited Pondweed (Potamogeton spirillus)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Stonewort (Nitella sp.)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Watermoss (Fontinalis sp.)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

2011 2012 2017

% A

bu

nd

ance

Wild Celery (Vallisneria americana)2011, 2012, & 2017 Percent Abundance

Tuxedo Lake

Dense

Medium

Sparse

Trace

Floating Aquatic Plant Density

Trace Medium

Sparse Dense

Submersed Aquatic Plant Density

Trace Medium

Sparse Dense

TT

MTS

T

0 1,700850 Feet

I

Eurasian Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) DistributionTuxedo Lake Aquatic Vegetation Survey

October 21, 2011

TS

DM

= No Plants

= Trace Plants

= Sparse Plants

= Medium Plants

= Dense Plants

LEGE

ND

Corporate Office: 580 Rockport Road, Hackettstown, NJ 07840Northern NY Office: 984 County Highway 53, Maryland, NY 12116

1-800-245-2932 www.alliedbiological.com

T

T

MT

S

TTTTT

I

Tuxedo Lake Aquatic Vegetation SurveySeptember 13, 2012

TS

DM

= No Plants

= Trace Plants

= Sparse Plants

= Medium Plants

= Dense Plants

LEGE

ND

Hackettstown, NJ Maryland, NY1-800-245-2932 www.alliedbiological.com

0 1,100550Feet

EURA

SIAN

PERC

ENT

DIST

RIBU

TION

PLAN

T DEN

SITY

WATE

R MI

LFOI

L Abundance Sites PercentTotal 5 5%Trace 5 100%

Sparse 0 0%Medium 0 0%

Dense 0 0%

Eurasian Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) Distribution

Sites % Sites % Sites % Sites % Sites %

TOTAL SITES 104

TOTAL SUBMERSED VEGETATION 83 80% 30 36% 20 24% 16 19% 17 20%

EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL 77 74% 31 40% 24 31% 10 13% 12 16%

WILD CELERY 30 29% 12 40% 6 20% 7 23% 5 17%

BASS WEED 10 10% 6 60% 3 30% 0 0% 1 10%

SOUTHERN NAIAD 8 8% 7 88% 1 13% 0 0% 0 0%

LEAFY PONDWEED 5 5% 3 60% 2 40% 0 0% 0 0%

ROBBIN'S PONDWEED 3 3% 1 33% 1 33% 1 33% 0 0%

ARROWHEAD 2 2% 1 50% 1 50% 0 0% 0 0%

BENTHIC FILAMENTOUS ALGAE 1 1% 1 100% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%

WATERMOSS 1 1% 1 100% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%

SMALL PONDWEED 1 1% 1 100% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%

TOTAL FLOATING VEGETATION 1 1% 0 0% 1 100% 0 0% 0 0%

FLOATING FILAMENTOUS ALGAE 1 1% 0 0% 1 100% 0 0% 0 0%

Tuxedo Lake

Aquatic Macrophyte Abundance Distribution

August 28, 2017

Total Trace Sparse Medium Dense

S0 1,500750

Feet

I

TOTAL FLOATING VEGETATIONDISTRIBUTION

Tuxedo Lake Aquatic Vegetation SurveyAugust 28, 2017Sample Sites: 104

No PlantsTrace PlantsSparse PlantsMedium PlantsDense Plants

T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on

Abundance Sites PercentTotal 1 1%Trace 0 0%

Sparse 1 100%Medium 0 0%Dense 0 0%

TS

DD DDDSS

MMTDSS

M

MM

MS

M

DT

MM

D

MM

SS

TT

TT

TT

TD

TS

T

TTT

TM

DD

M M D

DD

SS

TT

T T

TM S

T

T

ST

MS S

TSST

S

T

T

S

D

S

T

TDD

0 1,500750Feet

I

TOTAL SUBMERSED VEGETATIONDISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on



DD

D

DD

S ST

DM

DM

TD

6

653

48

46

6

976

59

6

59

9

9

5

34

7

53

66

3

6

42

4

86

34

7

38

5

11

15

14

12

12

2.5

2.5

6.5

8.54.5

3.5 3.5

8.57.5

5.53.5

6.54.5

8.57.53.56.5 6.5

4.5

9.59.5

3.5

8.5

6.5

7.58.5

4.5

4.5

7.5

5.5

7.510.5

11.5

15.5

10.5

10.5

12.5

4

6.5

6.55.5

4.5

3.56.5 3.5

3.5

10.5

0 1,500750 Feet

I

WATER DEPTH

Water Depth (ft)

8

84

3

6

4

65

9.5

3.5

6.5

6.5

10.5

8.5

12.5

0 200 400100Feet


S

T

0 1,500750Feet

I

ARROWHEAD ROSETTE (Sagittaria sp.)DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on



T T

T

S

S

TD

S

T T

0 1,500750Feet

I

BASS WEED (Potamogeton amplifolius)DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on

T T



T

0 1,500750Feet

I

BENTHIC FILAMENTOUS ALGAEDISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on



S

SS

DDSS

MM

TDSSM

MS

MS

M

DT

SS

T

SM

ST

TT

TT

TT

TM

TS

T

TTT

SD

DM M D

DD

SS

TT

T T

TS S

T

TT

SS S

TST

T

T

T

S

D

T

TDD

0 1,500750Feet

I

EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL(Myriophyllum spicatum) DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on

S

S

DD

S ST

DM

DM

TD



S0 1,500750

Feet

I

FLOATING FILAMENTOUS ALGAEDISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on



TT

T

S

S

0 1,500750Feet

I

LEAFY PONDWEED (Potamogeton foliosus)DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on

T

T

T



S

M

T

0 1,500750Feet

I

ROBBIN'S PONDWEED (Potamogeton robbinsii)DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on



98

765

432

1

9088878685

8483

8281

8079

7877

7675 74

737271

7069

6867

6664

626160

5857

5655

5453

5251

5049

484746

4544

42 40

3837

3635

3433 32

30

2928

2726

25 242322

21

2019 18

1716

151413 12

1110

104103

89

6563

59

43 41 39

31

0 1,500750 Feet

I

Sample Site Location

Sample Site

9998

9796

94

93

92

91908988

102101

95

100

0 200 400100Feet


T

0 1,500750Feet

I

SMALL PONDWEED (Potamogeton pusillus)DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on

T



T

T

T

S

TT

T

T

0 1,500750Feet

I

SOUTHERN NAIAD (Najas guadalupensis)DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on

T



T

0 1,500750Feet

I

WATERMOSS (Fontinalis sp.)DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on



TS

DD DMS

TT

TM

T

MM

D

M

T

D

TS

TM

T

T

M

SST

S

T

0 1,500750Feet

I

WILD CELERY (Vallisneria americana)DISTRIBUTION



T

S

M

DPlant

Dens

ity

Perce

ntDis

tributi

on

DD

D

MS



2017 aquatic macrophyte survey report - village of tuxedo...

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