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Rapid spread of invasive hydrilla creates problems for Cave Run Lake boaters

Noble Research Institute

A series of chemical treatments designed to keep boat ramps free of hydrilla at Cave Run Lake is now underway.

Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic weed that grows quickly, choking out other vegetation and impacting fish populations. First discovered in Cave Run Lake near Morehead in 2016, the weed quickly spread from Alfrey bank and Zilpo Flats to other areas of the lake.

Biologists believe the fragments of hydrilla hitch-hiked from a boat into the lake. Fragments attached to a boat can remain viable for five days after it is taken out of the water. Fragments as small as one inch have a 50 percent chance of survival in a new lake. Thick mats of hydrilla impede boating and can damage motors.

Treatments to eradicate hydrilla began last month around the Clay Lick, Warix, Alfrey and Zilpo boat ramps. The next treatment is scheduled for next week.

The pelletized compound applied from boat-mounted spreaders breaks down quickly after its initial application. It is not harmful to humans, pets, macroinvertebrates, reptiles, amphibians or fish. It will not affect water supplies.

Boaters will notice dead aquatic vegetation in treated areas. Due to the high cost of the chemical, however, only areas around boat ramps will receive the treatment.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources urges all boaters using Cave Run Lake to take a few precautions after taking their boat out of the water:

·Inspect the boat, bilge, drywells, trailers, motors and all recreation equipment for plant fragments and remove them before leaving the area.

·Drain livewells and bilge areas at the lake. Leave them open to dry.

·Wait five days before launching your boat into a lake that does not have hydrilla.

·If possible, steam clean your boat after leaving an infested lake.

For more information about stopping the spread of invasive species in Kentucky’s waterways, please go online to http://stopaquatichitchhikers.org

(provided by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources)

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."
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