CROTON – The first year
of the state’s five-year project to combat hydrilla in the Croton
River has reduced infestations of the aquatic invasive plant by 80 percent.
Surveys of the inlets and bays along the Hudson River indicate that hydrilla
did not spread beyond the Croton River system in 2017.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation management plan uses
herbicide treatment to attack infestations and prevent future occurrences.
Following application of the herbicide in October, surveys of the Croton
River have shown significant reductions of infestations and dramatic improvements
in the quality of overall river habitat. Water Celery, a native plant
of concern that produces important habitat for wildlife, was not impacted
by the treatment.
The federally listed noxious hydrilla was first discovered in the Croton
River in October 2013. The pest poses a significant threat to the Village
of Croton’s drinking water quality, biodiversity, fish populations,
and creation.
