Hydrilla Threatens to Invade Michigan Waterways

The invasive Hydrilla plant has not yet been found in Michigan, but scientists aren’t taking any chances.

Michigan Sea Grant and partners are asking boaters, anglers and swimmers to look for hydrilla (hydrilla verticillata) this summer at favorite lakes, ponds and streams. The aquatic plant has clogged waterways in many southern states and has been found in at least two Great Lakes states, Pennsylvania and New York. Michigan Sea Grant Extension Specialist Mike Klepinger says early detection may spare Michigan a similar fate.

“If hydrilla is found in Michigan, our best chance to stop it from spreading is to act quickly,” says Klepinger, who is a member of Michigan’s Hydrilla Task Force. The task force is developing strategies to keep the invasive plant out of the state and to respond rapidly if it’s found.

One strategy calls for quick action on the part of people who think they’ve spotted hydrilla. Hydrilla Hunt cards (below) provide instructions on how to collect a plant sample using a sharp knife or scissors and where to send the sample for identification. The cards also request contact information and basic information about the location.

“We need to know if hydrilla is already here,” says Klepinger. “Michigan citizens play a very important role in helping to monitor the State’s waterways.”

If it takes hold, Hydrilla can quickly form thick mats near the water’s surface, suffocate native plants below, degrade water quality and impede recreation, creating severe economic impacts.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality recently produced a fact sheet on hydrilla, available online.