The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is advising the public that Indian Lake in South Kingstown will receive treatment to control an aquatic invasive plant, Hydrilla verticillata, on Thursday, June 27th. The aquatic weed control treatment is specifically targeted for the invasive nuisance plants and does not harm fish or other wildlife.
Anglers and boaters are advised to avoid using the pond on Thursday, June 27 when the treatment will be applied as not to impede the state-licensed applicator’s airboat and staff. Signs will be posted with information along the shoreline, but the chemical being applied does not limit or restrict boating, swimming, nor fishing. Indian Lake is a 260-acre lake popular with anglers for Largemouth bass and other warm water species.
Aquatic weed infestation is a nuisance to anglers, boaters, and swimmers and can affect proper management of freshwater ponds for wildlife. Hydrilla, first observed in August 2023, is often referred to as “the perfect aquatic weed” because it is so difficult to manage, due to its several different modes of reproduction, and wide tolerance to a range of water conditions. The spread of hydrilla can result in significant ecosystem changes that threaten habitats of fish and wildlife and reduce water quality. Indian Lake was the first waterbody where invasive hydrilla had been identified in Rhode Island. In response to the first detection of hydrilla in RI, DEM received federal grant funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.