Field Preparation

• Lakes
• Rivers and Streams
  - Physical Characteristics
• Estuaries
• Noxious Weeds
• Macroinvertebrates
• Hyporheic Zones
• Groundwater
• Shellfish

What Are Noxious Aquatic Weeds?

Noxious water weeds are plants that are not native to Washington, are generally of limited distribution, and pose a serious threat to our state. Because they have no controls in their new habitat, they spread rapidly, destroying native plant and animal habitat, damaging recreational opportunities, lowering property values, and clogging waterways. Some noxious weeds can even harm humans and animals. The sap of giant hogweed, a plant that grows in wet areas, can cause severe burns. Not all noxious weeds are found in wetlands and lakes. Spotted Knapweed and Dalmation Toadflax are upland palnts that are on King County's Noxious Weed Control Board hit list.

Non-native aquatic plants have been introduced to Washington as ornamental plants (purple loosestrife, giant hogweed), as water garden plants (parrotfeather milfoil), and as aquarium plants (Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla, Brazilian elodea, fanwort). They "escaped" into our waterbodies through floods, by people dumping aquariums, and by being deliberately planted. Once introduced, these invasive plants rapidly outcompete our native plants, reducing habitat for fish, waterfowl, and aquatic mammals and invertebrates.

What happens if a new discovery is made?

Finding a new infestation of an aquatic noxious weed is important. The Weed Board or the Department of Ecology will have to confirm the identification and the location. If it's hydrilla, immediate action will be taken to eradicate the plant. If it's a less dangerous, but still invasive weed, like Eurasian watermilfoil, we still want to know about it. And if you are interested in pursuing control options, we can provide technical assistance, and in some cases financial assistance. Each case may be site-and species- specific.

How do we monitor for noxious aquatic weeds?

We encourage people to be aware of changes in the aquatic plants growing in lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Sometimes these changes are only the result of seasonal changes--hot sunny summers may cause increased plant growth--but sometimes these changes may mean that a non-native plant, like Eurasian watermilfoil, has been introduced. If you notice an aquatic plant whose growth seems excessive or unusual, have it identified, or use the plant descriptions and photographs to identify it yourself.

If you think you have discovered a new infestation of a noxious aquatic plant:

first check the distribution maps (Eurasian watermilfoil, Parrotfeather milfoil and Brazillian elodea are currently available) to see if we already know about it before you report it.

AND

If it isn't listed, for positive identification, contact your county noxious weed control board (check local telephone book) or the State Noxious Weed Control Board.

• For wetland or underwater plants contact:
  • Kathy Hamel, Ecology, telephone: (360) 407-6562 (E-mail: KHAM461@ecy.wa.gov) or
  • Jenifer Parsons, Ecology, telephone: (360) 407-6679 (E-mail: JENP461@ecy.wa.gov).
• Or for underwater plants contact the County Weed Board.

Collecting wetland plants for identification

Wetland plants grow in wet areas that may become dry in the summers. Wetland species typically have their roots in the water with most of the rest of the plant emerging above the water. Cattails and skunk cabbage are examples of native wetland plants. Many of the noxious wetland species are tough and robust and do not necessarily need to be kept damp like the underwater species.

• Before collecting the plant, contact either the County Weed Board, the State Noxious Weed Control Board, or Kathy, or Jenifer. We will give you the mailing address. We need to know that your sample is on its way to us.
• It is important to collect as many parts of the plant as possible; leaves attached to stem and flowers, seed heads and fruits (depending on the time of year).
• Be careful not to spread the seeds when collecting or mailing the plant.

For more information on Collection and Identification of wetland plants.