Monitoring

• Monitoring Overview
• Aquatic Plants (Fresh Water)
• Macroinvertebrates
• Estuaries
• Aquatic Plants (Saltwater)
• Washington State
  Water Quality Regulations
• Washington State
  Water Quality Standards

• Methods
• Forms

Monitoring Aquatic Plants

Why should we monitor these plants?

Fortunately, in our area, noxious aquatic plants are still limited in distribution. Washington has nearly 8,000 lakes and other waterbodies and most are free of noxious weeds. We are especially interested in detecting new invasions of noxious weeds. It is often possible to eradicate a small infestation of a plant if we find it in time. It is far less expensive and more environmentally-friendly to deal with a small infestation. Well-established infestations may be impossible to eradicate or even control.

When is the best time of year to look for these plants?

From mid-July through August. Late August can be getting a little late for some eastern Washington locations.