Project Number: 5325-22000-026-05
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Oct 01, 2011
End Date: Sep 30, 2012

Objective:
Determine efficacy of non-chemical methods for management of invasive aquatic weeds in Lake Tahoe, and provide information on potential movement and dissipation of aquatic herbicides within South Lake Tahoe marinas that currently support nuisance growth of invasive plants.

Approach:
Pre- and post- “application” assessments of target plant distribution and biomass will be determined as part of deployment of “bottom barriers” composed of (1) synthetic material and (2) natural jute mesh fabric. As a surrogate for aquatic herbicides (not yet permitted for use in Lake Tahoe), Rhodamine WT (dye) will be applied in specific locations within the study site and its movement and dissipation will be determined by frequent monitoring and detection using boat-mounted flow-through fluorometers and a fixed station, autologging fluorometer. Dye dissipation studies will be conducted in spring and fall periods to emulate typical herbicide application timing.