Water chestnut plant

There is a new threat to the lakes of New Jersey:  Water Chestnuts.  Not to be confused with the chestnuts sold in stores or served with Asian cuisine, these Water Chestnuts spread aggressively and are highly disruptive to the lake and wildlife that inhabit it.  The good news is that they are easy to identify and can be managed successfully if detected early enough.

These plants are commonly found in lakes, ponds, reservoirs and slow moving rivers and streams.  They like shallow waters (less than 16 feet deep) and prefer areas between one and six feet deep with soft sediment bottoms.  Early detection is the best method for dealing with these plants.  Once they establish a foothold, they spread aggressively and can be very difficult to remove. 

Lake Musconetcong NJ Infestation

If you spot a Water Chestnut in the lake, they can be removed by hand as they are weakly rooted in the sediment.  Also, be sure to report the sighting to the Board as quickly as possible.  Hopefully, we will not have to deal with this threat because the species has been found to be particularly resistant to chemical treatment and herbicides.

For more information, see the Rutgers University Agricultural and Resource Management site.