The native plant enclosures are designed to keep grass carp from feasting on the native plants. They were stocked with American Pondweed, Wild Celery (Eelgrass), Spatterdock and American Lotus among other species.
If successful, the establishment of native plants into the lake may be the most ecological approach to eliminating hydrilla.
"There is no danger that the native plants will take over the lake and impair recreational activities," said Aquatic Plant Ecologist, Dr. Michael Smart. "The native plants grow only in shallow water and do not form solid masses of weed as hydrilla does."
Lake Gaston Association Lake Environment Monitor, Bruce Johnson has taken the lead in establishing a volunteer group to monitor the enclosures in between visits of the ACOE. After receiving training from the ACOE, he will train additional monitors and establish a schedule to regularly check the enclosures and import additional native plants as required.
The native species plants are grown on the grounds of the Caledonia State Prison Farm in Tillery, N.C.
The creation of an eco-based plan to deal with the lake's vegetation issues came about when the Lake Gaston Stakeholders Board was established in 2004 to look for non-chemical alternate ways to control hydrilla infestation.
Over the next several years the board worked with local, state, federal and university experts to develop a plan.
The hydrilla enclosures are actually called "grass carp exclosures." One-half of a 20'x20' wire cage is fenced off as a control area to keep grass carp from entering and eating the hydrilla contained within. The other half is open to grass carp and the comparison of the two side-by-side areas will determine the effectiveness of grass carp in controlling hydrilla.
There was no grass carp activity noted during the survey. Although hydrilla growth had reached the six to 12-inch height, it is still too early for the carp to be active.
Johnson noted that, "There is a large infestation of Eurasian Watermilfoil in the upper reaches of the lake west of I-85.
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