This study is a collaboration between Chautauqua Lake Partnership and North Carolina State University, and is funded by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) through a grant administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Invasive Species Grant Program.
Project Outline
This research project, led by North Carolina State University, provides a data-driven approach to managing invasive species in Chautauqua Lake, focusing on Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) and Curly-leaf Pondweed (CLP).
- 6-Year Historical Analysis (2020–2025)
- Long-Term Trend Mapping: Researchers are conducting a rigorous, multi-year analysis of data collected over six consecutive years to assess changes in the aquatic plant community over time, with focus on native species establishment and expansion, invasive species dynamics, and trends within and around chemically managed areas. Data will feed into a spatial suitability model to determine how changes in the plant community affect critical habitat for key fish species like Muskellunge.
- Field Assessment of Management Approaches
- Analysis of Management Approaches on SAV Trends: Researchers will establish triplicate test regions in the lake to compare 3 distinct environments: unmanaged, chemically controlled, and mechanically harvested. Surveys of all locations will be conducted during peak CLP growth (May/June) and again after natural senescence (August/September) to capture seasonal shifts. At each site, the team will use hydroacoustic mapping and point-intercept methods while recording physical parameters (pH, temp, oxygen) and nutrient levels in both water and sediment. Data will be subjected to statistical analysis to compare the impact of management approach on aquatic plant community dynamics.
- Management Optimization & Nutrient Cycling
- Management Strategy Optimization: Using replicated 16-liter “mesocosm” tanks, the team will study how the seasonal timing of aquatic plant management techniques can influence overall efficacy of invasive species control, change in water quality dynamics that may fuel algal blooms, and the associated response of key native species
- Assessment of Nutrient Dynamics: In a controlled environment, the team will compare species-specific nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) uptake, storage, and release dynamics for major Chautauqua Lake aquatic plants. Comparison of results by species can guide strategies related to timing of mechanical harvesting and other management activities.
- CLP Turion Viability Study
- 3-Year Germination Trial: Mature turions (the winter buds of CLP) will be collected directly from Chautauqua Lake and transported to a controlled laboratory at NC State. Researchers will monitor the turions for three consecutive years and measure the longevity of the viable “seed bank” under laboratory conditions. Outcomes of this study will inform long-term management decisions of CLP in Chautauqua Lake.
Latest Project News & Updates:
May 2026
Historical analysis using BACI (before-after-control-impact) analysis is underway focusing initially on efficacy and duration of suppression for EWM.
Curly Leaf Pondweed field study locations have been mapped out for “treatment-only” (no mechanical harvesting), “Mechanical harvesting-only”, and “No Management” pilots of just under 1 acre. “Before” samples have been collected, and coordination discussions have happened between CLA and NCSU to ensure the integrity of the study throughout the 2026 season.
Click here to view the NCSU Field Study Final Design