There are 5 non-native aquatic species present in Chautauqua Lake.
- Eurasian water milfoil (EWM; Myriophyllum spicatum)
- Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP; Potamogeton crispus)
- Brittle naiad (Najas minor)
- Water chestnut (Trapa natans)
- Starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa)
Eurasian water milfoil (EWM) and curly leaf pondweed are widely distributed in the lake’s littoral zone. Both have been in the lake for many decades and have altered the natural biodiversity by out-competing native plants. Although some argue that they have become an integral part of the lake’s ecosystem and are kept in check by herbivores (insects that feed on plants), the evidence of this is lacking. From the Vermont Federation of Lakes and Ponds: “Unfortunately, we (humans) interfere with ‘Mother Nature’ all the time by introducing invasive species – knowingly or unknowingly. It is our responsibility to work to control or eradicate invasive species to protect the native species and the ecosystems they have unbalanced”.