Hydrilla is an underwater plant that can create nearly impenetrable mats of stems and leaves on a lake's surface.LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WECT) – Rangers at Lake Waccamaw State Park met with state lawmakers in Columbus County Monday morning to discuss ways to pay for treating hydrilla in the lake.
Hydrilla is an underwater plant that can create nearly impenetrable mats of stems and leaves on a lake's surface.
According to a 2011 survey of the lake, more than 600 acres of the lake is infested with the plant.
The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources said this is the first recorded hydrilla infestation of a Carolina bay lake.
According to park superintendent Toby Hall, the goal is to begin treating for the plant in May. Hall said hydrilla is contaminating 605 acres, but they're going to treat nearly 960.
Hall said the treatment will take at least seven years to complete.
Copyright 2013 WECT. All rights reserved.
