Extension Project: Annual Aerial survey to determine Hydrilla acreage at Lake Gaston.

A helicopter fly-over is conducted each fall to assist the Lake Gaston Aquatic Weed Council and others with Hydrilla management on Lake Gaston. This is a joint project with Glenn Bishop of Dominion Resources - which provides the helicopter each year. Using maps and photography hydrilla growth and coverage can be evaluated and mapped. A boat for additional surveys was provided by Skip Wiegersma of Aquatic Nuisance Plant Control in Littleton, NC. Acreage determinations were made with the assistance of Maptech/Terrain Navigator Software. This allows us to make accurate maps and acreage estimates. The 2001 estimate was approximately 2337 Acres.

Extension Project with NCDA&CS and NCDNR:

In September of 2000, naturalized infestations of Salvinia molesta were found in New Hanover and Pender Counties. Portions of these areas were treated with a combination of Diquat and Copper with Surfactant by NCSU and NCDNR. Evaluations and monitoring of these sites continued in 2001. Other previously infested sites were also monitored.