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Hydrilla in the Eno River Watershed Hydrilla verticillata (hydrilla) is an invasive submerged aquatic weed that is native to Asia. It grows quickly, reproduces easily and can infest water bodies. Hydrilla is regulated by the Federal and many State governments. This highly invasive plant is illegal to transport, grow or sell. Hydrilla has been identified as the biggest threat to the natural resources of Eno River State Park because it has the potential to negatively impact fish communities, out compete native aquatic vegetation, as well as impede swimming, boating and fishing activities. Hydrilla has also been linked to Avian Vacuolar Myelinopathy (AVM), a syndrome that is fatal for waterfowl, including birds of prey such as Bald Eagles that feed on AVM - affected waterfowl. If management steps are not undertaken, hydrilla is likely to spread further downstream in the Eno River and into Falls Lake and beyond, negatively impacting additional important natural resources and recreational activities. History of Hydrilla in the Eno River Watershed • Hydrilla was first found in Lake Orange in the early 1990's. • Hydrilla was first documented in the Eno River State Park in 2005. • The West Fork Eno Reservoir was first confirmed to contain hydrilla in 2009. • A survey conducted in 2013 found approximately 25 miles of the Eno River contained hydrilla. Heavy infestation was present in nearly 15 miles of the river. • In 2014, Arrowhead Lake was found to be infested. Hydrilla has also been found repeatedly in Corporation Lake. What can be done about Hydrilla in the Eno River? The Eno River Hydrilla Management Task Force, a group of Federal, State, and local government representatives, has been working since 2007 to evaluate and address this situation. The options available for addressing the infestation of the Eno River are limited to "no action ", physical removal, biological control, and the use of EPA - approved herbicides. The Task Force is working to finalize a two year pilot study to evaluate the use of EPA - approved herbicide to manage hydrilla within a section of the Eno River. April 29, 2015 Public Information Open House 6:00 pm A Public Information Open House will be held on April 29, 2015 at 6:00 pm to allow interested members of the public to learn more about the proposed two -year pilot study for management of hydrilla in the Eno River. This meeting will be held in Conference Room 230 in the Whitted Building at 300 West Tryon Street in Hillsborough, 27278. Directions are available on -line at: http -./ /server2.co. orange. nc. us/ servicelocator /default.aspx?LocationlD =19 Further information: Task Force Web Site ? ? ? ? ?? LLtp-://www.ncwater.org/?page= 2/ htto:// www. weedscience. ncsu .edu /aouaticweeds /default.as Contacts: Rob Emens, NCDENR, DWR, Aquatic Weed Control Program rob.emens2ncdenr. ov Dr. Rob Richardson, Assistant Professor of Crop Science, NCSU rob richardson(cDncsu.edu