Left uncontrolled, this glossy, green triangular-leaved plant can easily choke the water bodies it invades, outcompete native plants, and reduce oxygen levels--which increases the potential for fish kills.  Dense, nearly impenetrable water chestnut growth can make fishing, hunting, swimming, boating and other recreational activities nearly impossible.  Its sharply spined fruits wash ashore and can be hazardous to people who step on them.

First identified in Lake Champlain in the 1940's, water chestnuts now infest many Eastern lakes.  Oneida Lake experienced its first documented invasion of the water chestnut late in the Fall of 1999, on the western perimeter where the Lake feeds into the Oneida River (beneath the Route 81 overpass).  Fortunately for us, the sighting was reported, and actions were taken to harvest the plant just before it went to seed.  It is unclear whether the harvesting was 100% successful, but at least the effort seems to have prevented a major spread of water chestnuts to other areas of Oneida Lake.

As you might imagine, this plant is prolific and very aggressive, and once established, could cause untold damage to the waters of Oneida Lake, and its plant and animal inhabitants. 

What can you do to help prevent the water chestnut's invasion of Oneida Lake?  First, familiarize yourself with the plant, and learn how to identify it.  Your help is vital to report new sightings.

Next, if you do find any water chestnuts on or near Oneida Lake, note the date and precise location where the plants were found.  If possible, harvest one of the plants.  Keep it damp by wrapping it in a wet paper towel and storing it in a plastic zip-lock bag. 

Finally, contact your local Department of Environmental Conservation representative, or call the Oneida Lake Association at (315) 668-9276.

The water chestnut is a threat to all of us who use and enjoy Oneida Lake as a recreational resource.  It's up to all of us to remain vigilant, in order to keep this unwelcome visitor from invading Oneida Lake!