Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

550.
In July of 1959 funds were made available by the State Legislature
to the Department of Conservation and Economic Development
for the control of aquatic weeds in Lake Hopatcong. However, it was
felt that an all out program vas too premature for the 1959 season
so water-front owners were encour~ed to undertake their own weed
control. The Lake Advisory Committee, working with the Division of
Fish and Game, acted as consultant and coordinator to those interested
in doing this work; they also attempted to exert some control over
the ty,pe of chemicals that were applied and the commercio..l applicators
'ccnt.r'act.ed for the work.
Additional test plots were set out in preparation for the
l?-rge scale operations to be undertaken by the State. Detailed
surveys of the distribution and composition of the weed beds were
initiated in the Fall of 1958, 1959, also in the Spring of 1960.
This enabled us to determine the magnitude of the problem and to
evaluate the effectiveness of the various herbicides being employed.
These surveys revealed that approximately 40%of the Inke's
2,685 acres was infested with 'eeds, most of which was milfoil,
Myriophyllum spicatum,l!. Next in abundance was pondweed, .
Potomogeton am During 1958 and 1959 about 25%of the
lake area wasarely Slifolius. usable because of the severe infestation of
milfoil.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The success of this project is largely attributed to the
wonderful cooperation and interest shown by so many individuals,
organizations and other interested groups. Mr. Tom Haigh~ Chief,
Forest and Park Section, was consulted throughout our ent1re program;
Mr. James K. Rankin, Chief Engineer, Bureau of Navigation,
was a most efficient procurement officer. The marine police at
Lake Hopatcong and the Lake Hopatcong State Park provided both
personnel and equipment •
.We also wish to acknowledge the assistance of technical
representatives from most of the Agricultural Chemical Companies
located in New Jersey. We are particularly grateful for the help
This species was identified by John H. Steenis, Patuxent Wild=-­
life Research Center, Laurel, Maryland, and John Gallagher,
AmchemChemical Company.