Invasive aquatic plants to be treated at Iron Horse Park Lake

In 2022, Nebraska Game and Parks confirmed the presence of a hybrid variety of the invasive aquatic plant Eurasian watermilfoil in Iron Horse Park Lake at North Platte. This aquatic plant grows dense mats and can overtake a waterbody quickly.

Game and Parks staff plan to use an aquatic herbicide called ProcellaCOR, which is a reduced risk herbicide, to treat the hybrid Eurasian watermilfoil. ProcellaCOR has no restrictions for water recreation, fishing, or fish consumption. Staff plan to treat the western half of the lake on July 11 and the eastern half on July 25, weather permitting.

“While Zebra mussels often are the species most folks think about, invasive aquatic weeds can also have a large impact on our Nebraska waters” said Kristopher Stahr, Game and Parks’ aquatic invasive species program manager. “This treatment is a good reminder to always Clean, Drain, and Dry your watercraft to prevent anything from moving from one waterbody to another.” Visit stopaquatichitchhikers.org for more details on the Clean, Drain, Dry Procedure and OutdoorNebraska.gov/aquaticinvasivespecies for information about invasive species in Nebraska.

The public is encouraged to report any suspected observation of aquatic invasive species to Game and Parks at 402-471-7602 or at [email protected].