Lloyd: Three invasive species in the Finger Lakes and how you can help stop them
As boating and lake recreation season come to an end in the Finger Lakes, let's take a look at several invasive species that have become well-established in our area, invasives that I have personally had interactions with. The three species, which I've reviewed herein, are quickly shaping our environment and have had far-reaching negative impacts.
Poison parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), a plant native to Eurasia, has become an increasingly problematic terrestrial invasive species in New York state. Often mistaken for wild parsnip or similar plants, poison parsnip is toxic to humans and animals, posing significant health risks, especially in outdoor recreational areas and along roadsides. If after a day of working in the garden or clearing brush, you find what looks between a burn and a rash on exposed skin, you have likely come in contact with poison parsnip. The plant thrives in disturbed environments, such as fields, meadows and roadsides, and can grow up to 7 feet tall. They are often the dominant plant in these areas. Its characteristic yellow-green flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, are an attractive yet hazardous feature. Poison parsnip contains toxic chemicals, primarily furanocoumarins, that cause severe skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. This phenomenon, known as phytophotodermatitis, can lead to painful blisters, burns and permanent scarring. The effects are particularly dangerous in summer, when sunlight intensifies the reaction.
In New York, poison parsnip is becoming more prevalent due to its ability to spread rapidly through seeds and its adaptability to various habitats. Invasive species such as poison parsnip disrupt local ecosystems, outcompeting native plants and altering the landscape. Local authorities and environmental organizations are working to raise awareness about the risks associated with poison parsnip and to promote safe handling practices, such as wearing protective clothing and avoiding direct contact with the plant.
If you use downriggers while trolling in the Finger Lakes during the summer, you may be familiar with water fleas. The spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus), an aquatic invasive species, has become a significant ecological concern in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Originally from Europe and Asia, this tiny predatory zooplankton has spread rapidly through North America since its introduction in the 1980s. It was first detected in the Finger Lakes in the early 2000s, and its presence poses a serious threat to local aquatic ecosystems. Spiny water fleas are particularly problematic because of their voracious appetite for native zooplankton, which are a vital food source for small fish. By depleting zooplankton populations, these invasive fleas disrupt the food chain, potentially leading to a decline in fish populations, especially in areas where fish rely on plankton for nourishment. They reproduce rapidly and eggs are capable of lying dormant all winter, resisting drying and freezing. As a result of their sharp spines, small fish cannot readily consume them, adding to their explosive populations. The flea's spiny tail also damages fish nets and fishing gear, causing challenges for anglers and commercial fishermen.
In addition to their negative ecological impacts, spiny water fleas spread easily through boats and fishing equipment. Their microscopic eggs can survive in water and on gear, leading to unintentional introductions into new lakes and waterways. In response, New York state agencies and local communities have implemented measures to raise awareness about cleaning boats and gear thoroughly to help prevent the spread of these invasive creatures.
The Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis), an aquatic invasive species, has been steadily spreading throughout New York's Finger Lakes region, posing a growing threat to local ecosystems. These large snails are plentiful in the rocky bottom of Owasco River, especially near Emerson Park. Originating from East Asia, these snails were first introduced to North America in the 1800s as ornamental species for ponds and water gardens. Subsequently, they have spread to lakes, rivers and wetlands across the United States, including the Finger Lakes. Chinese mystery snails are easily recognizable by their large, shiny, greenish-brown shells, which can grow up to 3 inches in diameter. By closing its operculum, or foot, they can survive up to four weeks out of water! These snails thrive in a wide range of aquatic habitats, including slow-moving waters, marshes and lake bottoms, where they consume a variety of organic matter such as algae, detritus and aquatic plants. While they are not harmful to humans, they pose significant ecological challenges.
Chinese mystery snails compete with native species for food and space, potentially disrupting local aquatic ecosystems. Their large populations can also alter water quality by consuming vast amounts of algae, leading to imbalances in the food web. Additionally, Chinese mystery snails are known to host parasites that could affect local fish populations, further exacerbating their impacts.
There are many other invasive species, both aquatic and terrestrial, threatening to gain a foothold locally. These include hemlock wooly adelgid, spotted lanternfly, giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed and didymo (rock snot), all of which cause damage to our environment and ecosystems. Please consider the following practices to help prevent the spread of invasive species:
Everyone is encouraged to use these practices to help prevent the introduction and spread of a wide variety of aquatic invasive species. Local residents, tourists and stakeholders can all play an important role in managing invasive species. For example, a free boat cleaning station is available at the boat launch in Emerson Park at the north end of Owasco Lake. The CD3 waterless boat cleaning station was installed in the summer of 2022 and funded by a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Protection Fund. Use of this boat wash station before launching and after retrieving watercrafts can help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as the spiny water flea. The Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council is working toward expanding community involvement in monitoring, education and conservation efforts to foster a growing sense of shared responsibility for protecting our lake and land. Public awareness and citizen action can make a big difference toward managing the health of the Owasco Lake watershed for future generations.
If you would like to learn more about invasive species management, please contact your local Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management office. PRISMs were created to address threats posed by invasive species across New York state and are key to New York's integrated approach to invasive species management. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides financial support, via the Environmental Protection Fund, to the host organizations that coordinate each of the eight PRISMs, resulting in statewide coverage. Partners include federal and state agencies, resource managers, nongovernmental organizations, industry, recreationists and interested citizens.
Jesse Lloyd is lead watershed inspector for the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council. For more information, visit olwmc.org .
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