The Harvesting Crew is currently working at: OFF UNTIL SUMMER OF 2025

SARATOGA LAKE AQUATIC WEED HARVESTING PROGRAM

The aquatic weed harvesting program was implemented to manage in-lake aquatic invasive species (AIS), not for private property management or to harvest all lake weeds. The program’s ultimate goal remains unchanged: To combat aquatic invasive species (AIS) and, secondly, manage native aquatic plant species, which are essential for healthy lake quality. Native weed beds need to be preserved for the health of the lake and ecosystem. Weed harvesters cut boating channels for groups of docks to provide recreational access to the lake’s deep-water areas. The weed harvesters are not for in-shore private property use or between docks. This is for several reasons:

  • The main goal is to manage lake quality and aquatic invasive species (AIS). Leaving healthy native weeds is essential for the ecosystem and lake quality.
  • Not entering shallow water areas with the harvesters prevents sediment disturbance and erosion and preserves refuge areas for wildlife. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Fisheries Manager has requested that harvesting be minimized to preserve fish and aquatic wildlife habitats.
  • Operating the harvesters between docks puts them and private property at risk for damage due to submerged water systems, pipelines, old dock debris, and a great chance of hitting docks or boats.
  • Areas in between docks, boats, and shorelines are the landowner’s property and responsibility. The harvesters stay away from all private property. This includes locations with moorings, swim floats, and other obstructions that will NOT be harvested nearby.
  • Harvesting for boating access to deep water is done by clearing paths from groups of docks (not individual docks) to deep water areas. Harvesting near docks and closer to shore would be in response to a specific concern when the harvesters are in that area, with the property owner pushing the weeds out to the harvester. This response would be similar to debris cleanup after a storm.
  • The SLPID board expresses that the harvesting program’s focus must be managing aquatic invasive species. The program is not for inshore private use clean-up. Please respect the operators doing their jobs; it is not as easy as it appears.

Whether it is seen as good or bad, aquatic vegetation (lake weed) is a part of lake life. All summer long, the aquatic weed harvesting team is very busy on the lake, with two harvesters in operation. The increase in warmer weather has promoted more weed growth. The aquatic weed harvesters cut up to 15 truckloads or 20-25 tons daily.

The harvesters cut, leaving a band and returning to pick up any remaining fragments. This is the best strategy in the state to ensure minimal spread. The aquatic harvesters have the least impact on fish and other aquatic wildlife in the lake, assuring an eco-friendly future. The weeds are cut with minimal falloff, loaded onto a conveyor, trucked off to nearby farms, and used for compost.

Property owners maintain the weeds on their shoreline. When clearing weeds on your shoreline and around your docks, the weeds should be removed from the lake. Not only is this courtesy and respect to your other neighbors—so the weeds do not wash up on their frontage—but it also helps to control weed growth, as the weed fragments are responsible for spreading.

Do not pile weeds along the shoreline, on rocks, or in a stream or pond, as this facilitates their spread. Once dried, the vegetation can be used as fertilizer and compost for garden beds or bagged and brought to a nearby composting station.

When boating, please exercise caution and avoid going through weed beds, as this is another way of spreading weed growth.