As water temperatures begin to rise, there has been a noticeable increase in aquatic plant growth throughout Lake Gaston. Warmer temperatures along with increased water clarity and reduced water flow —caused by limited releases from Kerr Lake due to drought conditions—are all contributing factors driving aquatic plant growth. Reduced water flow can also create more stable conditions, allowing aquatic plants to become established in areas that were previously unfavorable for growth.

 My suggestion to all experiencing increased plant growth around their shoreline is to report it in the Public Report for Nuisance Aquatic Species Form (https://forms.gle/hRqCnWb3o6qULnq68).  This will give me more information on location and species, plus it will add you to our running database.  Aquatic plants can be easily mistaken, so emailing pictures showing the growth around your shoreline, as well as the plant out of the water would be very helpful.  You can email the pictures directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For those in which a native species is identified, the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council is unable to direct treatments towards these species and it would be up to the homeowner to contact a licensed aquatic herbicide applicator and determine options for private treatments. Per Dominion’s Shoreline Management Plan, it's up to the applicator’s discretion on if the plant is causing enough of a navigational issue to warrant treatment.  They have their own set of guidelines in relation to their herbicide license and what they can or can't treat.

 For those in which one of our nuisance species, lyngbya and hydrilla, is identified your form entry will result in your property being added to our running database. While these species are targeted by Lake Gaston Weed Control Council facilitated management plans, addition to the database is no guarantee of a future LGWCC funded treatment.  However, it is a reassurance that your property will be part of any future treatment discussions. All treatment programs for 2026 have been finalized, therefore additional areas cannot be added this year. However, homeowners do have the option of contacting a licensed aquatic herbicide applicator to determine options for private treatments.

 We suggest that homeowners not included in the LGWCC’s treatment program contact a licensed private applicator to apply targeted algaecide and/or herbicide treatments.  A list of applicators operating on Lake Gaston can be found HERE. The Weed Control Council contracts with Aqua Services for lyngbya treatments and PLM for hydrilla treatments, but other companies offer similar services.

 Please feel free to reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any specific questions or concerns.

 Thanks,

Jessica Baumann, NC Extension Associate