Law Prohibits Exotic, Aquatic Plants

On January 1, 1998, the sale, distribution, importation, propagation, transportation, and introduction of key exotic aquatic plants was prohibited (RSA 487:16-a). This law was designed as a tool for lake managers to help prevent the spread of nuisance aquatic plants. Shortly after that, RSA 487:16-6 was added, establishing penalties for violations of this act. It is hoped that by preventing their transport over land, their spread between lakes will be stopped. The following is a list of prohibited exotic aquatic species in New Hampshire.

As of January 1, 1998, the sale, distribution, importation, purchase, propagation, transportation, or introduction into the state of exotic aquatic weeds is prohibited (RSA 487:16-a). This new law was designed to act as a tool for lake managers to help prevent the spread of nuisance aquatic weeds. It is hoped that by preventing their transport over land, their spread between lakes will be stopped.

There are currently over 65 waterbodies in New Hampshire with known exotic plant infestations. In the late 1960s, milfoil and fanwort were the first exotic aquatic plants discovered. Since then, water chestnut, Brazilian elodea, curly-leaf pondweed, and European naiad have also been found in New Hampshire waterbodies.

How did this law come about?

Since the mid-1960s various lakes around the state have been plagued by nuisance aquatic plants such as exotic milfoil and fanwort. Others that do not grow directly in water, but in moist habitats such as roadsides, ditches, and wetlands have been spreading rapidly. The pretty purple flower known as purple loosestrife and the tall tufted reed known as common reed are becoming sights in the state.

To prevent the further spread of these nuisance exotic plants, the NH Department of Environmental Services drafted rules to make RSA 487:16-a and b enforceable. These rules include the above listed prohibited species that are already, or may quickly become nuisance aquatic plants in New Hampshire. These rules are covered in chapter Env-Wq 1300.

Why are these particular plants a problem?

Plants that are native to a particular area have attracted a variety of predators including insects, animals, or pathogens (viruses/fungi), which prevent out-of-control plant growth. Exotic plants have been introduced into the state from areas that are both inside and outside of the United States. Because they are not native to the state, they have no natural predators to moderate their growth. Exotic species are thus able to flourish unchecked in any suitable habitat.

Once established in an area, exotic plants can take over large portions of the ecosystem to which they are introduced. They can cause a decrease in the aesthetic, recreational, and monetary value of New Hampshire’s waterbodies and also pose human health risks associated with drowning. Exotic species can also pose a threat to many native species and valuable wildlife habitats.

How did these plants find their way to New Hampshire?

There are a variety of vectors that are believed to have introduced exotic plant species into the state. Some of these sources are natural and hard to control. A natural source may include the widening of the species range due to an increase in the disturbed areas. Interstate transport of exotic plants may also occur when seed and plant pieces become attached to migrating birds and waterfowl.

Other sources revolve around human activates. The sale of aquatic plants, dumping of aquaria into waterbodies, importation of plants for distribution or research, boats, vehicles, and trailers traveling between infested and uninfected waterbodies, and even fishing lures and bait buckets with plant pieces attached can all result in the statewide spread of the nuisance exotic plants. These activities though numerous, are more easily regulated than natural means of transport.

What can be done to prevent the spread of exotic aquatic plants?

Since the law went into effect, activities involving the 29 exotic plants can be effectively managed. To prevent the further spread of these species, always check your boats, motors, trailers, vehicles, fishing lures, bait buckets, dive gear, and any other equipment that may have come into contact with any exotic plant or its habitat. Before you launch your boat and after you pull it out of the water, make sure that you don’t have any tag-along plants. Remove all plants that are attached to your boat. Dispose of all plants away from the waterbody. Many launch sites have trash cans where you can dispose of these plans. DON’T THROW THEM BACK IN THE WATER!

If you are in any profession or have a hobby that puts you in contact with any exotic aquatic plants listed in the rules associated with RSA 487:16-a, please be aware of the law. If you are a distributor or enthusiast of water garden plants, please destroy all exotic aquatic species. There are many native aquatic plants that are suitable for sale and distribution within the state, including hornwort (Ceratophyllum), or native waterweeds (Elodea).

How does one effectively destroy exotic aquatic plants?

The best way to eliminate the threat that these plants pose is to insure that they are not able to be transported to an area where they are likely to reproduce themselves. Acceptable means of disposal include burning or incinerating (a permit may be required), land filling, desiccating, and composting (only if plants are exclusively submerged and if applied away from surface waters).

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like a copy of the law or rules, please contact the Exotic Species Program Coordinator at (603) 271-2248. Or, go to the exotic species website at www.des.nh.gov/wmb/exoticspecies