As part of its ongoing effort to eradicate the invasive Hydrilla plant from Cayuga Lake, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation began its 2026 Hydrilla treatment process on Tuesday.
The Cayuga County Health Department announced that the application of aquatic herbicides and chelated copper began on Tuesday in the South Aurora Project Area – between Wells College Bay and Long Point State Park. The department added that additional areas of north Aurora and south of Long Point will be treated later this summer.
The initial application process is expected to take ten weeks, weather dependent.
The department said the contractor, Little Bear Environmental Consulting LLC, will post signage along public access areas of the lake while herbicides are being applied.
The department added that there will be no restrictions on drinking, swimming, fishing, or boating during treatment.
Hydrilla is an invasive species that is known for its rapid growth and ability to negatively affect local ecosystems.
