Aquatic Vegetation Control Program

The Oswego County Aquatic Vegetation Control Program (AVCP) concentrates its efforts on the control of the highly invasive plant species water chestnut (Trapa natans L.)  These measures are conducted primarily within the Oswego and Oneida River reaches and compliments efforts conducted by Onondaga County in the Seneca and Oneida Rivers.  Oswego County's program is part of a large coordinated effort in controlling water chestnut in the central NY region.

2011 Report

Over 200 acres of water chestnut in the Oswego River were treated either through undercutting and/or chemical applications.  The cost of this treatment was just over $31,000 and funds came from a multi-county Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Federal grant.  These funds were used in addition to the limited state dollars received from the Environmental Protection Fund.

Pulling out the water chestnut by hand is an important way citizens and groups can be come involved with helping to control the spreading population of the highly invasive water chestnut plant.  It is referred to as hand-pulling.

An organized hand-pulling event was held on July 9 in the Salmon River at Port Ontario.  Assisted by the Oswego County River Guides Association, over 25 volunteers came out to help.

Multiple hand-pull events took place on the Oswego River between Minetto and Fulton.  Under the supervision of private landowner Dick Drosse, a small contingent of volunteers worked on the task.

Bass Masters of Onondaga County conducted hand-pull events at various locations in the Oneida River, especially in and around Horseshoe Island.  Oswego County shares this water resource with Onondaga County.

The invasive water chestnut plant.