Lake Weed Watcher Program
Got a small boat? Interested in saving a lake from the horrors of dense weed infestations? Want to learn how to identify water plants?
Project Description
The Lake Weed Watcher Program is looking for volunteers to survey for aquatic weeds in small lakes in King County, Washington. Volunteers are trained to identify both native and non-native aquatic plants. The goal of the project is to watch for populations of invasive weeds that are not currently known to occur in King County or that have a very limited distribution, but have the potential to spread and cause damage. Detecting these weeds early will allow us to stop them before they get too entrenched to remove.
We will provide:
- Training in survey methodology and plant identification
- All necessary survey equipment (other than that mentioned below)
- Plant identification materials
You will need:
- A small boat (e.g. canoe) and a place to launch it (if you don't live on a lake we can help you choose a lake with a public boat ramp)
- Personal flotation device (PFD) and any other required water safety equipment
- Ability to attend one or two training sessions in late June
- June 20 in Black Diamond
- June 27 in Bellevue
- Approximately one field day in early July and one field day in late August or early September
Project Resources
Note: You will need Acrobat Viewer to read most of these files. If you are unable to download the slide show, please contact our office and we will mail you a printed version or a CD.
Weed Identification
- Lake Weed Watcher Training Slide Show (Powerpoint, 13.1 MB)
- Aquatic Weed ID Laminated Booklet
- Aquatic Weed Flow Charts
- Aquatic Plant Identification Manual (external link)
- Noxious Weed Photo Page
- Weed Brochures Page
- Email a Photo or Question for More Help
Forms
- Forms are being updated for the 2009 season. Check back to get the most current forms.
Project Contact
For more information, contact Katie Messick, Aquatic Weed Specialist, King County Noxious Weed Control Program, 206-263-6461.