Elodea is the first non-native invasive aquatic plant to become established in Alaska. It has been found in waterbodies in Anchorage, Cordova, the Kenai Peninsula, the Matanuska-Susitna area, and the Fairbanks area. It was first detected in the Chena River system in 2009.
In Alaska, elodea infestations in waterbodies can be expected to increase sedimentation, displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, degrade sensitive fish habitat, and interfere with safe river travel, and floatplane operation. Elodea can be spread easily via boats, floatplanes, and other human activity. It reproduces vegetatively, so a single fragment is all that is needed to start a new infestation.
Current Status
As of spring 2023, there are 18 known elodea infestations in the Interior. The vast majority of which are located just east of Fairbanks along the Richardson Highway. The infestations occur in popular fishing locations and were likely introduced through recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
Elodea Control in Action
The Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD) has been hard at work surveying, monitoring, and eradicating elodea infestations throughout the Interior.
Each season we work from the thaw in the spring to freeze up in the fall to stop the spread of elodea in the Interior.
Where we are Now:
We have successfully knocked back elodea in a handful of waterbodies throughout the Interior. All known infestations have undergone either partial or complete herbicide treatment plans. Several of these infestations have been completely eradicated, with most of the others not far behind.
