Angela Sturdevant
Biologist
Lake & River Enhancement Program
Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources
402 W. Washington St. Rm W273
Indianapolis, IN 46204

LARE Lake Associations and Contractors,

Now that the snow is finally almost melted, we're beginning to gear up for the upcoming growing season. Hopefully you are all aware by now of the invasive aquatic plant, hydrilla, that was discovered for the first time in Indiana last fall at Lake Manitou in Fulton County. We are trying to educate as many people as possible on the threat that hydrilla poses to Indiana's lakes. While we are working to eradicate the hydrilla at Lake Manitou, we need everyone to be on the lookout for it in lakes across the state and to do your part to prevent it from spreading to new waters.

I've attached a few things compiled by Doug Keller, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, that should help in the battle:

a. Hydrilla/Brazilian elodea/native elodea identification handout. This can be printed on 8 ½ x 11 paper for a handout, or it could be printed on larger paper for posting in a kiosk. Printing it in color will make it more eye-catching.

 b. "Heading Off Hydrilla" fact sheet. This has some very good information in it and also assists in ID. Even though it was produced in Michigan and has lots of MI references, I believe it would be good to use. The only problem with this is that the print may be too small to be easily readable in a kiosk. This may be more appropriate to distribute to individual lake residents, but it could also be posted in a kiosk.

c. "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers" campaign poster. This image should grab people's attention and would work great on kiosks. The larger you print it, the more noticeable it will be.

Please distribute these materials (view the documents) to members of your lake association, clients, neighbors, friends, family, and anyone who may (or may not) be interested. Feel free to contact me or Doug Keller (317-234-3883) with any questions.

Thanks,

Angela Sturdevant

Voice (317) 234-4906
Fax (317) 232-8150
www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/lare