LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — The Mountain Lake Community Association is seeking volunteers to help remove an invasive aquatic plant from Mountain Lake during a cleanup effort scheduled for Saturday morning.
Association officials said a small but potentially damaging outbreak of water chestnut has been identified in the lake’s southwest cove. If left unchecked, the invasive plant can spread rapidly and displace native vegetation.
Volunteers with access to canoes or kayaks are encouraged to participate in the removal effort, which will take place June 13. Participants will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the pavilion at Buckenmyer Recreational Park for a briefing before heading onto the lake. Organizers expect the work to conclude by approximately 11 a.m.
According to the association, hand removal is considered the most effective method for controlling water chestnut populations. Volunteers will spend several hours pulling plants from shallow areas of the lake.
Organizers recommend that canoe users work individually to improve maneuverability in shallow water. Kayakers are encouraged to bring a small laundry basket, milk crate or similar container to collect removed plants.
Participants are advised to wear hats, apply sunscreen and bring drinking water.
Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to notify the Mountain Lake Community Association by emailing MLCA@mt-lake.org.
Officials said the effort is intended to protect the health of Mountain Lake and prevent the invasive species from becoming more widespread.
