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Asian Clams Spread to New Sites in Lake George

Lake George Association

During a two-week survey of the lake, volunteers and staff from the Lake George Asian Clam Task Force discovered new infestations, bringing to 13 the number of confirmed sites in Lake George.

Colonies of the aquatic invasive have been identified at Million Dollar Beach, Sandy Bay, Cotton Point and Basin Bay in the southern part of the lake and in Glenburnie in the northern neck of the 32-mile long lake. The discoveries bring to 13 the known number of Asian clam populations in Lake George.
Fund For Lake George Executive Director Eric Siy.

Lake George Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky calls the discoveries frustrating. The task force has had excellent results treating known sites, yet there is obvious growth and spread of the mollusk. Navitsky says the new discoveries raise a number of questions.

Lake Champlain Basin Program Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator Meg Modley says these new infestations were not expected and will affect control plans.

With the discovery of Asian clams as far north Glenburnie, it’s clear that the species is moving toward the Lachute River and the Champlain Canal, which are direct connections from Lake George into Lake Champlain. Lake Champlain Research Institute Director Tim Mihuc is involved in invasive monitoring efforts and he has not yet detected Asian clams in sampling.

Eric Siy is hopeful that the invasive can be eradicated from Lake George, but aggressive spread prevention policies must be implemented.

Tim Mihuc believes prevention is the only option.

Asian clams were first found in Lake George in 2010. More than one-point-five million dollars has been spent on control and eradication efforts so far.

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