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Adirondack Park Agency

Selective Harvesting of Aquatic Wetland Plants

Disclaimer: This page is intended to provide general information regarding Agency jurisdiction. Other provisions or restrictions may apply if an Agency permit or variance is required or if the property has previously been subject to Agency review.

This is a supplement to the Citizen's Guide, which provides basic information about Adirondack Park Agency regulations. Please contact the Agency with any questions. For a binding written response as to whether a specific proposal requires Agency review, please submit a Jurisdictional Inquiry Form online or by mail.

Updated: February 28, 2019


Pursuant to Section 578.3(n)(1) of Agency regulations, an Agency permit is required for the excavation or dredging of a wetland, including the removal of soil, peat, mud, sand, or gravel. However, no permit is required for the removal of aquatic wetland plants, including their roots, under the following circumstances:

  • The removal is conducted only by hand or by a hand-operated, tined rake;
  • The removal is limited to 25% of the vegetated area in water less than 6.6 feet (2 meters) deep,1 provided the total area of vegetation removed is no more than 650 square feet (60 square meters);
  • Any freshwater clams removed by hand or by rake are returned to the water body in a location where wave action will not cause beaching;
  • The removal is limited to areas used for swimming or other water recreation, such as docking or navigation to open water by watercraft;
  • All plant fragments are collected and disposed of in a non-wetland upland area;
  • The removal is not part of a larger harvesting program by individuals or groups; and
  • The removal is not associated with any other activity involving wetlands, including dredging, filling, matting, application of pesticides, or other regulated action.

Tips for the Removal of Aquatic Invasive Plants

  • The best time to remove aquatic invasive species is early in the season, while the individual plants are small.
  • The quality of harvesting is more impactful than the quantity.
  • The entire plant should be removed, including the root mass. Wearing gloves, ease your hand into the sediment and gently ease the plant out of the sediment.
  • A mesh SCUBA dive bag or 25-pound capacity onion bag helps hold the plants and fragments.
  • Collect as many fragments as you can. After finishing, and once the water quality has improved, survey the area managed and the surrounding area and remove any additional fragments. Remember – if you harvest one plant but produce another from a fragment in the process you are not being effective.
  • Inspect your lake-front after every wind or rain event and collect and remove plant fragments. This will help prevent re-establishment of new plants.
  • Harvested plants can be composted and used for mulch.

PRINTABLE FLYER

1 The harvesting of aquatic plants from open water more than 2 meters deep is not regulated by the Agency. Depth is measured from the mean low water mark (often the mid-to-late summer lake level).