State park rangers still trying to get handle on Hydrilla | Environment

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WECT) - Rangers at Lake Waccamaw State Park say it could take more than five years to get rid of a plant called Hydrilla, which they believe could damage bio-diversity in the lake.

It was confirmed Hydrilla was growing in the lake two weeks ago.

Rangers say, the weed creates a habitat where nothing else can grow, which can destory the ecosystem.

Thursday, there was an international webinar with an invasive species prevention specialist who talked about how to stop Hyrilla from spreading.

Rangers believe nearly 500 acres maybe infected. They estimate it could cost $500 per acre to treat the weed.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.