Protecting Kenai River Salmon through Eradication of Elodea in Crescent Lake

In 2023, a new Elodea infestation, approximately 11 surface acres in size, was discovered in Chugach National Forest’s Crescent Lake, one of the headwaters of the Kenai River. This project will eradicate Elodea from Crescent Lake in 2-3 years using an Integrated Pest Management plan that incorporates herbicide treatment, containment, and public outreach.

Eradication of Elodea in Crescent Lake will protect the Kenai River watershed from invasion via downstream dispersal of Elodea fragments. This work also protects countless other watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula, and the greater Southcentral Alaska region, from Elodea invasion via floatplane transport.