A.34. SUMMARY OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT IN 
NORTH CAROLINA 
A.34.1. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 
No plan available. 
A.34.2. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 
• Aquatic Weed Control Program, North Carolina Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources (NC DENR), Division of Water Resources. The Division removes 
invasive species through different on-the-ground methods: (1) Physical control— water 
level manipulation, deepening near-shore areas; (2) Mechanical control —removal of 
weeds with hand tools; (3) Biocontrol —herbivorous fish or insects that attack specific 
weeds; and (4) Chemical control —herbicides approved by the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency for aquatic use. The Division assists local governments by: Providing 
cost-share grants for qualifying projects (municipalities, counties, soil and water 
conservation districts, government agencies, and public utilities are eligible for 
assistance); Assessing sites and providing recommendations when control efforts are 
needed; and Identifying aquatic weed infestations. The Division also assists the general 
public by providing free evaluations of aquatic weed problems in private waters and 
conducting public outreach and education on invasive aquatic weeds. The Division’s 
species-specific work includes Salvinia—experimenting with the host-specific Brazilian 
weevil ( Cyrtobagous salviniae ) to control giant salvinia and herbicides; Hydrilla— 
control using sterile grass carp (only sterile “triploid” grass carp may be legally 
introduced into state waters); herbicides; water draw-downs; and mechanical removal; 
Alligatorweed—control using herbicides and flea beetles; Parrotfeather—control using 
triploid grass carp; Creeping water primrose—control using herbicides; Eurasian 
watermilfoil—biocontrol and herbicides. (Note—parrotfeather, water lettuce, and water 
hyacinth were added to NC DENR list of noxious aquatic weeds in 2006. 
• Weed Regulatory Services, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and 
Consumer Services, Plant Industry Division, Plant Protection Section. Giant 
salvinia-related work includes active surveys; physical removal; and experimentation 
with biocontrol (releasing salvinia weevils) in cooperation with the Giant Salvinia Task 
Force (GSTF). Lythrum salicaria (semi-aquatic) work includes surveys and physical and 
chemical removal. The Commissioner of Agriculture may also regulate the importation, 
sale, use, culture, collection, transportation, and distribution of a noxious aquatic weed as 
a plant pest under the General Statutes of North Carolina (see Chapter 106, Article 36). 
• GSTF, a cooperative effort by state, local, and federal agencies and private 
landowners. The GSTF conducts the following activities: (1) Uses chemical and 
biocontrols in areas where giant salvinia has established (herbicides account for 95% of 
control efforts); (2) Surveys areas adjacent to infestation for evidence of giant salvinia 
establishment; (3) Responds to reports from around the state of giant salvinia 
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