Hydrilla Control and Vegetation Response with Multiple Dewaterings

An experimental multiple dewatering plan designed to control Hydrilla verticillata and improve sportftsh habitat was implemented on Fox Lake in 1979 and 1980. Hydrilla above the hydrosoil and turions were eliminated while relative abundance of tubers decreased from 19.44 to 1.79 per m2 by termination of the project. The depth of organic sediments was reduced by 29%, 36%, and 47% for the 30, 60, and 90 cm contour intervals respectively. Expansion of native vegetation was documented by a 40% areal increase in Vallisneria americana and basin-wide germination of Typha latifolia.