This article was featured in the 2022 Spring Newsletter by Megan Pistolese-SLELO PRISM. 

There is an infestation of water chestnuts on the Oswegatchie River near the dam in the Village of Heuvelton. Water chestnut is an invasive aquatic species that have environmental and economic impacts. Water chestnuts grow thick dense floating mats that shade out native aquatic vegetation, impede outdoor recreation, and reduce shoreline property values; the hard, pointy seeds of water chestnuts can puncture vehicle tires or injure feet if stepped on. If not managed, the infestation of water chestnuts on the Oswegatchie River can grow and easily spread to connecting waterbodies, like Black Lake.

On Saturday, June 25th, 2022, there will be a removal effort including manual hand-pulls along with the use of mechanical harvesters. Food will be provided by the Village of Heuveloton Fire Department. This is a great opportunity for community members to spend some time on the water, and help protect the Oswegatchie River.

If you are interested in assisting this removal effort by helping to hand-pull plants, or by providing equipment or services, please visit the SLELO PRISM events page and register by June 21st.

 This effort is being supported by SLELO PRISM, The Black Lake Association, NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, NYS DEC, Indian River Lakes Conservancy, Save The River, Thousand Island Land Trust, the Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, the Village of Heuvelton Fire Department, the City of Ogdensburg Fire & Rescue, the town of Morristown, the Chippewa Bay Fish and Game Club, St. Lawrence Waterfowlers, St. Lawrence Valley Sportsman Club, St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union, Comprehensive Weed Control of Northern New York, and many volunteers.

The organizations below are aiding the coordination of this event: