Lake Higgins Closes To Motorized Boats Beginning Aug. 17, Greensboro

Press release from the City of Greensboro:

Post Date:08/14/2020 1:00 PM

With guidance from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Greensboro Parks and Recreation and Water Resources are teaming up to fight the spread of an invasive aquatic plant, hydrilla verticillata, at Lake Higgins, which is one of three City reservoirs. Beginning August 17, Lake Higgins will be closed to motorized boats as part of this effort. In conjunction with an aquatic herbicide treatment applied by licensed professionals, the ban is designed to prevent the spread of the plant throughout the lake and other local waterways. The herbicide is applied during off-hours and is intended to be used in drinking water reservoirs, ponds, creeks, lakes, and streams and is safe for aquatic life.

The US Department of Agriculture identifies hydrilla as an invasive noxious weed. It propagates by rooting on the bed of a lake or stream, but quickly spreads when shredded by propellers. Then, it easily finds a path to other bodies of water either by natural flows or by “hitching a ride” on boats or trailers. If left untreated, dense mats can develop, causing economic, environmental, and ecological damage. Hydrilla alters water chemistry and oxygen levels, out-competing and displacing native aquatic plants. Hydrilla also affects recreational activities; the dense mats inhibit boating, skiing, and other water-related activities. Extensive stands of hydrilla provide poor habitat for diverse fish and other wildlife populations. Anglers may find a decrease in the size and quantity of fish because of the plant.

Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend remain open for motorized boating. Existing permit holders may use either lake. Lake Higgins will be available for public access by non-motorized watercraft through spring 2021 when the ban will be reassessed based on its effectiveness. For more information about Parks and Recreation lake hours and operation, visit the lakes website.

Questions? Contact Dell Harney at 336-373-7900.

This press release was produced by the City of Greensboro. The views expressed here are the author’s own.