ITHACA -- Hydrilla has been found in Cayuga Inlet and boaters are encouraged to refrain from boating to avoid spreading the Hydrilla.
An order has been issued by the City of Ithaca Superintendent of Public Works William J. Gray to close the Ithaca Farmers Market and paddle docks in Cass Parks.
The order comes as a response to the Hydrilla infestation in Cayuga Inlet. Boaters would be at a high risk of unintentionally spreading Hydrilla to other areas of the Inlet such as Cayuga Lake and the Flood Control Channel.
Hydrilla is a highly aggressive and invasive aquatic plant, according to the City of Ithaca.
The City of Ithaca issued an official statement on Monday discouraging the use of boats in the Inlet in an attempt to contain the Hydrilla until an emergency treatment has been applied.
The City of Ithaca is encouraging boat owners to leave boats docked until a treatment as been applied. If boats are removed from the Inlet, they should be thoroughly cleaned along with any other equipment that has come in contact with the water.
For more information on Hydrilla, visit the City of Itaca’s website.