Hydrilla detected in Tellico Lake
LOUDON — An invasive aquatic plant capable of choking waterways and disrupting recreational activities has returned to Tellico Lake, prompting concerns about its spread and efforts to control it. Dozens of Tellico Village residents gathered Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Yacht Club to learn about hydrilla, a fast-growing aquatic plant that can form dense mats of vegetation in lakes and other waterways. Native to parts of Asia, Africa and Australia, hydrilla can crowd out native vegetation, block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Its dense growth also can interfere with swimming, boating and fishing. David Flanagan, president of the Watershed Association of the Tellico Reservoir (WATeR), showed residents photographs of hydrilla growing in different areas of Tellico Lake. He said geese have been observed feeding on the plant. Flanagan said hydrilla was first detected in the lake in 2023 and has remained a recurring concern. “The first time we saw it was in 2023,” Flanagan said. “It was not as bad last year as it was in the years before when we first spotted it.” Flanagan said he has been in contact with the Tennessee Valley Authority about the problem. Managing the spread Speakers emphasized that managing hydrilla,
