The Purple Loosestrife Committee (headed by Don and Ellie Searles) spent the summer of 2007 mapping the Schroon Lake Watershed for purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). A number of infestations were found and mapped and many plants were dug or pulled and disposed of. Four or five sites were so infested it would have been impossible to dig the plants and a biological control was needed.
During the winter of 2007-8 the Committee approached the Schroon Lake Central School and Mountainside Christian Academy science teachers to explore their willingness to participate in a science project with their students to raise Galerucella beetles. These beetles eat only purple loosestrife leaves and can eradicate the plant in areas where plants are too large or too difficult to pull. Both schools agreed to participate and are growing loosestrife roots in pots in wading pools. The pots are covered with netting and about 20 beetles have been introduced into each pot where they will be allowed to multiply prior to release in July or August. Permits for the release at four selected sites have been obtained from the APA and the DEC.
