Funding to remove invasive species in Mosquito Lake is approved

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – Trumbull County commissioners voted to take action against an invasive plant growing in Mosquito Lake on Wednesday.

Commissioners approved allocating funding to battle invasive vegetation in Mosquito Lake called hydrilla, which officials say affects about 100 acres and causes problems for wildlife and outdoorsmen.

“When it grows so thick that it mats together, the fish can’t swim through it, boaters can’t boat through it–they get their propellers caught–and skiers will get their skis caught up in it, so there’s really no value,” said Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy.

Malloy, along with other members of the board, voted to approve allocating $100,000 for the next three years to battle the problem. The money will be used to pay for a portion of the $330,000 per-year fluridone chemical treatment needed to stop the growth and kill off the plant. Malloy says officials are also working with federal lawmakers to secure more funding.

The chemical will treat the hydrilla without harming any of the other species in the lake and has been approved by the EPA for water consumption, according to officials.

Malloy said he felt it’s a good use of taxpayer dollars due to the economic impact of Mosquito Lake and the many complaints he’s received about the situation.

“We had a lot of complaints from the marinas, the yacht clubs, even our state park, that people weren’t going to renew their docks,” Malloy said.

He says it’s important to take action against the fast-growing plant now as the affected area doubles every year.

“For us to ignore it would: One, disrespect the resource, and two, it would be irresponsible to the economy, to the citizens here, to let this lake get overtaken by an invasive species,” Malloy said.

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