Chena Slough Elodea Eradication Project - Monitoring Data

The aquatic herbicide fluridone was applied to the waters of Chena Slough over the course of 4 years (2017-2020) to eradicate the invasive aquatic plant elodea. Chena Slough is located in the city of North Pole, approximately 4 miles east of Fairbanks, AK. The treatment area encompassed approximately 10 miles and extended from 64.776928, -147.353944 to 64.841758, -147.490878. Liquid herbicide (Sonar Genesis) was applied via a continuous drip injection system over a 12-week period each season. Pelleted herbicide (Sonar One) was applied via boat two times during the season throughout the length of the treatment area. 

During each year of the project fluridone concentration (parts per billion) in slough water, and stream discharge rate (cubic feet per second) were measured periodically over the course of the season. Water samples for fluridone analysis were collected at 5 locations along the slough: Natalie Ave. (64.78508, -147.371959), Repp Rd (64.791315, -147.386256), Nordale Rd (64.814807, -147.410606), Peede Rd (64.820290, -147.439827), and Persinger Rd (64.834830, -147.487086). Samples were shipped to SePRO Corporation for analysis of fluridone concentration. Stream discharge was measured manually approximately biweekly over the course of each season of the project. Measurements were taken at Plack Rd (64.776928, -147.353944) and Nordale Rd (64.814807, -147.410606) in 2017. In successive years of the project (2018-2020) measurements were taken at Repp Rd (64.791315, -147.386256) and Nordale Rd. Staff gages were installed at each of these locations to monitor stream stage (feet). Stream discharge was measured using a Marsh McBirney current meter. Two sequential measurements were made during each sampling event. One measurement was made from left bank to right bank, and followed immediately by a second measurement from right bank to left bank. The two were averaged to obtain stream discharge in cubic feet per second.