Aquatic Plants
Warming water temperatures, longer growing seasons, and changing precipitation patterns will cause shifts in the extent and abundance of native aquatic plant species.
Many aquatic plant species that thrive under cooler conditions will die out, giving opportunity for southern plant species to take root. This will cause a gradual change in aquatic plant species composition and distribution within the lake and ponds. Different aquatic plant species have varying levels of nutrient and water needs, a change in which will alter cycling dynamics within the lake and ponds.
An immediate threat to Kezar Lake is the invasion of non-native plants that can outcompete native plants. This threat is being addressed by the Lovell Invasive Plant Prevention Committee (LIPPC). A list of aquatic plants native to waterbodies within the Kezar Lake watershed is being compiled using data collected by the Lake and Watershed Management Association from 2011-2015, as well as published survey reports funded by the LIPPC. Cushman Pond has already been invaded by variable-leaf milfoil and efforts to eradicate this invasive have taken place over the last 20 years.