Every LMA member bears direct responsibility in helping prevent invasive plants and animals from impacting the Lake Mokoma environment. Remember to clean your boats, and if you think you may have seen any of the following species on your property or in the lake, please contact the Lake and Dam Committee or the LMA Managers so appropriate actions can be taken.
Japanese Barberry
This invasive shrub emerges in the early spring and holds its leaves until late fall. Originally introduced as an ornamental plant, Japanese barberry has now spread throughout the east coast and into the Midwest, and it can be spotted in many wooded areas around Lake Mokoma. This hardy and highly adaptive plant often displaces native species when it roots, and it is a favorite place for deer ticks.
Read more about Japanese barberry here.
Japanese Knotweed
Numerous growths of knotweed have been recently identified in the vicinity of Lake Mokoma: near the intersection of Lake Road and Sand Run Road, the west end of the dam, Mokoma Avenue, Fountain Avenue, the southwest end of the lake on South Railroad Bed Lane, and the southwest section of Fountain Avenue. Left unchecked, it will continue to spread and could eventually dominate the shoreline of the lake. The severity of its spread can be seen in the Muncy Creek watershed as it lines the shoreline from Sullivan County to Hughesville and beyond. Here is a link that provides information to help you identify the plant: https://extension.psu.edu/japanese-knotweed
Cabomba Caroliniana (Fanwort)
Numerous growths of knotweed have been recently identified in the vicinity of Lake Mokoma: near the intersection of Lake Road and Sand Run Road, the west end of the dam, Mokoma Avenue, Fountain Avenue, the southwest end of the lake on South Railroad Bed Lane, and the southwest section of Fountain Avenue. Left unchecked, it will continue to spread and could eventually dominate the shoreline of the lake. The severity of its spread can be seen in the Muncy Creek watershed as it lines the shoreline from Sullivan County to Hughesville and beyond. Here is a link that provides information to help you identify the plant: https://extension.psu.edu/japanese-knotweed
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
No tree species is more iconic of our area than the Hemlock. Unfortunately, this tiny insect, the woolly adelgid, has been decimating hemlock populations throughout its range. The insect has been seen on trees in our area. Luckily, some of these populations are fluctuating and in some cases have disappeared from the tree. The insect’s life cycle makes it a difficult one to control. However, there are measures that homeowners can take for emergent or minor infestations, especially on smaller trees. For more information, click here: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/ForestsAndTrees/InsectsAndDiseases/HemlockWoollyAdelgid/Pages/default.aspx
Spotted Lanternfly
This relatively new threat is spreading quickly throughout Pennsylvania. It is an opportunistic pest that attacks a variety of plants, which makes it a potentially impactful insect. If you see one, you are encouraged to kill it by squashing it or by submerging it in alcohol or hand-sanitizer. It does not bite or sting but can fly for short distances. Penn State is recording sightings (see the link below) and mapping its spread. Additionally, the PA Dept. of Agriculture has placed nearly the entire southern part of the state under quarantine (this included Lycoming County) whereby residents are asked to be diligent before they travel.
For more information: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly
To report a sighting: https://extension.psu.edu/have-you-seen-a-spotted-lanternfly
A quarantine checklist for residents: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/quarantine/Documents/SLF_Checklist_for_Residents.pdf
Shrub Honeysuckle (several species)
This nuisance shrub emerges early in the season and, by growing quickly and densely, out-competes native shrubs such as blueberry. The berries are eaten by wildlife but have little nutrition compared to native shrubs. It is well-established around Lake Mokoma and can be seen on roadsides, trails, and marinas. Despite its ubiquity, it is controllable by mechanical means. Homeowners should consider cutting them as close to ground level as possible in mid-summer as the berries appear, as this repeated strategy has proven effective in areas around the lake. For more information: https://extension.psu.edu/shrub-honeysuckles
