About Us
Our team at Aquatic Invasives has implemented a number of methods to eradicate invasive and non-native aquatic weeds. Our methods are eco-friendly, cost efficient, and effective. We are dedicated to finding and implementing whole lake programs for the management of aquatic plants.
Some of our techniques include suction harvesting, hand pulling and benthic matting.
Who We Are
Aquatic Invasives Inc. is a family owned business, founded in 2009 with the mission to create a solution for a growing problem in our beloved lake. John Menapace, owner and founder of AQUATIC INVASIVES INC., was hired by The Skaneateles Lake Association to spear head the project. Over the years the main goal of keeping Skaneateles Lake clean of invasive species of weeds for future generations has been the forefront of the project. John Menapace has lived on Skaneateles Lake for over 40 years and has seen the lake change over time with the introduction of invasive species. With his entrepreneurial spirit and engineering skills, John custom designed and built the boats used in the removal of original patches of Milfoil. As the project progressed John designed a new process to prevent regrowth instead of pulling mature weeds from the roots. He researched materials, found the benthic matting, and built the original mating boats for the company. With this new system we have had great success managing and preventing large patch formations.
What We Do
AQUATIC INVASIVES, INC. provides the services required to keep Skaneateles Lake from being overrun with Eurasian Water Milfoil. When AQUATIC INVASIVES, INC. formed it consisted of multiple dive teams and 3 active Boats. The divers were trained to pull the weeds from the roots and used large suction hoses to remove the weeds from the water onto the custom designed and engineered "Milfoil Boats''. From there the weeds were bagged and brought to land for compost. These efforts continued for 3 years. The suction process proved to be very labor intensive. We updated our methods to laying matting over the weed beds to maintain and prevent further regrowth. Our small team of divers use breathable matting on the lake floor to prevent sunlight from reaching the new plants while minimally disrupting the native ecosystem. The divers roll the mats out over the located patches, approx. 6 acres per season, leave them for 8 weeks and then roll them back up onto the custom barges. The mats are stored and re-used the next season. Because of this new method AQUATICS INVASIVES INC. has been able to provide the Skaneateles Lakes Association with Maintenance Services every Summer.
Through the efforts of our Company we see a bright, clear future for Skaneateles Lake!