Crystal Lake, Middletown - 2010

The 2010 full survey of Crystal Lake found the presence of ten species, down from thirteen species found in the 2009 survey. One invasive, minor naiad (Najas minor), was found in 2010. Curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) a problematic plant for Crystal Lake appeared absent during this survey while it was found in the 2009 survey. 

The second yearly application of herbicide seemed to cause a dieback of the invasive. Minor naiad is still present and the most dominant species found in the 2010 survey. It was found in shallow waters from small to large patches around the perimeter of the lake except in the narrow northern neck of the lake. The largest patch could be found in the southern cove near the boat launch. 

The overall presence of minor naiad is less than in 2009. The second most common plant was spikerush (Eleocharis species). It was found predominantly in the southwestern arm of the lake and also at the northern tip. A notable difference from 2009 is the lack of occurrence of the native coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum). Coontail had very large patches in the southwestern arm during the 2009 survey. 

The 2010 survey found four small patches of it sporadically growing along the eastern coast. Other species found in 2010 include rush (Juncus species), marsh primrose-willow (Ludwigia palustris), leafy pondweed (Potamogeton foliosus), golden hedge-hyssop (Gratiola aurea), snailseed pondweed (Potamogeton bicupulatus), and waterwort (Elatine species).