Water chestnut seeds (photo courtesy of nature.lohudblogs.com).

     The Canadarago Lake Improvement Association has made searching every boat traveling in and out of the New York lake their priority. “Once they get into the lake it’s virtually impossible to remove these species,” said Ryan Fagan, association member and boater, referring to invasive plants. The non-profit organization is especially concerned with water chestnut; the invasive drops a spiny, tough seed. “If you step on one of these it’s going to be a very, very bad day,” said Fagan.  Inspecting 1,200 boats in June alone, the group relies on donations and volunteers. “We've been given zero dollars to help combat invasive species."