Mechanical harvesters are a centuryold technology able to cut, lift and remove both
submersed and floating aquatic vegetation. It is generally perceived to be
environmentally neutral but also considered less efficient and costprohibitive compared
to chemical control alternatives. Recently, state agency decisions have pushed to re-
examine the opportunities to integrate mechanical harvesting in aquatic plant
management programs. A pilot project was established to monitor hydrilla harvest
operations, from June-Aug 2019, in three severely infested plots (total area: 173 ha) on
West Lake Tohopekaliga. Here, we report on efficiency and efficacy calibrations as
preliminary guidance towards optimizing harvest contributions to a comprehensive
aquatic plant management program.