Water stargrass
Overview
Water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia) is a species of perennial aquatic plant in the Pontederiaceae family. It lives in freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and irrigation canals; preferring calmer waters.
In the Lower Yakima River, water stargrass is prolific in many stretches of the lower 47 miles, below Prosser Irrigation Dam.
Studies
Multiple studies have been completed or are on-going on stargrass and the Lower Yakima River.A 2009 report[1] by the USGS and Benton Conservation District detailed a 2004-2007 assessment of eutrophication in the lower 116 miles of the Yakima River. The study had 5 objectives that included 1) characterizing aquatic plants, 2) characterize nutrient and suspended-sediment conditions, 3) characterize the extent and severity of exceedances of the Washington State water-quality standards for water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, 4) determine the important factors related to the spatial and temporal patterns in aquatic plant and water quality conditions, and 5) compare aquatic plant and water-quality conditions at the time of the study to historical conditions.
An upcoming report by the USGS and Benton Conservation District studied stargrass and water quality in the Lower Yakima River from 2018-2020. The report is forthcoming, however the data is available on the USGS website, link.
Websites
Benton Conservation District - Water Stargrass Management. Link
References
Assessment of Eutrophication in the Lower Yakima River Basin, Washington. USGS. 2009. Link
Management and Control Techniques for Water Stargrass in the Lower Yakima River. Benton Conservation District. 2021. Link
Citations
- ↑ Wise, D. R., M. Zuroske, K. D. Carpenter, and R. L. Kiesling. 2009. Assessment of Eutrophication in the Lower Yakima River Basin, Washington 2004-07. Page 108. U.S. Geological Survey, Investigations Report 2009–5078.