My Account

Shoreline Invasive Species Removal Program

by | Apr 21, 2026 | Education, Get Involved, Invasive Species

GLA team removing yellow iris from the shoreline.
Across the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed, shorelines do some of the most important work in protecting water quality. Healthy shorelines filter runoff, prevent erosion, and provide essential habitat for wildlife. Unfortunately, shorelines are also susceptible to harmful invasive plant growth.

Invasive species are non-native plants that can spread quickly and crowd out beneficial native vegetation. Over time, they can impact shoreline stability, reduce habitat, degrade water quality, and can even reduce property values.

The good news is that early detection makes management far easier. That’s why the Glen Lake Association (GLA) surveys and removes invasives along more than 20 miles of shoreline. Work for the Shoreline Invasive Species Removal Program begins in April and ends in November each year.

This work supports native plant communities and helps protect long-term water quality across the watershed. In 2025, the GLA partnered with shoreline property owners (riparians) to treat more than 70 sites with invasive species. Since 2015, coltsfoot sites have decreased by 68%, demonstrating the impact of sustained, collaborative stewardship.

Common Shoreline Invasive Species

The GLA monitors and manages several invasive shoreline plants using targeted, environmentally responsible methods:

Coltsfoot, a groundcover with small yellow flowers, is controlled through targeted deadheading (removing flowers to prevent seed production) and, when needed, herbicide application by a certified applicator.

Yellow iris has showy yellow flowers and forms dense stands along shorelines. It is removed by digging plants out by the roots with hand tools and hauling debris off-site. Don’t want to lose beautiful blooming irises in spring? Replace the invasive with native blue iris!

Phragmites is a tall wetland grass that robs wildlife of nutrients and spoils shoreline views. It is controlled through targeted deadheading and, when needed, herbicide application by a certified applicator.

Purple Loosestrife has vibrant, admittedly beautiful purple flowers. But this plant outcompetes native species and reduces habitat for fish and wildlife. It is controlled through targeted deadheading and, when needed, herbicide application by a certified applicator.

Remove Invasive Species on Your Shoreline

The GLA surveys shorelines for invasive species throughout the year, both by boat and—when permitted by property owners—on land. When invasives are identified, our team informs each landowner that is impacted, gets permission to remove the invasives, and then safely removes the plants with minimal disruption.

Early detection is one of the most effective tools for managing invasive species. That’s why we encourage riparian property owners to provide permission in advance for land-based shoreline surveys and, if needed, removal work.

If you would like to participate in the program, you can grant permission in advance online: