The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) identified hydrilla, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), in the Hardy Lake state reservoir in early July 2026. AIS are any non-native aquatic animals, plants, microorganisms, and pathogens that can harm the state's native plants and wildlife. Hydrilla has been called "The Perfect Aquatic Weed" because it is so effective at forming dense populations that disrupt ecosystems, displace native species, and impair fish and wildlife habitat.
AIS like hydrilla come to our state in a variety of ways, including being carried by trailers, boat hulls, motors, and fishing gear. That is why the public has an important role to play in stopping their spread. Hoosiers can help by remembering to:
Clean: All equipment that touched the water should be cleaned when leaving by removing any visible plants, algae, animals, and mud. This includes cleaning watercraft hulls, trailers, shoes, waders, life vests, engines, and other gear.
Drain: Any accumulated water must be drained from watercraft or gear, including live wells and transom wells, before leaving the ramp or public access point to the water.
Dry: Let all gear fully dry out for five days or more before using it in a different water body.
If hydrilla is not eradicated or its spread contained, it could rapidly spread to other Indiana waters. It will then form monocultures of vegetation, impede recreation, reduce biodiversity, and result in decreased access to and use of many shallow lakes in the state. Due to the proximity of hydrilla to boat ramps at Hardy Lake there is an increased risk of spreading it. For that reason, we urge you to always Clean, Drain, Dry to help protect Indiana's waters.
For more information on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Hydrilla, see https://on.IN.gov/AIS.