OSWEGO - Oswego County officials have joined with the state Canal Corporation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for assistance in battling the water chestnut plant, an invasive species which is rapidly spreading in the Oswego River.

The action comes in response to an appeal by the Legislature’s Tourism Advisory Council for assistance in controlling the plant.

Richard Drosse, a Granby resident who has been removing the plants from the river by hand for several years, reported to the County Legislature’s Economic Development Planning Committee that the rapid spread of water chestnut is hindering recreational activities because boaters and anglers are no longer able to access certain sections of the Oswego River.

The County Soil and Water Conservation District has coordinated removal of water chestnuts on local waterways in the past, but the agency has not been able to find a source of federal, state or local funding after funding was cut several years ago.

“The legislative committee agreed that we need to take a proactive approach in addressing the water chestnut infestation. It’s estimated that $60,000 is needed for chemical removal of the plants next year. We will try to raise this through grants and by working with our partners along the canal system,” said Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairman Morris Sorbello, of Granby. “It will require a cooperative effort to raise the funds needed for long-term eradication and control of this plant.”