The Tennessee Valley Authority has launched a new online aquatic plant identification tool aimed at helping residents, anglers and boaters across the Tennessee Valley identify aquatic vegetation and report invasive species, while expanding ongoing efforts to combat invasive eelgrass on Lake Guntersville.
The free Aquatic Plant ID tool, now available online, provides step-by-step guidance, photos and descriptions to help users identify aquatic plants commonly found in TVA reservoirs. The tool also allows the public to share observations with TVA to assist with monitoring efforts and long-term planning.
“This new online tool can help people across the Valley better understand what types of plants they’re seeing in their communities,” said Stephen Turner, TVA Aquatic Plant Management Program manager. “Giving the public a simple way to identify aquatic plants and share what they’re observing strengthens our ability to monitor changing conditions across all TVA reservoirs and use resources effectively.”
The announcement comes as TVA continues to focus significant resources on controlling invasive hybrid eelgrass in Lake Guntersville, one of North Alabama’s most popular recreational lakes and a nationally known bass fishing destination.
According to TVA, its aquatic plant management efforts on Guntersville Reservoir include weekly surveys, EPA-approved herbicide treatments and a fleet of 10 large harvesters, two transport barges and a rapid response unit designed to quickly address problem areas.
TVA officials said the agency is also funding a four-year research partnership with Mississippi State University to study herbicide effectiveness in managing eelgrass. In addition, TVA lowered water levels in Guntersville and Wheeler reservoirs during winter cold snaps in an effort to freeze eelgrass plants and seeds.
From May through October 2025, TVA and its contractors treated approximately 555 acres of aquatic vegetation, harvested more than 200 acres of plants from boat lanes and removed more than 70,000 cubic yards of floating eelgrass from public access areas including boat ramps, swimming beaches and piers.
The work is being conducted in partnership with local governments and the W.E.T. Foundation, which manages treatment efforts along private shorelines not covered under TVA’s treatment plan.
“By making plant identification easier for everyone, this new online tool helps the public become more informed and engaged stewards of Guntersville Reservoir,” said Rick Roden, W.E.T. Foundation board chair. “That kind of awareness is essential to the shared effort between TVA, our organization, local partners, and communities to protect the places we all enjoy.”
TVA is also encouraging boaters to follow “Clean, Drain, Dry” practices to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants between waterways. Officials recommend removing plants and mud from boats and trailers, draining boats completely and allowing equipment to dry before entering another waterway.
