SKANEATELES - The federal government should get involved in a regional effort to fight a non-native aquatic plant that is invading central New York watersheds, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Tuesday.

During a press conference at the Sherwood Inn across from Skaneateles Lake, Schumer announced he is asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to look at the effects Eurasian watermilfoil is having on the Finger Lakes. Schumer also said he is asking the Army Corps of Engineers to develop an action plan with local and state officials to combat the problem and continue the progress of some local groups dedicated to keeping waterways clean.

Schumer said the weed, which grows in water less than 25 feet deep, threatens the local tourism industry by making swimming, boating and fishing more difficult. He said milfoil can also clog pumps and pipes in waterways that are used for drinking water.

“The milfoil has the potential to take over the lake,” Schumer said of Skaneateles Lake.

Schumer initially said during the conference that the federal effort should focus on Skaneateles. During the question and answer segment of the conference, attendees pointed out milfoil is a regional problem that affects all of the Finger Lakes, as well as other bodies of water in central New York.

Owasco and Cayuga lakes have seen increased milfoil growth in recent years.

Schumer said he will ask the Army Corps to make milfoil eradication a regional effort. However, he also said Skaneateles can serve as an example to other communities looking to keep milfoil from overtaking aquatic ecosystems.

Officials from the Army Corps could not be reached Tuesday for comment.

In 2007, the Tri-County Milfoil Eradication Project began a program that used non-chemical means to get rid of the weeds. Divers pull out the plants from the roots and the milfoil is collected on pontoon boats through vacuum systems.

After the press conference, Schumer looked at the project's three boats and talked with some of the effort's participants.

“They can't keep doing this by themselves,” Schumer said. “The Army Corps has the resources and the know-how, and the obligation to step in.”

Robert Werner, treasurer and former president of the Milfoil Eradication Project, said he is excited the program has Schumer's support.

The project has raised more than $1 million in private and state money since it started. In the first two years, the program removed 20 acres of the plant. The goal for this season has been to remove milfoil colonies from the 11 acres in the lake remaining to be scoured.

But the organization has seen recent funding problems, and Werner said the divers often come and go. The Army Corps has the permanency and funds to help this and other programs succeed, Werner said.

Both Schumer and Werner said federal agencies also can guide programs on ways to prevent the plant from returning.

“We need to talk to them and show them what we can do, and if they can improve it, that would be great,” Werner said.

If the Army Corps does assist in a regional effort, it will not be the first time advocates for multiple watersheds shared information. The Milfoil Eradication Project initially got some of its ideas from efforts to fight milfoil on Saranac Lake and Lake George.

“You can show other people how you did it, and they can learn from it,” Werner said.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.