SPRINGFIELD, Mo–The 4th of July is a popular time for Missouri waterways,

but biologists warn boaters to be aware of an invasive plant species being found in Missouri’s rivers, lakes, and ponds.

It’s called Hydrilla and it doesn’t look very threatening , but scientists are trying desperately to keep it out of the water.

Hydrilla can grow up to 20 feet long.The bad news, boats can barely navigate through it, if it’s allowed to take over waterways.

Gopala Borchelt , Ozarks Water Watch Senior Projects Director tells Missouri is among 29 states Hydrilla has been found in. locally, it has been identified in several privately owned impoundment in Greene and Dallas counties

“It’s kind of difficult to get rid of once it’s here and that’s why we want to say don’t bring it here,” said Borchelt.

Toni Messenger a local boater who we talked to at Stockton Lake says she has never heard of Hydrilla and she’s not the only one.

Hydrilla is a native of Asia and Africa and was first seen in the United States in the 1950’s. Borchelt believes it likely came here from people dumping their aquariums in the water.

Borchelt says people should educate themselves before getting out in the water.

“Because Hydrilla what it does eventually is it makes the fishing population decrease because Hydrilla takes over the area.”

Zebra Mussles are another invasive species being introduced to Missouri waterways. In addition to being harmful for boaters it’s bad for the aquatic wildlife too.

Elizabeth Messenger, a local boater says, “you want to protect what is native to what’s around you.”

Dan Howard, Mutton Creek Marina Owner tells K0LR10 while there has not been a sighting of Zebra Mussels or Hydrilla in Stockton Lake it can be really bad for boaters.

“Really bad for the dam and boats for general so we do our best to tell people all about it and not let it happen here,” said Howard.

So how can you prevent Hydrilla? Howard says boaters should deep clean their boats especially if they plan on going from lake to lake during the summer.

“But these actually collect at the bottom of the boats in dark areas where the boots and lower units are in the bottom of the boats. A lot of people don’t even see those areas.

If boaters don’t maintain their boat they could end up with a hole in their wallet

“If you clog up an intake on a boat and overheat it could ruin the motor. It could be several $1,000

Howard and Borchelt agree hot water and bleach is really the best to clean your boat with.

“It’s household items that you can use from home but hotter the water the better,” said Howard.