Behold the Aquamog, coming to GGP’s North Lake to chomp weeds

The Aquamog

Starting today, a new mechanical monster known as the Aquamog will be churning through North Lake in Golden Gate Park.

The Aquamog, an aquatic vehicle that looks like the unlikely offspring of a small paddleboat and a backhoe, will dine on submerged and floating invasive plants for approximately one month at North Lake, the largest of the three natural waterways that make up the Chain of Lakes.

According to SF Rec & Park, invasive plants, mainly water primrose and parrot feather, have grown across nearly 80 percent of North Lake’s open water. When these aquatic invaders take over a lake, they can destroy native plant populations, choke waterways and eliminate major food sources and habitats of native animals. Removing the invasive vegetation will improve the health of the lake and its shoreline and enhance viewpoints from the pathway.

North Lake in Golden Gate Park near 43rd & Fulton

Using the Aquamog to harvest the bulk of aquatic weeds is more environmentally friendly than applying herbicides and more efficient than removing them through manual labor. The project’s goal is eradication of 100 percent of invasive weeds. SF Rec and Parks has previously used an Aquamog in Pine Lake and Metson Lake.

Check out the Aquamog in action in another location, and keep your eyes peeled for it as it churns through North Lake.

Sarah B.