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ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY, N.Y. -- As fishermen prepare to launch their boat into the cool waters of St. Lawrence County’s Black Lake, one thing they don’t want to deal with is Eurasian Milfoil.

An invasive non-native weed, it forms dense mats of vegetation that disrupt water flow, water quality and boating. It's estimated that tourists spend about $7 million a year visiting the 20 mile long lake often referred to as “Nature’s Fish Hatchery.”

This is why State Senator Patty Ritchie has secured a $50,000 grant to help combat the encroaching weed. The money will be used by the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water District and the Black Lake Association to combat the Milfoil problem.

“There are people who depend on their livelihoods on the fishermen and tourists who are drawn to Black Lake each year, so this small investment will pay huge dividends in terms of helping to bring tourists in and create jobs,” said Jim Regan, Community Relations Director for Senator Ritchie.

“Sports Afield Magazine” recently rated Black Lake as one of the top 20 “Best of the Best” for bass fishing.