Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is an aquatic invasive plant that overtakes slow-moving waterways, lakes and ponds and negatively impacts freshwater ecosystems. Water chestnuts form dense floating mats that deplete dissolved oxygen levels, shade out native plants, alter fish habitat and impede recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. When left unmanaged, water chestnuts can grow exponentially, and seed beds can remain viable for up to twelve years – making a sustained, multi-year management effort a necessity.