Back to your original question about vegetation... Controlling it won't be as easy as walking into a store, buying a jug of chemical XYZ and spraying it.
NYS is very strict about what aquatic herbicides you can use. You can't even buy most of the chemical solutions previously suggested without a license. I haven't looked into the licensing process but be assured, it probably won't be free or easy - especially in this state. In the end, it might be worth hiring someone.
