FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Rousseau

Sept. 6, 2016

 

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FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Rousseau

 

Aquatic plant control operations are scheduled for Lake Rousseau during the weeks of Sept. 5 and Sept. 12, weather permitting, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

 

About 155 acres of invasive hydrilla will be treated only on the boat trails of this lake bordering Citrus and Levy counties. Boat trails requiring hydrilla treatment to maintain navigation include: County Trail B, Shoreline Trail south of County Trail B, County Trail C, Shoreline Trail south of County Trail C, and Old Mill Trail. In addition, about 100 acres of invasive water lettuce and water hyacinth will be treated throughout the lake.

 

“There will be no restrictions on recreational activities, such as fishing or swimming, during the treatment period,” said Bruce Jaggers, an FWC invasive plant management biologist. “Any edible fish caught that are legal to keep may be consumed.”

 

However, there is a seven-day restriction on using water from the treated areas for human or animal consumption. There also is a five-day restriction from using treated water for irrigation of food crops and ornamentals grown in greenhouses or nurseries. No restrictions are necessary for other uses of treated water, such as irrigating turf, ornamental plants and crops.

 

Hydrilla is an invasive aquatic plant spread easily by boats throughout the state’s lakes and rivers. While recreational anglers and waterfowl hunters may see some benefits from hydrilla, there are other potential impacts to consider including negative impacts to beneficial native habitat, navigation, flood control, potable and irrigation water supplies, recreation and the aesthetic qualities of lakes. The FWC strives to balance these needs while managing hydrilla.

 

For more information, contact Bruce Jaggers at 352-726-8622.