Hydrilla treatment scheduled for Lake Hatchineha

Feb. 27, 2017

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Hydrilla treatment scheduled for Lake Hatchineha

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will treat portions of Lake Hatchineha in Osceola County for invasive hydrilla from Feb. 27 through March 10, weather permitting.

Lake Hatchineha is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes that spans both Osceola and Polk counties.

The FWC will treat 193 acres of Lake Hatchineha, using herbicides approved for use in lakes by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. There are no restrictions on fishing and swimming in the treated area.

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 questions about this treatment, contact Danielle Kirkland, FWC invasive plant management regional biologist, at 863-534-7074.

Go to MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats and click on “Invasive Plants” to find out more about management of invasive plant species, including FAQs.