FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Lochloosa

Nov. 9, 2018

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FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Lochloosa

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct aquatic plant control on Lake Lochloosa in mid-November, weather permitting. Lake Lochloosa is part of the Orange Creek Basin and is in Alachua County west of Highway 301 and south of Hawthorne. It is a designated Fish Management Area.

Floating mud tussocks will be targeted on the southeast side of Lake Lochloosa and in Little Lake Lochloosa, near the mouth of Cross Creek. The tussocks formed primarily as the result of spatterdock (lily pad) rhizomes turning loose from the bottom of the lake. If left unmanaged, these mud tussocks would eventually pose access and navigation issues at the public ramp on the east side of Lake Lochloosa and Cross Creek in Little Lake Lochloosa.

Biologists anticipate controlling approximately 22 acres of floating tussocks with a mechanical shredder. Work will be avoided during waterfowl hunting days.

“There will be no restrictions on recreational activities, such as fishing, 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.”  

Go to MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats and click on “Invasive Plants” to find out more about invasive plant management, including “Frequently Asked Questions.”

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