The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be spot treating infestations of water hyacinth and water lettuce on the Braden River June 15-19. The portion of the river that will be treated is located south of State Road 70 in Manatee County.
Treatment involves the spot application of the aquatic herbicide Reward to scattered infestations. Treatment areas will be posted with warning signs displaying treatment dates and applicable water use restrictions. Treated river water should not be used for drinking, watering livestock or irrigating lawns and ornamental plants for one day following treatment. Treated water should not be used to irrigate food crops for five days following treatment. Water use restrictions apply to river water only, not to tap or well water.
Water hyacinth is a troublesome aquatic plant from South America that was brought to Florida in the late 1800s. It is a fast-growing plant that expands quickly.
Water lettuce is a troublesome floating aquatic plant from South America that was first discovered in Florida in 1765. It is considered one of the worst weeds in the subtropical and tropical regions of the world and can double its population in less than three weeks.
If these aquatic plants are not controlled, recreational activities, navigation, flood control and fish and wildlife populations may be negatively impacted. The management of these plants on the Braden River is a cooperative effort between the District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
For more information, please call the District at 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4537.