The Southwest Florida Water Management District, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, will treat hydrilla along the western shoreline (Outlet River side) of Lake Panasoffkee.
Approximately 200 acres of the 4,000-acre Lake Panasoffkee will be treated May 30 though June 2. Treatment involves the application of the aquatic herbicide Aquathol K by helicopter.
Maps indicating the treatment area will be posted at local fish camps as well as on floating buoys within the treated area. The treatment date and applicable water use restrictions will also be posted.
Lake water within the treated area should not be used for watering livestock, irrigation or domestic purposes for 14 days. Fish caught within the treated area should not be used for food or feed within three days of treatment. Water use restrictions do not apply to tap or well water.
Hydrilla is a troublesome aquatic plant from Southeast Asia that was introduced into Florida’s lakes and rivers during the late 1950s. It is a fast-growing submerged plant that expands quickly and has the ability to grow densely from the bottom to the water surface.
The amount of hydrilla in Lake Panasoffkee has expanded significantly within the past year. If hydrilla is not managed, recreational activities, navigation, water quality, beneficial native plant communities and fish and wildlife populations may be negatively impacted.
For more information, please call the District at 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476.