The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be treating hydrilla on Lake Panasoffkee June 5, weather permitting. This treatment is being performed to maintain boating access within an area of the lake that is important for navigation.
The aquatic herbicide Aquathol K will be applied to hydrilla on a 100-acre portion of the 4,460-acre lake east of Tracy’s Point.
There are no restrictions on the use of treated water for swimming, fishing, or irrigating turf, ornamental plants and crops. Maps indicating the treatment area will be posted at the local fish camp boat ramps.
Hydrilla is a troublesome, invasive aquatic plant from Southeast Asia that was introduced into Florida lakes and rivers during the late 1950s. It is a fast-growing submerged plant that expands quickly, can grow densely from the bottom to the water surface and replace less problematic native plant species which are abundant on Lake Panasoffkee.
For more information, please call the District’s Brooksville Headquarters at 1-800-423-1476 or (352) 796-7211. Additional information on aquatic plant control operational schedules and annual waterbody workplans is available on the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lake.