The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating hydrilla on the "Rainbow River":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/swim/rainbowriver.php during the week of Nov 5-8.
District workers will treat scattered infestations on the river from Rainbow Springs State Park to Rio Vista and from C.R. 484 to the Withlacoochee River.
Workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Aquathol Super K and post informational signs in the treatment areas noting treatment dates and water use restrictions.
Treated river water should not be used for drinking one day following treatment. Treated river water may be used for swimming, fishing, livestock watering and irrigating turf, ornamental plants and crops immediately after treatment. However, do not use treated water to irrigate annual nursery or greenhouse crops including hydroponics or newly seeded or transplanted annual crops, ornamentals or turf for 48 hours following treatment.
Hydrilla is a troublesome aquatic plant from Southeast Asia, which escaped into Florida waters during the late 1950s. It is a fast-growing plant that expands quickly. If it is not controlled, native plant populations, recreational activities, navigation, flood control and fish and wildlife habitat are negatively impacted. The management of hydrilla on the Rainbow River is a cooperative effort between the District, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
For more information, please call the District at (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476.
