The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water hyacinth and water lettuce on portions of Shell and Prairie creeks Feb. 9-12. The sites are located upstream of the Henderson Dam in Charlotte County.
Treatment involves the spot application of the aquatic herbicide Reward to scattered infestations. Treated areas will be posted with warning signs that display treatment dates and applicable water use restrictions. Surface water treated with Reward should not be used for livestock watering for one day, irrigation of lawn and ornamental plants for one day, or crops for five days. Treated water should not be used for drinking for one day. Water restrictions do not apply to tap or well water.
Water hyacinth and water lettuce are troublesome aquatic plants from other countries that were introduced to Florida. Both species have the potential to expand rapidly and cause problems in many other tropical and subtropical countries where they have been introduced.
If these invasive plants are not controlled, recreational activities, navigation, flood control and fish and wildlife populations may be negatively impacted. The management of these plants on Shell and Prairie creeks 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.