FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Tohopekaliga

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct aquatic plant control on Lake Tohopekaliga the week of Nov. 1, weather permitting. The FWC will treat invasive hydrilla in the Osceola County lake in areas where it is encroaching on beneficial native submersed aquatic plants and where it could impact navigation access. FWC fisheries, waterfowl and snail kite biologists reviewed and approved these management areas. To find out more about the herbicides being used and if there are any use restrictions associated with these treatments, visit MyFWC.com/Lake and click on the “Plant Mgmt. Schedule of Operations” under the “Aquatic Plants” dropdown menu.

The FWC manages hydrilla on a lake-by-lake basis using a collaborative approach. The FWC makes management decisions after comparing the benefits that low to moderate levels of hydrilla can provide for fish and wildlife, and the desires of various stakeholder groups against the impact this invasive plant can have on native plant communities, access and navigation, flood control, and management costs.

For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, plant control operation schedules and annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lake.

For more information about the treatment, contact Ed Harris, FWC invasive plant management biologist, at 407-204-3310.