Florida
LAKEWATCHA Publication Dedicated to Sharing Information About Water Management and the Florida LAKEWATCH Program Volume IX Spring 1997
“It being a fine cool morning and fair wind, I set sail early, and saw, this day, vast quantities of the Pistia stratiotes, What About Aquatic a very singular aquatic plant. It associates in large communities of floating islands, some of them a quarter Plants? of a mile in extent, which are impelled to and fro, as the wind and current may direct. They are first produced on or close to the shore, in eddy water, where they gradually spread themselves into the river, forming most delightful green plains, several miles in length, and in some places a quarter of a mile in breadth.... These islands present a very entertaining prospect; for although we behold an assemblage of the primary production of nature only, yet the imagination seems to remain in “Islands” of aquatic plants on Florida (and Louisiana) waterways in the late 1800s led the US Congress to pass the suspense and doubt; as in order to River and Harbor Act of 1899, charging the US Army Corps of Engineers to find ways to control aquatic plants. enliven the delusion and form a most picturesque appearance, we see not ith an obvious sense of wonder, Over a hundred years later, aquatic only flowery plants, clumps of shrubs, naturalist William Bartram plant management is still evolving and has recorded the previous passage become a complex state-wide endeavor in- old weather-beaten trees, hoary and W during his exploration of the St. Johns River in volving many federal, state and county agen- barbed, with the long moss waving 1774. More than two centuries later, his eloquent cies, cities, citizens and lake management from their snags, but we also see them writings provide a valuable baseline of groups. completely inhabited, and alive, with information on aquatic plant abundance in Granted, aquatic plants aren’t the only crocodiles, serpents, frogs, otter, crows, Florida—helping us to realize that the bounty of aspect of lake management warranting atten- herons, curlews, jackdaws, etc. aquatic plant life we see today on many water tion, but they often provide a major source of There seems, in short, nothing bodies (and often attribute to contemporary controversy when it comes to lake use. With wanted but the appearance of a influences) is not a recent phenomenon. Florida’s steadily increasing population, user wigwam and a canoe to complete The St. John’s River that Bartram wrote conflicts are bound to arise as aquatic plants about in 1774 was so clogged with vast floating often hold different values for boaters, swim- the scene.” mats of water hyacinth in the 1890s that river mers, bird watchers, anglers, and lake resi- William Bartram travel became virtually impossible in some ar- dents (to name a few). Travels, 1774 eas. Lake Okeechobee was covered with aquatic By definition, an aquatic weed is a plants as well. Some cities were even shut off plant growing where someone doesn’t want from the rest of the state due to extremely dense (continued on page 2) growth of aquatic vegetation. Things were so bad, in fact, that the United States Congress passed the River and Harbor Act of 1899 charg- ing the Army Corps of Engineers to find a way to control aquatic plants. And so, in what was initially an attempt to keep navigational chan- Water Lettuce nels open, the evolving science of aquatic plant Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Pistia stratiotes management began.
1 What About Aquatic Plants? (continued from page 1) Whether it be cleaning out lake drainage overflows, gluing plaques to stormwater inlets, or developing a series of lake management incentives, citizens’ public it. One person’s plant “infestation” might participation is occurring all over the state. Listed below are just a few examples of be another’s ideal fish or waterfowl habitat. citizen involvement in Florida lake management. However, the difficulty of aquatic plant management doesn’t end simply with conflict Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind? resolution. Once conflicts are resolved, how does one go about planning and implementing man- For several years, stenciling of stormwater inlets has been used in an attempt to deter dumping agement strategies? How does one begin to of wastes down them. Now there is one more technique being used to educate the public about “manage” plants on a lake? And who does one stormwater runoff---plaques are being glued to concrete storm drain inlets as an alternative to call to obtain information about aquatic plants and stenciling. Some of our very own LAKEWATCH volunteers are using both techniques—-two their identification, removal, control, or re-vegeta- solutions for a common problem. tion? So much to know and so little time. ORLANDO INSTALLS PLAQUES In an effort to empower citizens to evalu- ate and apply aquatic plant management op- “Stormwater plaques are a new wave form of tions, we’ve dedicated this newsletter issue to stenciling” said Bruce Fallon, with the City of highlighting resources available to the public in Orlando. The city’s Stormwater Utility Bureau three segments: has recently implemented a citywide ♦ a listing of Aquatic Plant Management Resources stormwater plaque program, in an effort to and contacts (see page 3), educate the public about stormwater runoff. “First you have to clean the surface of ♦ Who Are You Going to Call? (pages 4 & 5) the inlet with a steel-wire brush to remove grit, EDUCATIONAL GRAFFITI? introduces readers to several of the states leading algae, grease or whatever. Then we use the glue aquatic plant specialists, and includes their by Niva Colon and Missy Prelog to affix the plaque to the top of the stormwater responses to a selection of your most frequently ( EAGLE EYE UPDATE, March 1997) inlet. We’ve been using a urethane-based ma- asked questions, Eagle Eye Incorporated (EEI) is a water ♦ rine epoxy in a caulking gun. The plaques are a and lastly, a listing of multi-media Aquatic Plant little smaller than a license plate. quality monitoring project, organized by the Reference Materials for identifying, managing, and “ The City of Orlando is providing the 9th and 10th grade students at Walker locating aquatic plants (see page 6). support and a state grant is pending from the Memorial Junior Academy. EEI is a part of We hope this information is useful to you St. John’s River Management District to pay for the Florida LAKEWATCH network that is and that readers won’t hesitate to call with ques- the actual plaques. We’re relying on volunteers sponsored by the University Florida. We tions or comments. FLW to install the signs to the inlets. believe it is very important to care for and “About 1500 plaques have been installed preserve our lakes. Florida in the first three months of the project. We hope Everyday water empties through to ultimately install the signs to 5000 inlets. storm drains into lakes and carries pollut- LAKEWATCH We’re currently looking for additional volun- ants such as street litter, plastic, fertilizers, teers to help with the installation of the plaques. pesticides, household waste and paint. The newsletter is generated by the Florida “We’ve had a wide variety of folks and orga- accumulation of such pollutants can be harmful LAKEWATCH program, within the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the Institute nizations get involved in the plaque project: neigh- to fish and the surrounding wildlife. of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the borhood associations are getting involved, the Part of the solution is stenciling storm University of Florida(UF). Support for the Boyscouts of America, civic groups, as well as LAKE- drains. Storm drain stenciling is a process of LAKEWATCH program is provided by the Florida where we spray paint a stencil on a storm Legislature, grants and donations. WATCH volunteers. For more information about LAKEWATCH, to “We’re hoping all awareness activities will drain with the words, “Dumping Here Pol- inquire about volunteer training sessions, or to affect public actions to some degree. We have been lutes Our Lakes.” This reminds people not submit materials for inclusion in this publication, receiving more reports from folks complaining about to dump pollutants into storm drains, park- write to: Editor / Florida LAKEWATCH neighbors dumping waste into stormwater drains, ing lots, yards, driveways, and other places. 7922 NW 71st Street and when we talk to the folks doing the dumping This can prevent pollutants from running off Gainesville, FL 32653-3071 they readily admit to using the drains. So we feel driveways and into storm drains, that pour or call 1-800-LAKEWATCH (525-3928) into our precious lakes. 352-392-9617 ext. 228 like the plaques are a good way to educate people about where the water goes.” All unsolicited articles, photographs, artwork For more information, contact Bruce or other written material must include contributor’s name, address and phone number. Fallon with the City of Orlando at 407/246-2370. All submissions shall remain the property of Florida LAKEWATCH and cannot be returned. Florida Lake Management Society (FLMS) now offers aluminum stormwater Opinions expressed are solely those of the plaques that can be glued to stormwater inlets, outfalls, or other locations to educate and individual contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of the Florida alert the public of the need to keep pollutants out of the stormwater system. LAKEWATCH program. Plaques are 10 inches X 5 inches with rounded corners, and have the message: Inclusion does not constitute endorsement, nor DUMP NO WASTE - DRAINS TO LAKE surrounding a bass silhouette. Alternative wording does exclusion represent censure of any item, organization, individual, or institution by the or phrasing is available. For more information on the plaques, contact: University of Florida or the Florida LAKEWATCH Mr. Gene Medley program. PO Box 92448 Director Sandy Fisher Chemist Mary Stonecipher Lakeland, FL 33808 Editor Amy Richard (941) 603-6307 2 AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT RESOURCES
BUREAU OF AQUATIC PLANT FLORIDA’S WATER FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT (Florida Department MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS: AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER of Environmental Protection) (counties indicated in italics) SERVICES (FDACS) Bureau of Compliance and Monitoring REGIONAL OFFICES: South Florida (SFWMD) 3125 Conner Blvd. MD-1 (counties indicated in italics) Broward, Collier, Dade, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650 Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Northwest Florida (904) 488-3314 PO Box 24680 Contact: Mr. Kal Knickerbocker Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Gadsden, West Palm Beach, FL 33416 Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, (954) 687-6201 ext 6866 FLORIDA GAME AND FRESH Wakulla, Walton, Washington, Contact: Anita Bain 3917 Commonwealth Blvd. WATER FISH COMMISSION Tallahassee, FL 32399 Southwest Florida (SWFWMD) Grass Carp Information (904) 487-2600 Charlotte, Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Contact: Jess Van Dyke Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pinellas, 620 S. Meridian Street Polk, Sarasota, Sumter Tallahassee, FL 33299-1600 Southwest Florida 2379 Broad Street (904) 488-4066 Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, Sumter Brooksville, FL 34609-6899 Contact: Mr. Dave Eggeman 6355 South Florida Avenue (352) 796-7211 ext 4537 Floral City, FL 34436 1-800-423-1476 REGIONAL OFFICES: (352) 726-8622 Contact: Brian Nelson (counties indicated in italics) Contact: Jim Kelley, Robbie Lovestrand St. Johns River (SJRWMD) Northwest Region Terry Sullivan Baker, Brevard, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okalossa, South Gulf Lake, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington Charlotte , DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Manatee, Volusia 701 W Nelson Ave Lee , Pinellas, Sarasota PO Box 1429 DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Interstate Business Park Palatka, FL 32178-1429 (904) 892-8000 8302 Laurel Fair Circle, #140 (904) 329-4500 Contact: Dale Jones Tampa, FL 33610 Contact: Wayne Corbin (813) 744-6163 Suwannee River (SRWMD) Northeast Region Contact: John Rodgers Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, South Central Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Glades, Hendry, Polk, Highlands Union Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor, Union 2001 Homeland-Garfield Road 9224 CR 49 Route 7, Box 440 Bartow, FL 33830 Live Oak, FL 32060 Lake City, FL 32055 (941) 534-7074 (904) 362-1001 or 1-800-226-1066 (904) 758-0530 Contact: David Demmi or Matt Phillips Contact: Robert Mattson Contact: Jerry Krummrich Suwannee River Northwest Florida (NWFWMD) Central Region Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Brevard, Citrus, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Holmes, Leon, Liberty, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Osceola, Putnam, Seminole, St. John’s, Sumter, Volusia, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Union Rosa, Walton, Wakulla, Washington, 1239 SW 10th Street 703 North Marion St. Rt. 1 Box 3100 Ocala, FL 34474-2797 Lake City, FL 32055 Havana, FL 32333 (352) 732-1230 (904) 758-0464 (904) 539-5999 Contact: Sam McKinney (no contact person) Contact: Joe Hinkle South Region St. Johns River UF ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Charlotte, De Soto, Glades, Hardee, Hernando, Brevard, Flagler, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, Seminole, PO Box 1317 Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, St. Johns, Volusia Palatka, FL 32178 Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, 5882 S. Semoran Blvd. (904) 328-2737 3900 Drane Field Road Orlando, FL 32822 Contact: Nancy Allen Lakeland, FL 33811-1299 (407) 275-4004 (941) 648-3202 Contact: Dean G. Barber or Ed Harris CENTER FOR AQUATIC PLANTS Contact: Tom Champeau South Florida (UF/IFAS) Everglades Region Broward, Collier, Dade, Indian River, Martin, 7922 NW 71st Street Broward, Collier, Dade, Florida Keys, Hendry, Indian Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie Gainesville, FL 32653 River, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie 3111-B13 Fortune Way (352) 392-9613 551 N Military Trail Wellington, FL 33414 Contact: Dr. Ken Langeland W Palm Beach, FL 33406 (561) 791-4720 (407) 640-6100 Contact: Jacqueline Smith Contact: Frank Morello 3 Center for Aquatic Plants Florida Game and Fresh Water Who Are (University of Florida /Institute of Food and Fish Commission (GFC) Agricultural Sciences) is a research/ education is challenged to maximize fish and wildlife center dedicated primarily to studying aquatic populations in the state. However, they are also You Going weeds (problem aquatic plants) and techniques active in aquatic plant management as related used to control them in natural water bodies. to wildlife habitat. Their regional biologists often For information regarding chemical, me- serve as consultants on aquatic plant To Call? chanical or manual removal of aquatic plants, management issues and are also involved in With so much to know about aquatic Dr. Ken Langeland, with the Center for Aquatic restoration of various water systems around the plant management, it’s a good idea to Plants can be a valuable resource. Dr. Langeland state by monitoring plant populations. is the Aquatic Weed Extension Specialist for the One of their responsibilities includes the consult with as many experts as possible use of triploid grass carp as a tool for control of as you will find there can be many differing Center and is available to answer questions. He can also provide listings of licensed aquatic plant aquatic vegetation. A permit is required from the opinions on the subject. Lake management control specialists. Commission to stock grass carp in a lake and is an evolving science and citizens interested South Florida residents can contact Dr. Mr. Dave Eggeman, a GFC Fisheries Biologist in making informed decisions would do well Vernon Vandiver or Dr. David Sutton at the should be contacted regarding grass carp issues. to try to hear as many viewpoints as Center’s extension office in Ft. Lauderdale. possible. In addition, the Center’s Aquatic Plant Fortunately, there are several re- Information Retrieval System (APIRS) has a sources that can offer assistance to Florida database of more than 44,000 references, as well as a hard-copy collection, on the subject of aquatic citizens about aquatic plants and manage- Florida LAKEWATCH (FLW) and wetland plants. The database can be (University of Florida /Institute of Food and ment techniques. In this segment, we’re in- searched, at no charge, to produce bibliographies troducing these agencies and organizations, Agricultural Sciences) is a citizen-based water on any aquatic plant subject or keyword. APIRS monitoring program, currently monitoring over as well as a few of the state’s leading aquatic is online at the Center’s web site, providing a 600 water bodies in the state. FLW data can plant specialists. For a complete listing of wealth of information on aquatic plants with provide important clues for making lake the agencies/contact persons, including ad- links to dozens of aquatic plant-related sources. management decisions. For instance, baseline dresses and phone numbers, see page 3. The website can be reached at: data can help in evaluating which aquatic plant http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/ control options would be most effective. Aside from monitoring, FLW also acts as an educational Florida Water Management resource for the public by helping folks: Bureau of Aquatic Plant Districts have jurisdiction over state waters > identify aquatic plants, Management / Florida Department of and should be contacted if you’re contemplating > research and implement lake management any dredge or fill activities (building a beach for objectives and strategies, and Environmental Protection is the lead instance). They can inform you whether or not > communicate more effectively with lake agency for aquatic plant management. Regional it’s in the DEP’s or the WMD’s jurisdiction. They management agencies. biologists can make site visits to: identify plants, can also provide lists of local certified FLW Director Sandy Fisher, and her staff spot current or potential problems, recommend professional aquatic plant control specialists. can also provide a sounding board for folks that methods for removal or control, as well as Several of the districts have public informa- don’t know where to start in their efforts to man- provide lists of certified professional aquatic tion offices and have developed numerous educa- age aquatic plant issues. plant control specialists. They also issue permits tional materials concerning aquascaping, xeriscaping, to control aquatic plants (on both private and and local water management practices. Note: Plants being sent for identification should be public waters) to provide access to open water. However, the water management district sent to the attention of Amy Richard. The Bureau, working with other groups, spokespersons we talked with all stressed the same is also responsible for allocating funds (from the point—if folks need permits or site visits for aquatic Aquatic Plant Management Trust Fund) for plant problems, they should contact DEP’s Bureau of aquatic plant control on public water bodies Aquatic Plant Management. (See listing on page 3) throughout the state. Q and A Dean Barber, one of the Bureau’s state re- We’ve asked a few of the state’s aquatic gional biologists, is an ideal example of an aquatic Florida Department of Agriculture plant specialists to respond to some of your plant manager and educator. Responsible for and Consumer Services (DACS) is covering many miles and talking to dozens of responsible for certifying and licensing both most frequently asked questions. Here’s people daily, Mr. Barber seems to have an end- commercial and non-commercial applicators what they had to say: less supply of energy and enthusiasm for his for use of restricted pesticides, including Who do I call if I want to remove work. herbicides. Because the bureau is the lead agency for nuisance aquatic plants from my lake? aquatic plant management in the state, Mr. Bar- DEP’s Bureau of Aquatic Plant Manage- ber will be answering many of the questions ment is the lead agency for aquatic plant man- US Army Corps of Engineers is addressed here. agement in the state. Dean Barber sums up the involved with aquatic plant mangament on Bureau’s role: federal navigable waters, through funding of the “The average homeowner may have con- projects or actually administering the work. siderable experience in landscaping their yards, Biologist Nancy Allen stressed that but it can get confusing when it comes to aquatic “Corps biologists can also give presentations, plant management. We’d like the public to know provide information or answer questions . that first and foremost we’re here to serve as 4 educators, not enforcers or regulators. We encour- Once I’ve got a permit to remove nuisance What are the best plants to use to re- age folks to call us with any questions regarding waterfront plant management. aquatic plants, what do I do next? vegetate my shoreline? “We are also trying to educate the public Depending on how you are permitted to Dr. Langeland recommends that folks to be conservative about plant removal, espe- remove the plants, there are several directions “spend a few minutes watching the aquatic plant cially native plant species. We want people to be you can go. For mechanical or manual (hand) videos* (particularly the emergent plant videos) mindful that aquatic plants are very important removal of plants, Dr. Langeland and his associ- to familiarize themselves with the plants. The to lakes by absorbing wave action, helping re- ates at the Center can offer helpful advice. videos can also help generate questions to ask duce erosion of the shoreline, provide wildlife If a permit has been issued for use of her- commercial vendors/contractors, if they choose habitat and nutrient assimilation. Native plants bicides in removing aquatic plants, DACS is the to go that route.” can also be very helpful in preventing invasive agency to talk to about licensed professional her- According to Langeland, “When re-veg- plants from getting established in a lake. This bicide applicators. Dr. Langeland points out that etating a lake shoreline, it usually boils down to significantly reduces the amount of management “even though aquatic herbicides aren’t in the planting bulrush, duck potato or pickerel weed. needed on waterfronts.” restricted use category, it’s best to hire a licensed Knot grass or maidencane are also good plants applicator to do the work. and are quite popular. Bulrush makes excellent “A second alternative would be to obtain songbird habitat and is great for privacy, but Do I need a permit to clear plants the training manual or videos available to be- because it can grow to be very tall, it can also from my lake, even if it’s from around come a licensed applicator yourself.* Most become a problem by blocking your view of the people aren’t going to be willing to go to that lake. Maidencane or knot grass are better for al- my dock? amount of trouble, but it is feasible.” He adds, lowing a good view of the lake but can grow to Unless your lake falls under the exemp- “even if a commercial applicator has been hired be very dense and become a navigation tions listed by DEP’s Bureau of Aquatic Plant to apply herbicide, it’s still a good idea for folks problem. Any of these plants require main- Management (see below), the rule is you do need to acquaint themselves with the Aquatic Pest tenance and like any garden, lack of man- a permit to clear plants from your lake, even Control Applicator Training Manual so they can agement can result in an unsightly area or around your dock. A permit is also required, even be more intelligent consumers.” even a health hazard.” if removing plants by hand. * See Aquatic Plant Reference Materials, pg 6. The good news is the permit is free and *Training manual and videos can be obtained by the application process is simple. Exemptions contacting your local county extension agent or from this rule include: purchased for a minimal cost through UF/IFAS Are grass carp a viable form of > waters wholly owned by one person, other than Publications office. (See Aquatic Plant Reference aquatic plant control? the state. (Homeowner associations can be Materials on page 6.) Grass carp are the main biological con- considered a single owner.)* trol used to manage hydrilla in Florida lakes. > Class IV waters or artificially created waters used Is there anyone I should contact However, it’s not always the perfect solution. exclusively for agricultural purposes.* If too many carp are introduced into a lake, > Electrical power plant cooling ponds, reservoirs, before re-vegetating my shoreline? or canals unless used as or connected to waters “A DEP regional biologist should be noti- they can eat most of the aquatic vegetation. designated by the department as manatee fied before attempting to re-vegetate aquatic (They’ve even been known to wriggle up on aggregation sites. plants in a lake” says Dean Barber. “We want lawns to eat the grass!) > Waters of 10 surface acres or less.* folks to re-vegetate their waterfront; we encour- In addition, it can be difficult to estimate > In that specific area of a waterbody where dredge age them to do so. However, many people can’t the number of carp needed to control plants in a and fill activity is permitted by the Florida DEP, identify what they’ve got so it’s a good idea to lake. The stocking process is often a matter of and aquatic plants are removed as a part of get more information first. If they’re import- trial and error; lake residents/associations need the permitted activity. ing exotic plants from one lake to another, it could to be aware that a possible consequence of stock- If in doubt, Dean Barber reminds us that be a violation. (A permit is required for the trans- ing grass carp can be the loss of nearly all their the safest bet is to call one of the Bureau’s re- portation, import or possession of any exotic aquatic plants. gional biologists and describe your aquatic plant aquatic plant species.) Removal of aquatic plants can cause lake situation. “Your local DEP biologist will have “We can provide a lot of information to water to become murky and result in erosion of first-hand knowledge of the water bodies in your people who want to re-vegetate with native the shoreline. Bottom sediments are more readily area and know enough about the watershed to plants. If we’re notified in advance, we can al- stirred up without plants to stabilize the bottom of direct your questions to the right person or low for both removal and re-vegetation on the the lake, and loss of aquatic plants may also alter agency. They will also be able to help identify same permit.” the habitats of some types of waterfowl and fish. plant species, and issue permits.” Once grass carp are stocked, it’s almost On the subject of plant removal for access Where can I find aquatic plants for impossible to get them out. (Ever try catch- corridors to open water, Mr. Barber says “there ing a vegetarian fish on hook and line?) Stud- is a possibility that citizens will once again be re-vegetating? ies are being done on the feasibility of train- allowed to remove plants to create an access cor- The Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management ing carp to respond to (swim toward) sound ridor to open water on their lakes (without a can provide a listing of contractors and nurser- frequencies for purposes of caging them and permit). Details such as corridor length, and how ies where plants can be obtained. DACS and UF/ moving them on to other lakes. We’ll keep you they can be maintained (mechanical or hand re- IFAS’ Center for Aquatic Plants can also provide posted on the progress of this project. moval vs. herbicides) are currently being dis- you with these listings. The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish cussed.” * The Bureau’s regional biologist can sometimes Commission (GFC) should be called for more * Provided there is no connection to Waters of provide tips on where you can harvest plants for free information concerning carp. Special Concern. Waters of Special Concern from lakes where native species are being thinned out. (Continued on page 7, See Q and A) include Class I and II waters, Outstanding However, a permit may be required and extreme care Florida Waters, and waters designated by rule must be taken so that nuisance plants are not as a fish management area by the GFC. transplanted inadvertently. Accidental transplanting has become a multi-million dollar problem in Florida. 5 AQUATIC PLANTS IN PEN &INK MAINTENANCE CONTROL OF Aquatic Plant Line drawing sets, produced by the UF/ AQUATIC WEEDS — WHAT IT IS NOT! IFAS’ Center for Aquatic Plants come with Explains why regular management of aquatic Reference full copyright permission. A valuable weeds is the most environmentally sound and resource for publication purposes and as an aid economical method of aquatic plant Materials for identifying aquatic plants. management. (Video: 12 minutes) This loose-leaf collection depicts 115 (UF/IFAS) # VT 439 $15 aquatic and wetland species, including com- All UF/IFAS reference materials listed here are mon, rare and exotic species, and two freshwa- FROM WASTEWATER TO WATER available through University of Florida’s ter scenics. Set delivered in a see-through ex- GARDENS Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ panding plastic envelope. 8 1/2" X 11" 70- Reclaimed city wastewater is used to create an IFAS) publications. Call or write for their pound paper. (UF/IFAS) SP 233 $ 35.00 aesthetically pleasing water garden, simulating complete resource catalog. (See example below) a “spring to sink” system complete with IFAS Publications waterfalls and ponds. Follow the path from University of Florida wastewater to water garden. (Video: 10 minutes) PO Box 110011 (UF/IFAS) # VT 1121 $15 Gainesville, FL 32611-0011 1-800-226-1764 or (352) 392-1764 AQUASCAPING: PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE Editor’s Note: Many of the videos listed here are Includes information on site selection and available for loan from your local county extension preparation, obtaining plants, maintenance, office. regulations as well as recommended plant species. This publication is currently being IDENTIFYING reprinted. In the interum, and time permitting, FLW staff can provide photo copies upon AQUATIC PLANTS: request. Contact FLW at address/phone listed on page 3. (UF/ IFAS) Circular 912 Free AQUATIC PLANT ID CHART Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society has AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT GUIDE published an aquatic plant identification chart General principles of aquatic weed control depicting the more common aquatic plants found in Florida. Includes weed-herbicides, in Florida. Plants illustrations are depicted in registrants, and amount of live ingredients; color, with brief descriptions accompanying each maintenance, care and cleaning of image. Laminated 8 1/2" X 11" charts include equipement and glossary of terms. measuring scale (in inches). Cost: $2 With permission from UF/IFAS Center for (UF/IFAS) SP 55 $10 US Corps of Engineers Aquatic Plants PO Box 1317 LOCATING AQUATIC Palatka, FL 32178 904/328-2737 MANAGING AQUATIC PLANTS PLANTS AQUATIC PLANT PLANT AND SERVICE DIRECTORY IDENTIFICATION SERIES FLORIDA’S AQUATIC PLANT STORY Published by the Association Of Florida Native Nurseries (AFNN), this booklet is an A seven-part series featuring 111 of the most Produced for the general public, this instrumental tool used by landscape contractors, common or important aquatic and wetland program describes the benefits of native landscape architects, land planners, plants in Florida. Plants are described so that aquatic plants, recounts problems caused environmental consultants and homeowners to non-botanists can learn to easily identify by some exotic “aquatic weeds,” and locate native plant materials for their projects. them. Plants are indexed alphabetically by introduces the major methods of aquatic Contact: AFNN common name. Recommended for aquatic plant management. (Video: 24 minutes) PO Box 434 plant managers, field personnel, students, (UF/IFAS) # VT-315 $15 and the general public. Refer to: SV 361, SV Melrose, FL 32666 369, SV 360, SV 363, SV 371, SV 362, SV 370 Florida LAKEWATCH (352) 475-5413 or 1-800-293-5413 (UF/IFAS) $ 15 each An introduction to Florida LAKEWATCH, an AQUATIC PLANT LOCATOR organization of citizen volunteers who Strives to be a true plant locator by listing over AQUATIC PLANT monitor the quality of lakes, rivers and bays. 500 plants and 250 Florida businesses that supply IDENTIFICATION DECK Recommended for the general public and aquatic plants. The Locator is organized into management agencies. (Video: 12 minutes) Identify Florida’s aquatic and wetland plant, service and business sections. Contact:: (UF/IFAS) # VT 438 $15 plants. Seventy-two full-color laminated Florida Department of Agriculture & cards, with photographs on one side and WHAT MAKES A QUALITY LAKE? Consumer Services (DACS) identification on the back. Makes plant ID Viewers learn about natural and human factors Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture easy and convenient. Durable finish creates that help determine a lake’s “productivity,” as Attn: Kal Knickerbocker an ideal field companion. For anyone well as differences between lake types in terms 2051 East Dirac Drive interested in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. of water clarity, algae, plants and fish. Tallahassee, FL 32310-3760 Cards are alphabetized, bound by grommet. Recommended for general public. (Video: 24 904/488-4033 (UF/IFAS) Refer to SM 50 $10 minutes) (UF/IFAS) SV 398 $15 6 (continued Q and A from page 5) Who can help me identify this plant? VOLUNTEER There is a great deal of information avail- able concerning aquatic plant identification. (See BULLETIN BOARD Aquatic Plant Reference Material on page 6.) However, if a plant has you completely stumped, you can always send a sample to one of the Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management’s LAKEWATCH Volunteers Be Watching for your invitation to your Annual regional biologists, the Center for Aquatic Plants, Volunteer Appreciation Regional Meeting. Meetings will be held all over the state or the FLW office for identification. Take your through the rest of the year. So please be watching and plan to attend if at all possible. We pick, but remember to call ahead to make ar- have lots of good things in store for you including: rangements for identification of a plant. Be sure > educational displays to harvest the plant sample with all its parts > discussion of data packets (stem, leaves, roots and flowers), if possible. > aquatic plant identification Possible hydrilla samples should be > sneak preview of EPA’s Florida Lake Regions Project shown to a professional for identification, > t-shirt silk-screening and more! as it looks very much like another species. (Hydrilla was initially mistaken for another WANTED: PICKERELWEED SITES species here in Florida, until it was too late). Suitable sites are needed for a research project that will study the growth and Dr. Langeland says the best way to herbivory of pickerelweed in Florida. Requirements include: mail plant samples is to “get as much wa- ter out of the plant as possible and seal it > At least one acre dominated by pickerelweed (any shape area), into a plastic bag with as much air as pos- > Minimal (less than one foot of water) or predictable water level changes, sible.” (He suggests actually blowing into > Frequent access possible from shore or by boat, the bag before sealing it). A paper towel in > High probability that plants, PVC poles, and cages will be left undisturbed. the bag also helps. Glossary: If you know of sites that fit all, or most of these requirement s in which research Emergent: aquatic plants whose upper part are could be conducted over the next three years, please contact: Alison Fox, University of held above the water, with roots in the water. Florida, (352/392-1808) or e-mail: [email protected]. (Ex. bulrush or cattails)) * Alison will also be looking for native herbivores (plant eaters) of pickerelweed, so please Submersed: aquatic plants growing underwater let her know if during 1997 you observe any clumps/areas of these plants being damaged (Ex. hydrilla or pondweed) by insects. Floating-Leaved: plants whose roots are attached to the bottom, yet leaves are on surface Are you a member of a Homeowner or Lake Association? of the water. (Ex. waterlilies) LAKEWATCH is interested in learning about homeowner and lake management Floating:: Plants that are freely floating on the associations in Florida. If you are a member of such a group, or know someone water surface. (Ex. water hyacinth or duckweed) that is, please call us (1-800-525-3928). We’ll look forward to hearing from you.
Why are Florida lakes so Aquatic Plant Management Society 37th Annual Meeting productive? July 13-16 When a lake has an abundance of Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa / Fort Myers, FL aquatic plant life, it is often called a Contact: Alison Fox “productive” lake. Why are Florida lakes so (352) 392-1808 productive? The same nutrient-rich soils and sub- Florida Aquatic Plant Managment Society 1997 Annual Meeting: tropical climate that attracted farmers to this October 7-9 state many years ago are also responsible for West Palm Beach, Sheraton it’s productive water bodies. Therefore, it Contact Mike Hulon, Program chair at 407/846-5300 should be no surprise that when a lake hap- pens to be situated on fertile soils, which are constantly enriching the water, an end re- sult is often an abundance of aquatic plants. LAKEWATCH has a new number! This is especially important to con- 1-800-LAKEWATCH sider when evaluating strategies for lake 1-800-LAKEWATCH management. In most cases, trying to attain (1-800-525-3928) crystal clear water in a lake situated on fer- Volunteers, please make a note of our new number. tile soils is unrealistic and can be expensive, P.S. All 1-800-LAKEWATCH calls are charged by the minute, so we do ask that requiring intense maintenance. callers anticipating lengthy calls please leave a message When assessing the quality of a lake, and we’ll call you right back. it’s important to remember that Florida’s Also, LAKEWATCH still has the original number (352) 392-9617 ext 228. more productive lakes can also provide ex- Thank you! cellent fish and wildlife habitat.
7 Dear Friend of Your Lake, Do you have a concern about your lake and an interest in its future? You deserve help in your efforts to learn about and manage your lake’s precious ecosystem. If you have access to any type of boat, can spend two hours each month on your lake, and are willing to monitor for at least a year, you might be eligible for the Florida LAKEWATCH volunteer program. Florida LAKEWATCH is currently the only research program gathering monthly data to study such a large number and a wide variety of Florida’s lakes. However, with- out the help of volunteers, it would not be possible. We need you! In return for your participation in the Florida LAKEWATCH program, you will receive: * a newsletter subscription * supplies & use of sampling equipment * training in monitoring procedures * periodic reports on your monthly data, including an annual report * access to lake experts (limnologists) * invitations to LAKEWATCH seminars
For more information about how you can become a LAKEWATCH volunter, contact: Florida LAKEWATCH 7922 NW 71st Street Gainesville, FL 32653 Students from Eagle Eye Inc. display their stencil used 1-800-LAKEWATCH (1-800-525-3928) or call (352) 392-9617 ext. 228 to educate the public about stormwater runoff. See story on page 2. MORE ABOUT LAKE ASSOCIATIONS
The following is a continuation of our series filtration tank. That’s how we got started to Kingsley designated as an Outstanding of articles/information concerning lake deal with this issue. We were getting large Florida Waterway. associations. We thought it would be useful amounts of algae in the lake, and I don’t know “Our association even purchased a to talk with FLW volunteers that are about anyone else, but I don’t like to put my foot building; we lease the property back to the involved in a lake association, to gain their where I can’t see it.” county to be used as a civic center. The county perspective. Here’s what they had to say: “We’ve also had a landfill move in and handles the maintenance of tennis courts, and we proved that the landfill runoff would end up playgrounds, etc. Pam Martin is a member of the Lake in the lake, so in permitting they were denied “We currently have a huge project star- Hickory Nut Homeowners Association. the ability to collect hazardous material. ing us in the face—the possible addition of a She’s lived on Hickory Nut for 15 years. Her “We have a pretty tight-knit and active sewer system coordinated with the renova- reasons for becoming involved in a lake as- group. We always have the most members show tion of the waste water utilities at Camp sociation? up at the FLW regional meetings. We have break- Blanding (Florida National Guard base). “I became very involved in trying to fast after lake sampling each month. We also try We’ve been talking to them about hooking do something about the changes our lake to have lunch together once a month (with as up to their sewer system, as opposed to our was going through. A couple of other neigh- many as 28 people). It’s like a big family. current septic system. LAKEWATCH data bors wanted to start a home owners asso- “I think it’s important to get involved. We has shown us that algae levels spike in the ciation, and I was trying to find out, from want our kids to learn that people can make a summer. Our association thinks it’s because the county, what was wrong with the lake. difference. I’ve always learned that when you the septic tanks are getting older. It seemed the home owners association give, you usually receive something in return. “There are some pretty major issues would be a good way to keep neighbors in- Also, I think people should understand how to deal with when it comes to taking care of a formed of lake management issues. Our lake valuable LAKEWATCH is. Water is the most lake, ranging from water conditions to safety. had changed so drastically that everyone got important thing in Florida, in my opinion. We “For example, we recently had a Law involved, including the Orange County En- need it for fishing, boating and for everything Enforcement Appreciation Dinner/Meeting. vironmental Protection Agency (EPA). We else including bathing and drinking! We’re sit- The law enforcement officers talked about all sat down and discussed the situation. ting on top of the aquifer and if we don’t start what they do, along with discussion of new “Lake Hickory Nut is located in protecting it, we’re going to be in trouble.” boating safety laws. (We’re currently looking amongst orange groves, with very little land very seriously at water safety.) development. However, Conserve II was Mr. Dub Murphree is a resident of “We’ve decided to attack the jet ski using reclaimed water (treated waste wa- Kingsley Lake in Clay county. “Our association problem head on. There are too many reck- ter) to spray the orange groves. This re- (the Kingsley Lake Property Owners Associa- less people out there, and we’re afraid that claimed water was directly affecting the tion) started at least 10 years ago to address ho- somebody’s going to get hurt. We’re encour- water level of the lake. After a lot of discus- meowner issues. Once the association was aging people to report violations, as well as sion it was agreed that they are now only formed, lake issues ultimately became part of its trying to educate all our members, and lake allowed to run so much water through one ongoing agenda including the push to get residents, about boating safety laws.”
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