Invasive Aquatic Plants

Invasive Aquatic Plants
Although this may seem to be a pretty site, the uncontrolled growth of invasive plant life is a very harmful situation to the waterways of Florida. This should be a usable waterway and dock access on the St Johns River but, left unchecked has become useless for all concerned. Most Florida public lakes and rivers are shallow and capable of supporting submersed as well as floating plants across most or all of their surfaces. Couple this topography with a nearly year-round growing season. Add the phenomenal growth of invasive plants, and it becomes clear that plants must be managed to conserve the uses and functions of Florida public waters.
Problems caused by invasive aquatic plants include:
1) Loss of recreation
2) Severe oxygen depletion
3) Stunted fish populations and fish kills
4) Water-flow restrictions, flooding
5) Navigation restrictions
6) Accelerated sedimentation
7) Habitat destruction
8) Reduction in biodiversity
9) Reduction in property values
Thanks for information provided by: University of Florida - IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. The UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants is a multidisciplinary research, teaching and extension unit directed to develop environmentally sound techniques for the management of aquatic and natural area weed species and to coordinate aquatic plant research activities within the State of Florida. The Center was established in 1978 by the Florida legislature.