FWC conducts aquatic plant control on Lake Okeechobee

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct an aerial treatment for aquatic plant control in portions of Lake Okeechobee the week of Oct. 6, weather permitting. The FWC will treat invasive Luziola subintegra (neotropical water grass) in areas where it exists in dense monocultures to limit ecological damage to the lake's beneficial native plant communities and to preserve native habitat.

Invasive neotropical water grass is an Early Detection Rapid Response species on Lake Okeechobee and requires immediate and thorough treatment to prevent further expansion within the lake and potential infestation of other waterbodies. Treatment will take place along the marsh edge within the Fisheating Bay area and could affect boat traffic.

For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the "What's Happening on My Lake" website at MyFWC.com/Lakes.

For more information about the treatment, contact the FWC's Invasive Plant Management Section at [email protected] or 850-617-9430.