Invasive plant taking over areas of Lake Okeechobee to be controlled with herbicides

​This afternoon, June 19, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sent out a press release regarding their upcoming plans to control another plant taking over portions of Lake Okeechobee.

"FWC will conduct an aerial treatment for plant control in portions of Lake Okeechobee [in June] weather permitting. The FWC will treat invasive Wright’s nutrush (Scleria lacustris) in areas where it is encroaching on beneficial native emergent vegetation and could impact access to navigation," the release states in part.

The University of Florida's website states that Wright's nutrush (Scleria lacustris) is a non-native sedge that has become increasingly prevalent in Florida wetlands, and while once rare, is now found in river basins within seven counties. This plant has the potential to alter the composition and structure of native wetland communities, encroaching on critical habitats of local species.

Wrights nutrush is only one of many plants the FWC has been trying to control with herbicides on Lake Okeechobee. According to information posted by FWC, plants currently being treated include water hyacinth, water lettuce and Cuban Bulrush--to name only a few.

Treatments include a variety of herbicides including Diquat, Flumioxazin, Carfentrazone and ProcellaCOR.

"These treatments will take place within the southwest marshes and will not affect boat traffic," the release noted.
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The FWC encourages anyone looking to find out more about the herbicides being used and if there are any use restrictions associated with these treatments, visit MyFWC.com/Lakes and click on the “Plant Mgmt Schedule of Operations” under the “Aquatic Plants” dropdown menu.