Texas Launches New Front in War on Invasive Species
Photo Used with Permission - Copyright Larry D. Hodge
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department today launched a public awareness campaign asking people to help control one of the most dangerous invasive aquatic species the state has ever known — giant salvinia.
A native of Brazil, giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is a floating, rootless fern that can double its coverage area in less than a week. The invasive plant, first discovered in a small pond near Houston in 1998, has been reported in 17 Texas lakes, including some of the state’s most popular recreational water bodies: Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Caddo Lake, Sheldon Lake, Lake Texana and Lake Conroe.
Left unchecked, giant salvinia can choke off boating and fishing access to an entire lake, clog power plant water intakes, and displace beneficial native plants needed by fish.
“Not only is giant salvinia endangering the ecology of our Texas lakes, it’s threatening the economies of lakeside communities that depend on fishing, boating, and tourism,” said Carter Smith, TPWD executive director.
“The truth is most invasive species cannot be eradicated; we can only hope to slow their spread or prevent their arrival,” said Peter Holt, TPW Commission chairman. “Education is indeed critical, and with this effort we have a chance to rally public support, thanks to additional funding from the Texas Legislature and help from many partners.”
“Texans need to be aware of the threat from giant salvinia and active in its management,” said Gov. Rick Perry. “If we don’t get a handle on it and the other invasive species that are working their way into our ecosystem, the Texas we know and love will be changed forever and not for the better.”
With the arrival of the spring outdoor recreation season, TPWD is launching a campaign to educate the public about ways to identify, report and stop giant salvinia, which is usually spread unknowingly by people moving their boats from lake to lake.
“It only takes one little tiny section of a plant to start a new infestation,” said Howard Elder, an aquatic vegetation control expert in TPWD’s Inland Fisheries Division.
Transporting giant salvinia — as well as other invasive species — is prohibited by state law. It is class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation.
Because it grows so fast, mechanical methods to remove the plant are impractical and the use of herbicides amounts to a costly, after-the-fact control measure.
“No one has enough money to fix the problem once this plant gets established,” Elder said, emphasizing that the key to stop its spread is an informed citizenry who care about healthy Texas lakes.
“We need everyone to keep their eyes open,” Elder said. “Learn to identify giant salvinia and other invasive species and report infestations to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Clean your boat, trailer and gear thoroughly when you leave the water.”
One thing is clear at the outset: all the messages won’t do any good without the active involvement of the public, especially boaters, anglers and lakeside communities.
“The only way we can beat giant salvinia is if everyone understands how important it is to always clean their boat, jet ski, trailer and gear when leaving a lake,” Elder said.
What you can do:
