Hydrilla....More Info on the Project

[N. Cook]

Thanks to those who listed the locations where hydrilla control has been detrimental to ducks on the other string on the subject.

This string is to keep you up to date on new information.

There was an imprortant meeting of the Professionals who are involved in the management of hydrilla from various agencies in Dec. 2004. The draft report (all 68 pages) can be found on the Fl. Dept. of Enviromental Protection web site. Search for: Hydrilla Management in Florida: A Summary and Disscussion of Issues Identified by Professionals with Future Mangement Recommendations.(www.dep.state.fl.us)
Lots of interesting information in a rather technical paper. The following on page 5:

"Fluridone and Endothall are the two chemicals currently available for use on large systems."

Fluridone is the most used chemical.

"Fluridone most effective in January-May due to low rainfall increasing contact time, and lower light availability for growth."

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE WE HEARD THAT THE CHEMICALS HAVE TO BE APPLIED IN OCT??????

I suggest those who want to be (polite please) out spoken on the hydrilla topic read this paper and make notes......for use in your comments at meetings.....this is a good reference document.

Incidentally....."65% of hydrilla control total budget is spent on Lake Istokpoga and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes."

[Converted]

Here's a direct link to the document (all 67 pages)

Hydrilla Management in Florida (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/invaspec/2ndlevpgs/pdfs/Hydrilla%20Management%20Final%20for%20Reviewers%20 Mar%208.pdf)

[N. Cook]

There is a project on some STAs, if not all in time, to replace hydrilla with:

Bushy pond weed
Coon tail

These two plants have been seeded by helicopter in some STA3/4 cells.
They are said to be more efficient at removing phosporous than hydrilla.

I expect to be speaking with Diane at the DU Convention this weekend and will determine the value of these plants to ducks.

[Converted]

Excellent News Newton!

Bushy pond weed or southern Naiads as it is also know is rated as an "Excellent waterfowl food source"

Here is a link to some info

Maryland DNR (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/sav/key/naiads_new.asp)

"the entire plant is relished as food by waterfowl" from

USGS Wildlife Research Center (http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/mnplant/pope.htm)

The area that I hunted extensively this year was thick with Southern Naiads and thick with ducks. In mid December the water was completely covered with the seeds from this plant. That seed cover lasted through the end of the season.

[Randy Clark]

great lets plant it all over duck food thats good for water filtration just got to love it