WEBSTER, Parish, La.,
(KNOE 8 News) - Helicopters are expected to be hovering over Lake
Bistineau in the near future for a periodic, aerial herbicide spray to
treat giant salvinia.
The La. Dept. of
Wildlife and Fisheries has contracted two days of helicopter spraying to
control plants in the large, open areas starting Tuesday, November 27.
Following the aerial treatment, airboats will concentrate on those
areas with thick concentrations among dense cypress tree stands.
The
aerial spraying will be applied to selected areas where giant salvinia
growth is particularly heavy. "A helicopter will be used to spray
herbicide on approximately 800 acres of giant salvinia," explained LDWF
Aquatic Plant Control Coordinator Alex Perret. "Areas that will be
treated include the southern portion of the lake, which has recently
experienced a surge in growth. Most of the large mats are located on
the western side of the lake."
The heavier concentrations of were
restricted to the northern portion of the lake. However, heavy rains
have pushed the plant material over a Department-installed control boom
into the southern portion of the lake, which is relatively open. With
nothing to restrict the plant's reproduction, growth exploded in these
open areas. Fortunately, these large mats are easily treated in open
waters.
With cooler temperatures moving in, results may be
delayed, but the overall effectiveness of the herbicide will not be
impacted. Results are expected within three days, but it could take up
to three weeks for the plants to completely sink.
None of the
herbicides to be used are harmful to lake ecosystems, animal life or
humans, and are approved by the EPA. Activities will not be restricted
on the lake, but notices indicating the areas to be sprayed will be
posted at all boat ramps in the area. Department personnel will also be
on hand to ensure no boaters are in the areas to be sprayed.
Giant
salvinia is a free floating plant that does not attach to the soil, but
instead remains buoyant on the surface of a body of water. The
invasive, aquatic plant was discovered on Lake Bistineau in February of
2006 and has the potential to double in biomass every three to five
days.
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting many of Louisiana's abundant
natural resources.
For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffbor follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
http://www.knoe.com
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