Presenter: Dr. Larry McKinney
Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Briefing
Aquatic Vegetation/Aquatic
Exotic
November 1998
I. DISCUSSION: At the August 1997 Parks and Wildlife Commission Public Hearing, several constituent groups provided testimony before the Parks and Wildlife Commission about the use of aquatic herbicides for managing nuisance aquatic vegetation. Among concerns raised were these:
- Health and safety risks
that may be associated with
aquatic herbicide use in
drinking water supplies;
- Proper notification of
local citizens when herbicides
were to be applied;
- Need for fish habitat enhancement
not eradication of exotic
species;
- Loss of fish and wildlife
habitat;
- Lack of regulations regarding
use of aquatic herbicides;
and
- Needs for water body management plans
At the direction of the Commission, TPW staff began a review of the agency’s aquatic habitat management strategies and tactics, with the ultimate goal of reviewing the TPW aquatic habitat management program. To help in this task, TPW invited service on Aquatic Vegetation Task Force, the members of which represent those groups having interests in effective and safe management of aquatic habitats.
This briefing will provide the Commission with the results of this program review and information concerning future aquatic plant management strategies.
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