Contact:

Aquatic Invasive Species Team
aquatic.invasives@tpwd.texas.gov
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, Texas 78744

 

Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation

Not all aquatic vegetation is "nuisance" vegetation. Most lakes and rivers contain some plant life. Tiny, free-floating algae known as phytoplankton provide food for insects and other invertebrates, which are eaten in turn by fish. Large plants such as water lilies provide cover and food for fish and other wildlife. Aquatic ecosystems with healthy plant communities are usually more productive than those without plants.

Sometimes, however, aquatic plants get out of control. Overabundant vegetation can limit recreational access, restrict flow rates in canals and rivers, interfere with industrial water uses, and harm fish and wildlife. Problems are most likely to arise when exotic plant species are involved. In recent decades, species such as hydrilla, water hyacinth, and giant salvinia have invaded many Texas waterways. These introduced plants often grow rapidly, displacing more beneficial native species, and they can travel from one watershed or water body to another by way of boats and non-motorized watercraft, boat trailers, vehicles, and other equipment used in the water.

TPWD Activities

Elimination of all aquatic vegetation is seldom practical, or even desirable. As the agency responsible for managing fish and wildlife resources in this state, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department focuses on stands of plants that directly affect the health and recreational use of those resources and works with other organizations to develop treatment measures that minimize harm to the environment. The primary responsibility for vegetation control in waters not directly controlled by TPWD rests with landowners and agencies that control water use.

Public Water

Under the State Aquatic Vegetation Plan, organizations and individuals wishing to conduct vegetation management activities in public water must first submit a Treatment Proposal for review by TPWD and local controlling entities, except that lakefront landowners can remove floating aquatic plants from around their docks/shorelines without a Treatment Proposal. The proposal form and other useful information are provided in the aquatic vegetation management guidance document (see below). Physical removal of exotic (non-native) aquatic plants designated as harmful or potentially harmful species requires an Aquatic Vegetation Removal Permit for Exotic Species except for removal by lakefront landowners/managers or their agents with an approved Treatment Proposal, provided the plants can be securely black bagged or fully dried or composted before transport for disposal. Anyone who is not a lakefront landowner/manager or their agent, who is removing these plants for hire or using a mechanical harvester, or landownerswho cannot bag or fully dry the plants prior to transport for disposal must always obtain a permit. There is no cost for this permit for public waters. For your convenience, a link to the application for this permit is provided below.

Private Water

When aquatic nuisance vegetation appears in a private lake or pond, control is up to the landowner. Resources to assist in determining the best treatment method are listed below. Treatment proposals are not required for private property, except when aquatic vegetation is being treated on a non-impounded creek or when prohibited exotic aquatic vegetation is physically removed. A link to the treatment proposal form, which includes the exotic species permit application ($27 fee for private waters) is provided above. However, certain control methods are governed by state law. A TPWD permit is required to stock triploid grass carp in public or private water. Use of herbicides containing 2,4-D requires a pesticide applicator's license; check with the Texas Department of Agriculture for the latest regulations. Physical removal of exotic (non-native) aquatic plants designated as harmful or potentially harmful species requires an Aquatic Vegetation Removal Permit for Exotic Species unless the plants can be securely black bagged or fully dried or composted before transport for disposal. Anyone removing these plants for hire or using a mechanical harvester or who cannot bag or fully dry the plants prior to transport for disposal must always obtain a permit. For private waters, the cost of this permit is $27. For your convenience, a link to the application for this permit is provided below.