News Releases

Hydrilla treatment scheduled for Butler Chain

News Release

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Media contact: Joy Hill, 352-258-3426

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will treat the Butler Chain of Lakes for hydrilla throughout the month of May as an additional part of the treatments from March. 

The FWC will treat the hydrilla on lakes Down, Butler and Tibet with Sonar AS™ and Aquathol™, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves for use in lakes and which the FWC commonly uses for hydrilla control. Lakes Louise, Isleworth, Blanche and Sheen will be treated with Galleon™, another EPA-approved aquatic herbicide commonly used to treat lakes for hydrilla.

There are no restrictions for fishing, swimming or water consumption by humans or animals. However, some vegetation could be sensitive, so the FWC recommends that lakefront residents do not use the treated water for irrigation for 50 days where Galleon™ is used and 100 days for Sonar AS™ and Sonar Q™. To find out suggested restrictions for specific lakes, residents should contact the FWC at 321-246-0682.

Hydrilla is an invasive, exotic aquatic plant easily spread by boats throughout the state's lakes and rivers. It clogs waterways, making recreational activities difficult or impossible, and it chokes out beneficial native plants. Managing and treating it is necessary for the health of Florida's waters and to enable continued recreational boating and other aquatic activities.

For questions about this treatment, contact Alicia Knecht, FWC invasive plant management regional biologist, at 321-246-0682.