I�m John Findeisen, team leader of the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division�s Aquatic Habitat Enhancement team. My team has been installing floating booms on lakes Fork, Palestine, Martin Creek, Caddo, and Naconiche. These booms are not intended to prevent anglers from fishing within the enclosed area, rather, they were installed to contain as much of a giant salvinia infestation as possible, assisting with the management of this aggressive, non-native plant. Concentrating giant salvinia in an area helps prevent the further spread of this unwanted plant to other areas of the reservoir, increases efficiency and effectiveness of herbicide treatment(s), decreases the overall amount of herbicide used, and serves as a potential production area for giant salvinia weevils (as is the case on Caddo Lake).

If you want to fish on the other side of a boom, we recommend that you idle over the boom until the outboard motor gets close, then kill and raise the motor and ease over the boom with your trolling motor/paddle/push pole/etc. We also ask that you cross the boom (going in and coming out) in spots where no giant salvinia is along the boom. This will help keep the salvinia contained in the boomed-off area. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and helps TPWD continue to make fishing better in Texas.

Thanks,

John Findeisen
Natural Resources Specialist V
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Inland Fisheries Division - Aquatic Habitat Enhancement

John.Findeisen@tpwd.texas.gov

Thank you sir, appreciate the information.

Jim

Very good info, never knew what that intent of the booms was. Knew they were to keep salvania contained but did not know we could cross the booms.

We appreciate y'all posting that sir.

This is great to know! Thanks

I have a question, If the area within the booms are being treated with herbicide. How safe is it to fish in and around that area?

Great question! The area is safe to fish in and around. We are conducting foliar herbicide applications (spraying directly on the plant). The herbicides we are using (flumioxazin, penoxsulam, diquat, and glyphosate) are all EPA approved for aquatic use and entry into the treated area is allowed once the herbicide has dried on the plant (typically less than 20-30 minutes after being treated). Hope this helps.

John I like the way you got the word out to the public thanks.

I saw the boom on Palestine and figure that was the case. Thanks for the info.

BTW, John welcome aboard.

Good information, will pass it on to the folks I fish with .

Thanks John. I have a cabin on Chaney Creek in Fork and wished I had known this info when the boom was up across it. Would have crossed it if I knew it was OK. I didn't so I didn't.

There is no way that I would go into the area contained by the boom if the area has been sprayed with that toxic group of chemicals. These chemicals have been banned in some countries that are not under the control of companies like Monsanto.
John, I don't see how you can justify putting those chemicals into our water supplies. There are numerous studies showing the detrimental effects on humans and other animals.
John, I suggest that if you think these are so safe, that you collect several gallons of water from the sprayed areas, take the water home, and have you and your family drink it regularly. Report back in six months.
Salvinia is a nuisance; glyphosate is a poison.
If you need links to the studies, I will dig them out and post.
HHH

Not this makes it OK but people in Texas have been boating and even swimming in waters sprayed by the state for hydrilla. Ever see a "Lake Closed" sign when this spraying was going on or recently completed? HMMMM

Well the salvanai spread via boat hull if I go in and back out to other areas that are not contaminated?

Question, do you live in California, or are you just trolling? Either way, we don�t want or need your help...

I live in Athens and was told about this thread --- due to the fact that I fish the lake all the time I was interested. Nice read except for the 2 quotes I copied

FIRST: to crapicat --- who is this "WE" you refer to when taking a shot at HHH ? He/she has a right to express an opinion about chemicals being put in our water supply. Not that I agree with the opinion or not he/she still has that right. AND what in the HECK does living in California have to do with anything

SECOND: to HHH --- How can you make a statement to JOHN about the chemicals they used for the spraying ? I did not read anywhere above where he identified the chemicals used for this issue. Many chemicals that are used in pest and plant control are perfectly safe for us humans,,,,,but even at that to make a blanket statement such as "that toxic group of chemicals" is completely irresponsible. Unless you have certain knowledge of what was used you shouldn't make that statement.

JOHN -- Thanks for the job you do, the information you posted and your attempt to keep Lake Athens clear of this bad weed ...... just don't kill our other grass.

flukeman - 7 posts down from the top John comes back and mentions glyphosate.
Bad stuff. There are lawyers advertising all over the place if you have been diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer and have ever been in contact with glyphosate to contact them to get in on the class action lawsuit.

It is possible but it's always a good idea to check before you go from an infested area to one that is not.

good point about checking , it does get caught in the JP alot. And taking off it just settles on the bottom inside of the plate, until you come off plane. Just a thought

To all that have commented. I did not intend to start a fight or name calling session. However, as a concerned citizen who owns lake front property on Lake Palestine, and who regularly fishes and swims in the lake, I am troubled by the injection of toxic chemicals into my water supply. The following are links to information on the four chemicals that the TPWD is spraying on the lake to control vegetation. You can do searches to find more information and make your own decisions. I have also pasted the quote from Mr. Findeisen of the TPWD.
---------------------
John Findeisen
Natural Resources Specialist V
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Inland Fisheries Division - Aquatic Habitat Enhancement

John.Findeisen@tpwd.texas.gov

Great question! The area is safe to fish in and around. We are conducting foliar herbicide applications (spraying directly on the plant). The herbicides we are using (flumioxazin, penoxsulam, diquat, and glyphosate) are all EPA approved for aquatic use and entry into the treated area is allowed once the herbicide has dried on the plant (typically less than 20-30 minutes after being treated). Hope this helps.
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- Flumioxazin: https://www.valent.com/Data/Labels/2011-CLP-0001%20Clipper%20-%20form%201791-A.pdf

- Penoxsulam: http://fluoridealert.org/wp-content/pesticides/msds/penoxsulam.label.granite.gr.pdf

- Diquat: https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/plants/factsheets/DiquatFactsheet.pdf

- Glyphosate: https://www.ecowatch.com/15-health-problems-linked-to-monsantos-roundup-1882002128.html
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HHH

Hey, flukeman, to answer your question on the �WE� comment...I have a license, to spray chemicals...so the we is reflective of anyone holding such a license. Regarding the �California� comment...As a license holder, I get overly tired of overtly Liberal tree hugging comments from anyone, that don�t understand anything about the processes involved...yet they feel compelled to make blanket statements through ignorance...this phenomenon seems rampant from the California raised individuals...so if you believe I unfairly identified you or some good California person, well I apologize to you...but where I come from there is a saying...�If the shoe fits, wear it�

Hope this clears up your concerns about my comments. As Paul Harveyused to say, Good Day...

It�s funny how the right doesn�t trust the government except when it comes to fracking and chemicals in our water

Don't bring Fracs into it, unless you work on a chemical crew in the industry, which you don't, by your comment. Anyone that does, knows better. Fresh water supplies are not found in the same layers/depth, as oil and gas deposits.

You�re right. You�ve got to drill past the water.

You must work in the industry. Cause that�s the only people I know that defend it.

I know you were trying to make a point, but that one flew right over my head...please explain...who is the �right� and what is it the right doesn�t trust about our government, specifically...and what knowledge/experience is it that qualifies you to make these determinations? Thanks in advance for your clarification!

Yea, but our media and every �social Justice� cause conveniently omits the relevant facts because it just does not serve their narrative. Like the guy that thinks swimming in water in the same lake where spot foliage spraying techniques are used is somehow a threat to his health, happiness, welfare (value of his property) without even a rudimentary understanding of what he is saying but says it anyway, just because he has a mouth and can�t disengage it long enough to fully understand the facts...Jumping J just remember, it takes all kinds to make a world,...kind of reminds me of the old Chevy Chase movies...

Notaguide, unless your car is a bicycle, you're welcome. Frac on! (Why yes, I am in the industry.)

cormorants suck !!