TPWD uses floating boom on several lakes to assist with the management of giant salvinia. Below is an update on each lake.

TPWD's Aquatic Habitat Enhancement team as well as several fisheries management offices removed the floating boom from upper end of Saline Bay on Lake Palestine. The boom was deployed to contain the first giant salvinia infestation on the reservoir. A second giant salvinia introduction, above the Hwy 315 bridge, was not detected until after the salvinia had spread across much of the upper lake. With the larger infestation seeding the rest of the lake, the boom was now more of an inconvenience to anglers and boaters and removed from the lake. Giant salvinia control efforts will continue on Lake Palestine to maintain recreational access. Please contact us (409.698.9121 ext 235 or John.Findeisen@tpwd.texas.gov) should you see any large mats of salvinia forming on Lake Palestine.

Giant salvinia was recently discovered in Brandy Branch Reservoir. The infestation was small and isolated at the boat ramp. Much of the salvinia was removed by hand and the area was also treated with herbicide to kill any remaining salvinia. A boom has been deployed at the boat ramp to help contain any salvinia still alive or any new introductions. The area will be monitored closely. This boom has an opening for boats to exit and re-enter the area. Please let us know if you see any large mats of salvinia here too.

Earlier this month the AHE team collected samples of giant salvinia from both arms of Lake Naconiche (above the booms) to monitor giant salvinia weevil abundance. The booms were placed in Lake Naconiche to prevent salvinia from continually floating down lake from areas too dangerous to operate herbicide treatment boats. These areas also provide nursery habitat for giant salvinia weevils. In 2018, the AHE team released approximately 102,500 giant salvinia weevils (total) above the booms at Lake Naconiche. The samples collected showed the weevils had established and survived the first part of the Winter. We will continue to monitor the weevils and release more in 2019 as well as maintain the area between the booms with spot treatments of giant salvinia.

The AHE team did not find giant salvinia on Lake Athens during this week's vegetation survey. We will continue to monitor the situation every 2-3 weeks and make a decision to move the boom there based on those results in the next month or two.

Finally, giant salvinia had been not observed in several vegetation surveys on Lake Fork (White Oak Creek) in the Summer 2018. However, Fall 2018 rains flushed previously undetected salvinia from the backs small feeder creeks into the area behind the boom. The AHE team conducted several herbicide treatments following the flushing and did not find any salvinia in this week's vegetation survey. We will continue to monitor the situation every 2-3 weeks as well. The boom will remain in White Oak Creek until we are sure the salvinia has been eradicated.

Please help stop the spread of giant salvinia by continuing to clean all the vegetation from your boats, trailers and gear at the ramp before leaving the lake. Thank you for your efforts.

Thanks for the update, John

Thanks for the update sir. Appreciate it

How long does salvinia or any weed for that matter survive on a dry boat trailer? Some lakes that have grass in them, even when letting all the water drain from the boat including the livewell, get weeds all on the bunks and rails of the trailer. Can that grass survive a week after drying out?

Great question. I�d like to know the answer as well. Thanks.