POSTED: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 - 12:33pm
UPDATED: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 - 12:44pm
Longview, TX — An invasive water weed that grows rapidly and chokes out other living plants on lakes has spread beyond Caddo Lake to at least four other East Texas lakes.
Giant salvinia, a non-native invasive aquatic plant, has been found at several lakes around East Texas over the past few months, leading to concerns over how quickly the destructive plant is spreading.
Since October, giant salvinia has been found at boat ramps on Lake O’ the Pines, Lake Wright Patman, Lake Gilmer and Lake Murval in Panola County, according to Lynn Wright, with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
“It’s not as severe yet at the other lakes,” said Lynn Wright, spokesman for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “We did initial cleanup when it was discovered at the other lakes and picked up all we could see.”
This has led to increased efforts by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department staff to inspect boat ramps for invasive plants and remove them before they become established.
Read more [1] from the Longview News-Journal.