FWC News Release
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Media contact: Joy Hill, 352-258-3426

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists treated Lake Lawne in Orange County for hydrilla last week and will monitor the lake for the next 90 days in case additional treatments are necessary.

The lake was treated with the Sonar AS™, an herbicide approved for use in lakes by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and commonly used by the FWC for hydrilla control. There are no restrictions for fishing, swimming or consumption by humans or animals.

However, the treated water should not be used for lawn or plant irrigation for the next 100 days, because some plants could be sensitive.

Signs notifying the public of the treatments will remain at the Barnett Park boat ramp for the duration of the monitoring and treatment period. They will be removed once the final treatment has been completed.

Hydrilla is an invasive, exotic aquatic plant spread easily by boats throughout the state's lakes and rivers. It clogs waterways, making recreational activities difficult or impossible and 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 at 321-246-0682.