Plant Control Ongoing At Lake Okeechboee

CLEWISTON, FL. -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is conducting aquatic plant control on Lake Okeechobee from Nov. 5-9, weather permitting.

There will be an aerial treatment of up to 5,000 acres of invasive water lettuce in the southeastern portion of the lake, including Coot Bay, East Wall, South Bay and Ritta, Torrey and Kreamer Islands. The purpose of this treatment is to improve fish and wildlife habitat.

The treatment will be conducted using herbicides approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

There will be no restrictions on recreational activities on Lake Okeechobee, but the FWC is asking the public to avoid these areas of the lake during the days they are undergoing treatment.

Go to MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats and click on “Invasive Plants” to find out more about invasive plant management, including “Frequently Asked Questions.”