A South American lake weed known as giant salvinia is posing a huge threat to the Texas ecosystem, officials warned Thursday.
The floating, rootless fern has spread to 17 Texas lakes after it was first discovered in a small pond near Houston 12 years ago. The carpet-like plant grows so fast it can double its coverage area in less than a week, and it threatens power plant water intakes, the fishing industry and recreational tourism, officials say.
“This giant salvinia is the real deal,” said Gov. Rick Perry. “This is a real threat to the future of our waterways in the state of Texas. If we don’t get a handle on it ... Texas is going to be changed forever, and not in a good way.”
Perry joined wildlife officials at a news conference Thursday to launch a $280,000 public awareness campaign aimed at educating Texans about the plant, a native of Brazil. Authorities are urging Texans to clean off their fishing gear and boats to help prevent the spread of the plant from lake to lake.
It’s already a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, to transport giant salvinia and other invasive species. But authorities say they are focused on educating the public about the weed’s dangers and how to reduce its spread.
Even a tiny fragment of the plant can multiply and wreak havoc on Texas lakes. Peter Holt, chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission, said authorities discovered a 2,000-acre patch of the plant near Toledo Bend after heavy rains dislodged it last fall.
“This is tough stuff,” Holt said. “It’s almost an overnight thing.”
The plant has quarter- to half-dollar-size green leaves and spreads into dense mats on the water’s surface. Authorities are studying the use of a natural predator weevil, but in the meantime they’re spraying the plant with a herbicide, typically glyphosate. Texas Parks & Wildlife Director Carter Smith said the chemical is highly targeted and does not cause injury or damage to waterways.
Among the lakes affected by the plant are Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Caddo, Sheldon, Texana and Conroe.
