The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will undertake a project to enhance habitat and improve public access in the Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area in Glades County. The work, set to begin on December 2, involves treating invasive plants and vegetation obstructing the Fisheating Creek channel.
The initiative aims to boost native plant diversity, wildlife foraging opportunities, and recreational access through aerial herbicide treatments. Invasive climbing fern in Cowbone Marsh, water hyacinth in lakes along the channel, and dense willows blocking the creek channel are targeted.
Aerial treatment will cover up to 500 acres of climbing fern in Cowbone Marsh through spot treatment, 25 acres of water hyacinth in lakes along the channel, and 8 acres of willows over a 25-foot-wide path along a 2.6-mile stretch. The entire project area spans within the 18,380-acre Fisheating Creek WMA.
Helicopters will be used due to accessibility issues and the size of the treatment area. The selective herbicides are registered with both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for aquatic use. All applications will adhere to recommended label rates without restrictions on fishing, swimming or drinking.
FWC project managers will oversee operations to ensure compliance with project boundaries and specifications outlined in their scope of work.
Freshwater marshes like Cowbone Marsh provide crucial habitats for fish and wildlife including endangered species such as the Everglade snail kite, wading birds, waterfowl, among others. This project also aims to enhance access for anglers, hunters, boaters, paddlers, and other recreationists.
Selective management techniques using herbicides form part of an integrated approach employed by FWC across many lakes, marshes, and wetlands throughout Florida.
For more information about FWC’s Aquatic Habitat Conservation projects visit MyFWC.com/AquaticHabitat. General information about waterbodies can be found at MyFWC.com/Lakes.