Search by Keyword
Search by Department
All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesAn invasive aquatic plant species, Giant salvinia, has been found in parts of Bayou Chico, one of only five locations throughout the state where the South American species has been positively identified. Confirmation of the floating plant was made by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Tuesday, June 12.
Giant salvinia grows rapidly, producing dense floating mats in freshwater and low salinity environments such as ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. These vegetative mats can disrupt water flow and cause flooding, shade out native plant species, lower dissolved oxygen concentrations, and create an ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes.
The FWC has begun targeted treatment using aquatic herbicides in all three main freshwater tributaries to the bayou. The herbicides have been approved for use in waterways by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Treatment is planned to continue as necessary. Boaters and anglers can also help prevent the spread of Giant salvinia by removing all aquatic plants from propellers, intakes, trailers, and gear before leaving Bayou Chico boat launch facilities.
New sightings of giant salvinia outside of the Bayou Chico system should be immediately reported to FWC at 850-617-9430. For more information about giant salvinia visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission or UF/IFAS's Center for Aquaitic and Invasive Plants.
Escambia County personnel recently conducted surveys of surrounding area waterbodies to determine if the species spread to other waterways, and no additional infestations were found outside the Bayou Chico system. County surveys are planned to continue as necessary.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
Under Florida law, IP addresses and both the content of emails and email addresses are public records. If you do not want your IP address and the content of your email or your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in person.