Hydrophyte Volume 23 Issue 2 - April 2019

The South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society

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Highlights The Drones Are Coming Decoding Red Tide Eroding Shorelines Aquatic and Wetland Plants in Florida Plant Management in Florida Waters

Volume 23 Issue 2

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President’s Message

Hello fellow South Florida Management members!

Aquatic

Board Members - 2018

Plant

Officers 2019 Hughie Cucurullo, President (561) 845-5525 hcucurullo@avcaquatic.com

The warm humid days of the South Florida summer are BACK and it is time again to load up our boats with herbicide product and head out into the field to take care of those nuisance weeds and algae that will be popping back up after our Florida “winter”.

Andy Fuhrman, Vice President (954) 382-9766 afuhrman@allstatemanagement.com

We have a lot of great SFAPMS educational sessions lined up this year! I want to take a moment to thank Lee County Mosquito Control for hosting our first meeting of 2019. It was a nice change of pace to visit with our friends on the West Coast of Florida.

Board Members 2019

Make sure to check the calendar of other educational opportunities that are hosted throughout the state by UF/IFAS, FLMS or FAPMS. These opportunities to network and meet others in our field are so valuable in our constant quest for more knowledge in the field.

Linda Wolonick, Secretary/Treasurer (954) 370-0041 linda@expertbizsolution.com Scott Jackson, Immediate Past President (561) 402-0682 scott.jackson@syngenta.com

Rose Bechard-Butman (954) 519-0317 rbechardbutman@broward.org James Boggs (352) 521-3538 Lyn Gettys, Ph.D. (954) 577-6331 Scott Jackson (561) 402-0682 Dail Laughinghouse (954) 577-6382 Rory Roten, Ph.D. (321) 890-4367

boggsj@helenachemical.com lgettys@ufl.edu scott.jackson@syngenta.com hlaughinghouse@ufl.edu roryr@sepro.com

We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you on June 13!

Dharmen Setaram (407) 670-4094

dsetaram@landolakes.com

Hughie Cucurullo

Norma Swann (334) 741-9393

norma.swann@alligare.com

President

Steven Weinsier (954) 382-9766 sweinsier@allstatemanagement.com

The Francis E. “Chil” Rossbach Scholarship Fund

Credit: Cover Art Work by Holly Sutter

Funds from the scholarship are used to help defray costs for students taking classes related to the study of aquatic environmental sciences or related areas. The scholarship is open to anyone, and all are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted throughout the year and the scholarship awarded when a suitable candidate is found. Money raised by the Society during the year partially goes to fund this scholarship, the intent of which is to promote the study of aquatics.

For an application, please go to www.sfapms.org.

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FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION (FWC) ANNOUNCED THEY WOULD BE TEMPORARILY PAUSING ALL AQUATIC PLANT HERBICIDE TREATMENT BEGINNING JANUARY 28TH By: Andy Fuhrman | Allstate Resource Management

On January 24, 2019 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced they would be temporarily pausing all aquatic plant herbicide treatment beginning January 28th while collecting public comment from stakeholder meetings across Florida. This was a reaction to public outcry over perceived negative effects of herbicides on Florida waterways, allowing emotion to take precedence over science.

Throughout February, FWC conducted “listening sessions” to hear from stakeholders. These sessions were very well attended and proved to be contentious at times with multitudes of mis-information being vocalized by stakeholders while neglecting nearly 50 years of proven science in aquatic plant management.

The major points of contention from the public were: 1) Aquatic applicators are killing the lakes including beneficial vegetation and causing muck buildup 2) The products used are poison (glyphosate) 3) FWC needs to rely only harvesting and not spray chemicals 4) There is little to no oversight of the contractors who are performing the spraying Sadly, there was very little support from our industry during these sessions. At the Okeechobee meeting, there was only one pro plant management speaker, Carlton Layne, who was heckled, cursed at and told to sit down by the enraged audience.

During this time, the South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society prepared a letter statement in the form of a resolution. These were sent to FWC Director Eric Sutton and the FWC Commissioners at Invasiveplants@MyFWC.com. Letters were also prepared by FAPMS, FLMS, APMS and many other societies and individuals.

The FWC Commissioner’s meetings were held on February 20th and 21st with this issue on the schedule for the 21st at 8:30 am. On Wednesday February 20th, Jeremy Slade, Carlton Layne, Gerald Adrian, Scott Jackson, James Boggs, Clark Boyd, Amy Ferriter and Andy Fuhrman met in person in Gainesville with FAPMS President Kelli Gladding and Aquatics magazine editor Amy Gianniotti also participating via phone. The goal was to cover all of our talking points succinctly as each speaker was only permitted three minutes.

Unlike past meetings, our industry was the majority in the room. Applied Aquatic Management (AAM), the primary FWC contractor on Lake Okeechobee and the unfair target of public outrage, had three bus loads of AAM employees there by 7:15 a.m.

There were 44 speakers, about a third spoke favorably of the current FWC aquatic plant management plan. Dr. Jason Ferrell from the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Invasive Plants, was the first speaker and gave an excellent overview on the importance of aquatic plant management. Fourteen year old Henley Renney, daughter of FAPMS past president Jerry Renney of AAM, delivered a well-researched and heartfelt talk about the importance of what we do and Jerry followed with an equally powerful message.

At the end of the day, our message was heard and the science was the primary consideration expressed by FWC and the Commissioners. By the afternoon, FWC has directed their staff to move forward with the treatment program, with suggested improvements. This by no means, is the end of this.

Our industry is under the public’s microscope. It is imperative that we continue to maintain our professionalism and educate the public on why aquatic plant management is crucial and how our licensed state applicators continue to be the stewards of Florida waterways.

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Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) Trenchless Pipe Repair The (CIPP) cured in-place pipe restoration process is an economical and efficient alternative to traditional pipe system replacement due to age, cracks or leaks. This process is done to avoid having to replace the pipes. The epoxy liner installed to the pipes’ interior will seal and protect the system from further deterioration, dramatically extending the life of the piping systems.

This innovative, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP lining) system creates a long-term, structural pipe inside the existing host pipe system without digging or destruction to buildings or landscape. The pipe is rehabilitated to a better-than-new condition with an increased flow rate. The system eliminates weakened joints, seals cracks and eradicates the chance of groundwater pollution.

Why should your property consider CIPP? 1. Allows for pipes to be rehabilitated in place of excavation, which disrupts surrounding neighborhoods and businesses 2. Less expensive than replacing the pipe 3. Prevents future root intrusion, calcification and rotting 4. Has a 50-year design life Allstate Resource Management can renew pipelines beneath busy parking lots with CIPP without disrupting traffic.

We can keep your water owing!

CALL NOW FOR A FREE EVALUATION! 954.382.9766 http://www.allstatemanagement.com

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ERODING SHORELINES

The Unforeseen Danger as Rainy Season Approaches By: Brian Fischer | Lake & Wetland USA, LLC.

As the hurricane and rainy seasons approach, most condominium and homeowners associations are beginning preparations by making sure shutters are in working order, insurance policies are in place, and evacuation plans are distributed to residents. While we hope for a quiet “season”, there is one more issue that these residents should be aware of, that of eroding inland shorelines along lakes and golf courses. We continually hear about our eroding beaches, but rarely is there mention of similar dynamics affecting waterways miles from the ocean. Without proper maintenance, erosion can result in dangerous conditions for residents and golfers, ruin views, and cause legal problems for associations charged with overseeing these waterways.

While lakes in most Florida communities are beautiful, they were initially created as “retention” ponds, to control flooding during rainy season. Simply stated, when the rains come – and they will – the water flows into these lakes rather than building up and flooding communities. This strategy has been extremely successful, but as water flows in and out of these lakes, the fluctuation can cause significant erosion. You can notice this fluctuation during times of drought, when water levels are low, and then after a heavy rainfall.

Without continual care, these enjoyable bodies of water can fall into disrepair, resulting in unsightly and potentially dangerous conditions.

What are some of the problems and dangers associated with eroding shorelines?

• Erosion and fluctuating water levels de-stabilize the land. Unstable land can be hazardous – golfers walking along the shore could fall causing injury.

Golf cart accidents are typical. In addition, these conditions are hazardous for landscapers and lake management firms since heavy equipment frequently roll over.

• Those living on lakefront properties frequently avoid taking advantage of their backyard amenity due to dangerous condition and the loss of land will decrease property value.

• Fluctuating water levels become a haven for burrowing animals (otters, fish, iguanas) which also create these unstable shorelines.

• Eroding shorelines leave drainage pipes, sprinkler, and electrical, cable and Internet lines exposed and subject to erosion and costly repairs.

• Homes will remain at risk of flooding as well as falling into rivers/lakes due to water that has encroached under foundations.

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ERODING SHORELINES (CONT.)

Fortunately, there are strategies to control shoreline erosion. Methods include installing sandbags, rip rap rocks, coconut coir, geotextile tubes and more recently trending methods such as “living shoreline” technology. Many municipalities and communities are turning to SOX Erosion Solutions™ bioengineered “living shorelines” as opposed to typical erosion systems, due to the fact that they are cost effective and beneficial to the environment.

In addition to being cost effective, the “Living Shoreline” system features the following benefits: • Newly sodded and restored shorelines serve as a filter, preventing excess phosphorus and nitrites from entering the waterways. This, in turn, improves water quality.

• From an aesthetic standpoint, these waterways are now able to sustain vibrant, native plant life which offers better views than collapsed land filled with mud and algae.

• Once installed, these products actually save municipalities, associations, and golf courses significant money because they are long lasting solutions.

• The system has the ability to mold and shape the shoreline back to its original form.

• It stabilizes land, making it safe for residents, golfers, and landscape professionals.

Shoreline erosion is inevitable, given the violent nature of our rainy season. This is also a reminder to all boards of directors throughout Florida that they should continually monitor erosion in their communities to maintain safe conditions for residents and to make repairs as they become necessary. With proper planning, the dangers can be minimized, allowing the lakes and canals to do their jobs as retention ponds and to provide scenic views and safe places for recreation.

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2019 Calendar of Events 2019 SFAPMS General Meetings June 13, 2019 New River Meeting Hall - Sunrise, Florida September 26, 2019 Volunteer Park - Plantation, FL 2019 SFAPMS Board Meeting Thursday November 14, 2019 Locations TBD UF/IFAS Aquatic Weed Control 2019 Short Course May 6-9, 2019 Coral Springs, FL 2019 FLMS State Conference August 28-30, 2019 Hawks Cay Resort 2019 FAPMS State Conference October 14-17, 2019 St. Petersburg, FL

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NEW APP! IveGot1

Identify and Report Invasive Animals and Plants in Florida IveGot1 brings the power of EDDMapS to your iPhone. Now you can submit invasive species observations directly with your iPhone from the field.

These reports are uploaded to EDDMapS and e-mailed directly to local and state verifiers for review. IveGot1 was developed by the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health through a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. IveGot1 is more than just an iPhone app, it is an integrated invasive species reporting and outreach campaign for Florida that includes the app, a website with direct access to invasive species reporting and a hotline 1-888-IVEGOT1 for instant reports of live animals.

Every year more than 85 million people visit Florida.

However, people are not Florida's only visitors; Florida is also an inviting destination for invasive species that threaten to undermine the health of our environment.

More than an inconvenience, invasive plants and animals can greatly alter our native landscape, adversely impact native wildlife, destroy agricultural crops and threaten our health. Invasions of exotic species cost Floridians over $500 million each year. The economic costs are small compared to the ecological ones. Florida has millions of acres of public lands; these lands furnish us the water we drink, the air we breathe and countless recreational opportunities. These public lands are highly vulnerable to invasion by exotic plant and animal species; it is estimated that more than 1.7 million acres of Florida's natural areas have been infested by invasive species.

By reporting sightings of invasive animals and plants, we can better assess the extent of the infestations and hopefully eradicate new infestations before they become huge problems such as melaleuca or Burmese pythons.

The goal of IveGot1 is to make identification and reporting easy and efficient as possible.

FEATURES: • Easy species reporting that captures your current location and allows you to submit an image of your sightings. IveGot1 allows for both online and offline reporting with reports saved on your phone for uploading when you have network connectivity.

• Images and information on Florida's worst non-native invasive animals and plants.

• Real-time point distribution maps centered on your current location.

• Get Involved - Join the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council or your local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) through the Florida Invasive Species Partnership.

• Powered by EDDMapS - The University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health's Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System. EDDMapS allows for real time tracking of invasive species occurrences using local and national distribution maps and electronic early detection reporting tools.

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Solutions on Page 33

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ARE YOU READY FOR HURRICANE SEASON? By: Brenda Marty Jimenez, MHM, RDN, LDN, FAND UF/IFAS Extension Broward County

With the 2019 hurricane season upon us again, we want to make sure everyone in Broward County is prepared and ready. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through the end of November.

HAVE A PLAN! With memories of Hurricane Irma (2017) in the back of our minds, it is time to re-visit hurricane preparedness plans which include thoughts about whether you will evacuate or remain at home, finding time to discard outdated disaster food supplies and replenish and collect needed new supplies including medications, paper products and cooking supplies.

This plan should include preparedness for you, your family, elderly family members and your pets. Now is the time to verify insurance coverage and policies. Take photos of your home, home contents and store these photos in a safe place.

This is much easier to do now before patio furniture etc. are brought inside during an impending storm.

Consider hurricane shutters and/or test existing shutters. Assess plywood needs should you need to purchase. Start stocking up on drinking water while the supply is plentiful.

A written plan with a timeline is helpful. Don’t delay your plan to prepare and ready your home.

ARE YOU READY? Think about the basic items you will need and start picking up those items with a longer shelf life now. Use coupons, as able to save money.

• Stock up on food items that do not require any cooking or refrigeration.

• Choose foods your family likes and will eat. Don’t forget pet food, too!

• Buy enough food for three to five days including non-perishable packaged or canned food (include fruit, vegetable and protein sources), whole grain crackers, canned or shelf milk, granola bars, whole grain cereal, and snack foods.

• Stock up on bottled water to keep hydrated.

Water can take up a lot of space, so have a designated area for water storage.

• Manual can opener; bottle opener; disinfectant wipes; trash bags • Paper plates; paper towels; paper bowls; napkins; plastic utensils

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Fish Crossword Puzzle Answers

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MEDITERRANEAN WHOLE ROASTED RED SNAPPER WITH GARLIC AND VEGETABLES Ingredients 2 large whole snapper fish, cleaned and gutted 15 large minced garlic cloves with a pinch of salt 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander salt 1 tsp black pepper 1 tsp ground sumac 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill 3 bell peppers, different colors, sliced in rounds 1 large tomato, sliced into rounds 1 medium red onion, sliced into rounds Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oil 2 lemons 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degree F. 2. Pat the snapper fish dry. With a large knife, make two slits on each side of the fish. Fill the slits and coat the gut cavity of each fish with the minced garlic.

3. To make the spice mix, combine the cumin, coriander, salt, pepper and sumac in a small bowl. Use 3/4 of the spice mix to season the snapper on both sides; pat the spices into the fish pushing into the slits you made earlier. Keep the remainder 1/4 of the spice mix aside.

4. Stuff each gut cavity with the chopped dill, and as much of the sliced peppers, tomatoes and onions as possible.

5. Place the stuffed fish in a lightly oiled baking sheet. Add the remaining sliced vegetables to form a frame around the fish. Sprinkle the vegetables with a pinch of salt and the remaining 1/4 of the spice mix.

6. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil.

7. Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of your 425 degrees F heated oven. Roast for 25 minutes until the fish flakes. Transfer the fish to a serving platter and squeeze juice of one lemon all over it. Use the slits you made earlier to cut through and portion the fish. Serve it with wedges of the remaining lemon.

Reprinted from The Mediterranean Dish