Public Invited to Help Remove Giant Salvinia from Lake Raven in Huntsville State Park
ATHENS, TexasIf youve been looking for something you can do to help the environment, this is your chance and you can enjoy a day on beautiful Lake Raven at the same time!
The Southeast Texas B.A.S.S. Federation is seeking volunteers to remove giant salvinia plants and litter from the lake on Saturday, June 4th 2011. People with boats are especially needed, and everyone should come prepared to get wet.
Volunteers are requested to pre-register with Leslie McGaha at (832) 266-6242 or mcgaha78@yahoo.com.
The work day will begin at Lake Raven between 7 to 9 am and is expected to conclude between 3 and 5 pm. Two shifts are planned one for morning and one for afternoons. Lake Raven is inside Huntsville State Park and is easily accessed from exit 109 on I-45. For directions, see http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/huntsville/media/pdf/huntloc.pdf.
Giant salvinia is an invasive, floating fern from South America that grows very fast and can form thick mats that can block boater access. By preventing sunlight from reaching the water beneath it, giant salvinia can also be harmful or fatal to fish and other organisms. Giant salvinia has been identified in 14 Texas lakes and is primarily spread by boat trailers.
Anglers and other boaters are the first line of defense against invasive species threatening our lakes and rivers, said Tim Cook, State Conservation Director for Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, a bass tournament organization. This project will teach volunteers how to identify giant salvinia, how to avoid transporting it to other bodies of water, and how to dispose of it properlyall behaviors that every angler must practice if we are to protect Texas waters and preserve the privilege of boating and fishing on them.
The event is sponsored by the South East Texas B.A.S.S. Federation Nation in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife and Keep Texas Beautiful.
wusses. I would absolutely be out there with the gators, and giant salvinia if it weren't my turn to host a supper club dinner party. A gal has to go foo foo every now and then to save face.
My hat is off to Leslie for her hard work battling the Salvinia and to those that have volunteered. She is one of a kind and Texas is blessed to have her taking the Leadership role in this effort.