Developing Web-based Developing Web-based Outreach for County Outreach for County

Agents and the Public Agents and the Public on Aquatic Vegetation on Aquatic Vegetation

ManagementManagement

Michael P. Masser, Ph.D.Michael P. Masser, Ph.D.

Professor and Extension Professor and Extension Fisheries Specialist Fisheries Specialist

Texas A&M UniversityTexas A&M University

Negative Impacts of Negative Impacts of Aquatic Vegetation on Aquatic Vegetation on Private ImpoundmentsPrivate Impoundments

Reduce recreational accessReduce recreational access Clog irrigation systemsClog irrigation systems Increase evaporation ratesIncrease evaporation rates Increase eutrophication ratesIncrease eutrophication rates Impacts water qualityImpacts water quality Hinders feeding and harvestingHinders feeding and harvesting Increase insect breeding areasIncrease insect breeding areas

Knowledge ChallengeKnowledge Challenge County Extension Agents - trained in County Extension Agents - trained in

“Cows” and “Corn” (i.e. No Aquatic “Cows” and “Corn” (i.e. No Aquatic Background!)Background!)

Aquatic vegetation difficult to identifyAquatic vegetation difficult to identify Integrated pest management needed:Integrated pest management needed:

– PreventionPrevention– MechanicalMechanical– BiologicalBiological– ChemicalChemical

The Challenge!The Challenge! Create a simple identification program Create a simple identification program

of common aquatic plants.of common aquatic plants. Include photos and drawings with Include photos and drawings with

simple descriptions. (“KISS” – Keep it simple descriptions. (“KISS” – Keep it simple stupid!)simple stupid!)

Give management recommendations Give management recommendations that include all integrated approaches.that include all integrated approaches.

Establish links to applicable Establish links to applicable management options.management options.

Post DevelopmentPost Development District agent trainingsDistrict agent trainings Presentations at Aquaculture Presentations at Aquaculture

and Plant Management and Plant Management meetings.meetings.

Referrals to clients and County Referrals to clients and County AgentsAgents

Lots of hits!!!!!!!!Lots of hits!!!!!!!!

http://wildlife.tamu.edu/aquaplant