Quarterly Progress Report: First Quarter FY 2008
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EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1 (Hydrilla / Hygrophila Demonstration Projects - Osceola County, FL)
Project description and Goals:
This project is a combination of studies that will result in improved water quality and natural habitat in Osceola County lakes. Hydrilla and Hygrophila are exotic invasive weeds that are dominating the lakes aquatic ecosystem, shading out natural vegetation, reducing oxygen level, increasing the amount of sediments, and impacting flood control in lakes and canals. The project objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness of Experimental Use Permit herbicides, biological controls and application methods of herbicides in the treatment and control of Hydrilla and Hygrophila using small-scale fieldwork, large-scale field demonstrations and public outreach on the progress and findings.
Participants: Hilda Hatzell, EPA Project Officer, Region 4
Eleanor Foerste, Project Manager, Osceola County
Reporting period: First Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 October 1 – December 31, 2007
Project activities during reporting period:
What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
Element 1
- Granada Blvd Pond., Oak Tree Pond, and Lake Jackson were treated.
- The Lake Jackson treatment is the largest application using penoxsulam for hydrilla control in Florida waters.
Element 2
- Large-scale treatment of endothall and endothall/diquat to the North end of Lake Tohopekaliga.
- Large-scale treatment of endothall to Lake Hatchineha.
Element 3 Task 1
- Three different lab-scale trials were conducted to screen a variety of Mt formulations and production concepts.
- Data suggests storing the bioherbicide, Mt, prior to usage to increase effectiveness.
- Mt field trials conducted in Osceola County ponds.
Element 3 Task 2
- Surveys for natural enemies on Hygrophila auriculata.
- Domestic survey to identify insects associated with hygrophila.
- Presentations and publications.
Element 3 Task 3
- Continued search of natural enemies of hydrilla in Uganda and Burundi.
- Continued genetic analysis of worldwide populations of hydrilla.
Element 4
- Attend meetings regarding lake and aquatic weed issues in Osceola County and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
- Website updates are being developed on a regular basis.
- Nearly all element coordinators spoke at the Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society Annual Meeting in St. Petersburg.
- Spoke at the North American Lake Management Society Meeting in Orlando, FL.
Project spending for reporting period:
$470,692.34 was expended this quarter; with total project costs at 12/31/2007 totaling 1,032,964.25. One drawdown occurred in this quarter for $115,523.00 on 11/13/2007. Project balance is $2,881,000 – 1,032,964.25 = 1,848,035.75.
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: First Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 October 1 – December 31, 2007
Person Reporting: Sarah T. Berger, Senior Biologist
Dr. William T. Haller, University of Florida
Element: Element 1 Development and Testing of New Aquatic Herbicide
Project activities during reporting period:
- What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
The following activities were undertaken from October 1- December 31, 2007 in Osceola County, Florida:
The storm-water pond located at the corner of Stewart Rd and Pleasant Hill Rd was treated June 27, 2007 with bispyribac-sodium. Plant heights were measured on a bi-weekly basis and this continued through the current quarter. The trend is shown in Figure 1.
Figure1: Plant Height vs. Time
The storm-water pond located at the corner of Granada Blvd and Pleasant Hill Rd (Figure 2) was treated on December 17, 2007. The pond area totaled 3.09 acres. The northern one acre was treated at a rate of 200 ppb Flumioxazin and 750 ppb Aquathol K (endothall). The middle 1.09 acres was left untreated. The southern one acre was treated at a rate of 200 ppb Flumioxazin and 230 ppb Reward (diquat). Plant heights will be evaluated on a bi-weekly basis beginning early next quarter. The purpose of these two treatments was to compare the addition of sub-lethal rates of two registered herbicides with sub-lethal rates of the EUP herbicide Flumioxazin. The objective is to determine if the combined effects of the two herbicides have some synergistic effects and provide improved or longer weed control.
Figure 2: Granada Blvd pond 12/17/07.
The storm-water pond located across from Pleasant Hill Estates on the east side of Pleasant Hill Rd (referred to as “Oak Tree Pond”, Figure 3) was treated on December 17, 2007. The pond area totaled 1.4 acres and was treated at a rate of 400 ppb Flumioxazin. Plant heights will be evaluated on a bi-weekly basis beginning early next quarter. The purpose of treating this pond was to compare to the treatments applied on Granada pond (see Figure 2 above) and to prepare the non-uniform hydrilla growth in this pond for future EUP treatments in the spring of 2008.
Figure 3: Oak Tree Pond 12/17/07.
Lake Jackson (Figure 4), located in Osceola County, was treated with penoxsulam (Galleon) in November/December 2007 by the South Florida Water Management District. A 6-9 ppb concentration will be kept through 100 days. Plant transects will be established in the lake to determine impact of the treatment on hydrilla efficacy and selectivity. The treatment on Lake Jackson is the largest application using penoxsulam for hydrilla control in Florida waters since receiving Section 3 Registration in July, 2007.
Figure 4.Location of Lake Jackson
- What problems, if any, were encountered:
- There were no specific problems encountered.
- Is the project work on schedule?
- This quarter? - Work is on schedule for this quarter
- For the project? – Work is on schedule for the project with the exception of injection trials for flowing water
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: First Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 October 1 – December 31, 2007
Person Reporting: Dr. Michael D. Netherland, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, UF-IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, Gainesville, FL
Element: Element 2 Evaluation of Currently Registered Herbicides for Control of Hydrilla
Project activities during reporting period:
- What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
Summary of Ongoing Work:
Within Element 2 the demonstration objectives include evaluation of registered herbicides for hydrilla treatments in shallow waters, evaluation of the timing of herbicide application on efficacy and longevity (spring vs. summer vs. fall), and the use of herbicide combinations to enhance herbicide efficacy. In conjunction with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) a large-scale late fall treatment of Aquathol (endothall) and a combination of Aquathol and Reward (diquat) was applied via boat-mounted equipment to the shallow water areas (average depth 1 meter) of the north end of Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho) on October 23, 24, and 25, 2007. The treatment area was separated into three treatment zones that included a pair of 150-acre Aquathol treatment blocks (900 gallons per block) and one, 160-acre block that included a combination of the two herbicides (307 gallons of Aquathol and 240 gallons of Reward). Sample sites and the treatment blocks for the Lake Toho treatment are shown in Figure 5. Assessment of the treatment is ongoing, and this includes collection and analysis of herbicide residues, the percent area covered and percent volume infested by the hydrilla, and hydrilla tuber density and formation in the treated zone.
In addition, a large-scale Aquathol treatment was also conducted on the north end of Lake Hatchineha on December 11th 2007. This 450-acre treatment targeted dense hydrilla in the northeast lobe of the lake. A total of 5208 gallons was applied via helicopter. The water depth in this area averaged 2 meters and the target concentration in the treatment zone was 3 mg/L. This treatment will allow us to measure the longevity of control following a late fall/early winter application to a deeper water site. Eight sample sites were established both within and downstream of the treatment block (Figure 6). Water samples were collected for herbicide residues and efficacy monitoring. Plant data will be collected from this site for the foreseeable future.
Sampling Efforts:
We continue to monitor the long-term efficacy and hydrilla recovery patterns from the large-scale treatments conducted in February, 2007 and June in Lake Toho and March and June 2007 on Lake Cypress.
We are also developing methods to assess treatment efficacy using standard Lowrance fish finding equipment. This method will allow collection of plant data over a much broader area compared to current point intercept methods. We will compare the two methods to determine strengths and weaknesses of each.
- What problems, if any, were encountered?
There were no specific problems encountered during the first phase of this work. There is still very limited water flow throughout the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and therefore no attempt has been made to evaluate injection treatment strategies.
- Is the project work on schedule?
- This quarter? - Work is on schedule for this quarter
- For the project? – Work is on schedule for the project with the exception of injection trials for flowing water
Figure 5. Three treatment blocks and water and plant sample sites (denoted by flags) on the north end of Lake Tohopekaliga. The 160-acre block on the far right was treated with a combination of diquat and endothall and the other two 150-acre blocks were treated with endothall at 3 mg/L.
Figure 6. Lake Hatchineha endothall treatment block (450 acres) and 8 water and plant sample sites. This area was treated with endothall at a concentration of 3 mg/L.
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: First Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 October 1 – December 31, 2007
Person Reporting: Dr. Mark A. Heilman, SePRO Inc.
Element: Element 3 Task 1 Demonstration of Hydrilla Control in Osceola County, Florida using Mycoleptodiscus terrestris (Mt), a new contact bioherbicide, for Aquatic Plant management
Project activities during reporting period:
What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
- Lab Evaluations of Mt formulations and methods
Three different lab-scale trials were conducted to screen a variety of Mt formulation and production concepts. While some of this work was conducted outside scope of EPA grant, some data is illustrated here to document parallel studies looking at early physiological indicators of Mt infection.
As part of a trial in early October examining 9 different formulation concepts, two materials were identified with significantly different virulence. These materials will be coded ‘Ph’ and ‘A’ for descriptive purposes. A follow-up investigation of the effects of Mt infection on net photosynthetic rates was implemented using these two materials. Portions of the two Mt materials were applied as oven-killed (overnight at 70C) or unsterilized live cultures to small containers with hydrilla tips in 5% modified Hoagland’s growth media. Results below confirm earlier screening results documenting much greater virulence of material A versus the Ph material. While one measurement (A-Dead 0.5 rate) suggested potential incomplete Mt sterilization, remaining data show sterilization effect as well as rate response between two materials. Additional aquarium-scale treatment at a single intermediate use rate showed good hydrilla growth for untreated hydrilla or plants treated with live or dead ‘Ph’ material or dead ‘A’ material. Live ‘A’ material produced significant injury to treated hydrilla (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Net photosynthesis of hydrilla tips at 72 hours after treatment with two coded formulations: Ph and A. Aquari-scale trial indicated that A material was much more virulent than Ph. Quantities of each material were heat killed and applied either dead (D) or live (L) at rates: 0.083, 0.167, 0.333 and 0.5 g per 350 mL container with hydrilla tips.
Figure 8. Hydrilla samples with visual symptoms and injury
In October through November, Engineer and Research and Development Center (ERDC) cooperator Judy Shearer also conducted a comparison of various stored materials from summer evaluations. Dr. Shearer’s aquarium mesocosm tests indicate improved performance after several months of storage (Figure 8 and Figure 9). In general, most materials for Osceola field trials were produced fresh with little lag time between production and drying down to final materials. The data below suggest a storage period of 1-2 months may improve performance of bioherbicide.
Figure 9. ERDC Aquarium mesocosm study of Mt efficacy after various storage periods (March, May, June, July experimental batches). Study initiated 10/10/07 and harvested at 30 days post treatment. Error = 1SD.
All results produced greater than 95% reduction in shoot biomass in 50L test aquaria. For comparison purposes, earlier evaluations immediately following production showed:
E070302 1g produced 75% reduction in shoot biomass
E070511 1g - 78% reduction 2g - 91% reduction
E070608 1.37g - 84% reduction 2.74g - 93% reduction
E070706 2g - 100% reduction (first tested 2 months post harvest).
- Collaborative Research with NC State
Dr. Rob Richardson and a student technician visited the SePRO RTC facility in mid December to observe data collection on bench-scale test of Mt materials and their impact on hydrilla net photosynthesis. Further work over the winter is scheduled to transfer work on physiological impact of Mt infection as early predictors of bioherbicide performance.
- Pilot-scale commercial production
On October 22-23, a meeting was held at the USDA-ARS-NCAUR laboratory of project fermentation lead Dr. Mark Jackson. As mentioned in a previous report, a former Eli Lilly fermentation expert was in attendance to consult in evaluating current process and providing suggestions on ways to improve production and scale-up protocols. Outcome of the meeting suggested that there are some fundamental challenges with scale-up process that need to be overcome before a transition to commercial-scale production necessary for expanded field testing. From discussions, USDA and SePRO determined a list of short-term objectives for evaluation of modifications to several production protocols. If these evaluations do not successfully demonstrate significant improvement with current pilot scale-up performance by mid 2008, overall production approach may need to be re-evaluated. In December, the first trials examining one production modification failed to show significant changes in activity with overall poor virulence in the flask-scale experimental cultures. This result is being investigated for repeat testing in early 2008.
- Outdoor testing of best formulations
In conjunction with fall field evaluation in Osceola County described in the next section, an aquarium-scale mesocosm trial was initiated at the RTC in Whitakers, NC. Following two months of establishment in a small greenhouse, tanks with hydrilla were treated on November 20 with formulated and unformulated bioherbicide prototypes. As described below in Figure 10, results showed significant treatment effect but failed to indicate significant differences between treatments despite trend towards greater biomass reduction at higher test rates.
Figure 10. Hydrilla shoot dry weight in SePRO RTC static outdoor mesocosms at 28 DAT. Tanks treated 11/20/07 with formulated (F) and unformulated (UF) Mt (USDA E071017) at rates of 17, 34, 68, 136, 204 mg active Mt (F) per liter and 76 and 152 mg active Mt (UF) per liter. ANOVA indicates significant treatment effect (p<0.001). Holm-Sidak comparison test detected significant differences between untreated control and treatments but did not detect differences between treatments.
- Initiation of small field demonstrations in Osceola County
On October 8, a low dose of copper herbicide (Nautique) was applied to shore lines of one Osceola County pond site to reduce surface algal growth and stimulate fresh hydrilla growth. This treatment was very successful, and on November 16, an Mt field trial was initiated in 10 sq-foot enclosures established in the pond. The major focus of the trial was to determine if cooler water temperatures and improved water quality in this fall trial would promote enhanced virulence of Mt bioherbicide prototypes. While visually infection improved and a visual trend of biomass reduction was observed in the test plots at 28 DAT, treatment effect was not statistically significant. Additional 2 month post treatment sampling in Jan 2008 will be conducted.
- What problems, if any, were encountered?
Pilot production changes at USDA aimed at promoting improved virulence have not been successful to date to a level that would make feasible the production of a commercial-scale test batch of Mt bioherbicide for expanded field testing. In terms of laboratory and field evaluations of Mt performance, testing methods appear sound and producing useful data.
- If a problem was encountered, what action was taken to correct it?
As indicated, a fermentation consultant formerly with Eli Lilly assisted with review of pilot production parameters to determine where improvements could be made. A suite of additional actions came out of this review and related evaluations have been initiated.
- Is the project work on schedule?
At this point, the scale of field evaluations in the spring of 2008 will likely remain limited to one acre until pilot production procedures are further evaluated. Additional regulatory actions related to potential expansion of field trials under a formal Experimental Use Permit have been put on hold until resolution of scale-up questions. Permit renewal through FDOT and other site cooperators is being pursued to continue 2008 field program.
- Does the new schedule require a time extension
Under current timelines, production scale-up and expanded field testing would occur in late 2008 or early 2009. Original scope of work described possible treatments totaling 5 – 50 acres in 2008. It is likely that field program will not reach that level of treatment in the coming year. Status of scale-up timing can be discussed in more detail as desired by EPA and Osceola County managers.
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: First Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 October 1 – December 31, 2007
Person Reporting: Dr. James P. Cuda
Element: Element 3, Task 2 Foreign Exploration for Natural Enemies of Hygrophila
Project activities during reporting period:
- What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
Surveys for natural enemies on Hygrophila auriculata: a closely related species of hygrophila (Hygrophila polysperma)
While in India surveying for natural enemies of hygrophila in September-October 2007, we located a related species of hygrophila, Hygrophila auriculata (Schum), which is a congener of the target weed. H. auriculata occurs in the same habitat preferred by hygrophila and thus provided us opportunity to survey for genus specific natural enemies. The purpose of this initial survey was to collect samples of H. auriculata and confirm the identity of this species. We confirmed the plant’s identity, and also found insect damage and disease symptoms affecting the plant. Although we were unable to specifically identify the natural enemies impacting H. auriculata, our findings clearly showed the possibilities for obtaining insects and pathogens from this congener of hygrophila. There also is published report of larvae of an agromyzid fly boring into the stems of H. auriculata. Additional surveys in 2008 will focus on this natural enemy.
Domestic survey to identify insects associated with hygrophila
We are presently undertaking monthly visits to three locations in Florida to study native arthropods associated with hygrophila. We collected hygrophila samples (approximately 1kg fresh weight of plant from four different locations of the water body) and used the ‘Berlese funnel’ method to extract insects associated with hygrophila. Collected insects were preserved according to established procedures, classified according to order, and then were submitted to the Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville, FL. for identification. To date, we have collected and processed samples containing over 90 insects from all the locations.
Participation in scientific meetings to share research relating to hydrilla and hygrophila management
Presentations:
Dr. James P. Cuda was an invited speaker for the inaugural Right-of-Way and Aquatic Weed Control Training Workshop held in Panama City Beach, FL, 16-18 October. Cuda gave the presentation "Current and Future Role of Classical Biological Control for Integrated Management of Aquatic and Upland Invasive Plants."
Dr. James Cuda delivered the presentation "IPM and biological control of aquatic weeds" at an in-service training on aquatic plant management held at the Duval County Extension Office.
Dr. James P. Cuda was an invited speaker at the 31 Annual Training Conference of the Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society held in St Petersburg, FL, 2-4 October. Cuda gave a presentation on “Classical Biocontrol of Hygrophila: Project Initiation and Preliminary Results”. The presentation was co-authored by Drs. William Overholt and Carol Ellison as well as Mr. Abhishek Mukherjee.
- Is the project work on schedule?
- This quarter? Yes
- For the project? Though efforts are being made, it is likely that establishing sub-contracts with Indian collaborators (PDBC) could result in some delays in accomplishing project goals and objectives due to complex sub-contracting regulations at the University of Florida
- If the project is not on schedule, what is proposed for a revised schedule? There is no need to revise the schedule at this point.
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: First Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 October 1 – December 31, 2007
Person Reporting: Dr. William Overholt
Element: Element 3 Task 3 Collaborative effort to search for natural enemies of hydrilla in East Africa (Project Ongoing)
Project activities during reporting period:
- What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
Exploration for natural enemies of hydrilla has continued in Uganda and Burundi. At least 24 species of chironomids midges associated with hydrilla have been collected and identified. However, we have not yet been able to conclusively associate plant damage to these insects. The majority of the species are probably not herbivores of hydrilla, but simply use hydrilla as a substrate from which to feed on other organisms. A new method of using modified Berlese funnels has been developed which may result in the ability to rear insects other than midges from hydrilla.
The genetic analyses of worldwide populations of hydrilla are continuing. During the reporting period, samples have been received from South Africa, Australia, Uganda, Burundi, India, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia. Chloroplast DNA analysis of these new samples will allow refinement of the previously produced haplotype network. For a finer resolution comparison among populations, nuclear microsatellite markers are currently being developed. Additionally, a diagnostic method to detect mutations to the pds gene responsible for fluridone resistance is being developed. This will allow us to screen our hydrilla collection (ca. 230 samples from Florida and another 170 samples from other locations) for fluridone resistance, and will also provide a tool for other scientists involved in hydrilla management.
Element 4, Task 7 Participation in Scientific Meetings:
Overholt, W. A., R. C. Copeland, D. Williams and J. P. Cuda. Exploration for Natural Enemies of Hydrilla in Africa – it ain’t always easy..... Florida DEP and UF/IFAS Research Review for Invasive Plants in Florida, Ocala, Florida. 22-23 March 2007.Williams, D. A., S. Brown, J. P. Cuda, G. S. Wheeler, P. Madeira, B. Chapman and W. A. Overholt. Genetic relationships among Florida, African and Asian populations of Hydrilla verticillata. Annual Symposium of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Cocoa Beach, FL April 30 – May 3, 2007.
Overholt, W. A. The search for biological control agents of Hydrilla verticillata in Africa. Annual Meeting of the Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society. 2-4 Oct. St. Petersburg, Florida.
EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes; EPA Grant #X796433105-1
Reporting period: First Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2008 October 1 – December 31, 2007
Person Reporting: Dr. Tina M. Bond, Osceola County Extension
Karen Brown, Center for Aquatic and Invasive PlantsElement: Element 4 Demonstration and Outreach
Project activities during reporting period:
What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?
- Attended a variety of meetings including
- Hydrilla Interagency
- Kissimmee Basin Modeling Operating Study
- Osceola County Lakes Management Advisory Committee
- Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society Annual Meeting
- Osceola County Grants Department
- Researchers with the USDA
- North American Lake Management Society Annual Meeting
- New Agent Orientation, Session II
- Overall Advisory Committee Meetings for the Extension Office
- Natural Resources Committee Meetings for the Extension Office
- Osceola County Board of County Commissioners
- Working on Website Updates to include:
- Recent events (Great Outdoor Days)
- Quarterly Reports
- Updates from researchers
- Obtained a Google Analytical account through CAIP in order to track web hits and other data from the Hydrilla and Hygrophila Website.
- Attended and presented information on the grant at the following Scientific Meetings:
- Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society
- All element coordinators (with the exception of Mark Heilman) presented at this annual meeting
- North American Lake Management Society
- Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society
- Continue to survey and tour the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to keep up to date on the status of hydrilla and hygrophila growth and spread, as well as note problem areas and areas of residential concern.
- Gave three lectures at the UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Offices related to aquatic invasive plants. Attendees received CEU’s for their participation.
- Titles:
- Aquatic Weed Management and Control
- How Herbicides Kill Plants
- The Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
- Titles:
- Submitted an article for the UF/IFAS Osceola County Solutions for your Life Newsletter, winter and spring Editions.
- Article published in the Orlando Sentinel, Osceola Section November 4, 2007 titled: “Aquatic plants force costly studies”
- Developed webcards and a brochure to disseminate to the public and at events.
- Went with the SFWMD on a helicopter tour of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to get an aerial view of hydrilla infestations.
- Prepared the budget for Osceola County end of year carry over.
- Participated in Osceola County’s Great Outdoor Days Event, October 27 and 28.
- Prepared a Plan of Work for 2008 that was submitted to the University of Florida.
- Preparing a Report of Accomplishment for 2007 that will be submitted to the University of Florida.
- Prepared all Quarterly Reports for Quarter 1, FY2006 and Quarter’s 2 through 4, FY2007.
- Prepare budget analysis for all quarterly reports.
- A display featuring aquatic plant management methods and Hydrilla and Hygrophila information was set up and staffed by Amy Richard and Rob Horsburgh of the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Full color pamphlets about hydrilla and hygrophila and the Demonstration project were distributed at the event. They also are available at the Osceola County Extension office and other venues.
- A set of business card sized “web cards” (2” x 3.5”) for both hydrilla and hygrophila were produced and printed for handing out at public venues. The cards feature images of the plants and include the Demonstration Project web address for easy reference. The cards were given to everyone who visited the CAIP/UF-IFAS and the Osceola County booths at the Great Outdoors Days in late October 2007.
- The website was launched last year and is growing steadily. It continues to be developed and expanded as new material is made available.
- An “Ask the Experts” link has been added to the home page to enable citizens to easily contact project leaders.
- Year 1 - Three introductory displays (retractable banner stands) (Oct 06 – Dec 06) – complete.
- Year 2 - Second set of displays (Dec 07). The large format public information displays used in recent public events are currently under review for ideas on developing future materials. A meeting with Osceola County staff will be scheduled the second quarter of 2008.
- CAIP staff made contact with a number of science teachers in Osceola County and provided them with materials and lessons to test in their classroom. Amy Richard will be communicating with these teachers sometime in January 2008 to assess the effectiveness of the lessons and activities being used in the classroom.
- Video plant identification modules on hydrilla and hygrophila will be placed on the Osceola website for use by the general public and by field personnel.
- Full color informational brochures about hydrilla and hygrophila, and the Demonstration project were designed, printed and distributed at the Great Outdoors Days event in late October, 2007. They also are available at the Osceola County Extension office and other venues.
- A set of “web cards” for both hydrilla and hygrophila have been produced and printed for handing out at public venues. The business card sized cards feature images of the plants and include the Demonstration Project web address for easy reference.
Lake Toho next to Makinson Island, helicopter view
Harvesters on Lake Runnymeade, helicopter view.
Participant at Great Outdoor Days
Booth at Great Outdoor Days
Reported by Karen Brown for the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants:
Year 2 – Field demonstration day – a Great Outdoors Days event (organized by Tina Bond) was held October 27th-28th in Kissimmee.
Task 2, Year 2 – An interactive website will keep citizens/agencies informed of the various stages of research and allow citizens to communicate directly with researchers and county officials with questions and/or concerns.
Task 4, Year 2 – Develop portable Aquatic Plant Management Displays/ Kiosks that can be used for local events such as the County Fair, Earth Day, Great Outdoors Days, scientific conferences and at various public areas such as boat ramps, parks, libraries and county offices.
Task 5, Year 2 - Development of interactive science curricula for Osceola County teachers: 4 PowerPoint lessons, 2 web-based activities, hands-on lab/field activities & modules tailored for Osceola County for UE, MS, HS. (June 08)
Task 6, Year 2 - Development of additional demonstration and outreach strategies.
Additional strategies to demonstrate and educate stakeholders about hydrilla and hygrophila management are being considered: