Quarterly Progress Report:
Third Quarter FY 07

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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: 

Eleanor Foerste, Project Manager, Osceola County              
Hilda Hatzell, EPA Project Officer, Region 4

Reporting period:

Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007 April 1 – June 30, 2007

Project activities during reporting period: 

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

• Final Draft of the QAPP was submitted and approved by Denise Goddard and Hilda Hatzell through verbal and email confirmation received from the EPA on May 21, 2007.  We are awaiting signed official copies to be returned to Osceola County.
• We obtained the Ford F-150 that was purchased for the grant on June 29, 2007.
• We are in the process of obtaining bids for a Jon boat and associated equipment for use on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.

Element 1

• The biologist for Osceola County, Sarah Berger, started April 16, 2007.
• Pleasant Hill Road Stormwater ponds were mapped with GPS.

Element 2

• Two-large scale endothall treatments were conducted in June 2007 by the SFWMD and the FDEP. Data were collected from these treatments.  Treatment locations were Lakes Tohopekaliga and Cypress.
• Sample sites on the lakes were marked with GPS. Various data were collected for samples taken.
• Herbicide efficacy trials on hygrophila collected in Boggy Creek are being conducted.

Element 3 Task 1

• Lab mesocosum study was conducted and completed.
• Collaborative research with NC State is delayed, will re-evaluate later in the summer.
• Attempting to identify and work toward a production agreement with a commercial fermentation partner.
• Preparing for outdoor testing of formulations.
• Three trials in Osceola County stormwater ponds have been initiated since the beginning of April.
• Two biomass harvests have been conducted.

Element 3 Task 2

• Developing microsatellite primers of hygrophila in order to determine the genetic diversity of hygrophila in Florida.
• Preparing to propagate hygrophila.
• University faculty held an advisory committee meeting for Mr. Mukherjee, doctoral student funded by the grant that will conduct hygrophila surveys in India.
• Collecting samples of hygrophila throughout Florida.
• Preparing for the trip to India that is scheduled for mid-September.

Element 3 Task 3

• Natural enemies were searched for in East/Central Africa.

Element 4

• Held the grant Kick-Off event on April 21, 2007.
• Website was launched April 19, 2007.
• Teacher training workshop is being planned for August, 07.
• Attended meetings with the FDEP, SFWMD, FFWCC, and other government agencies for hydrilla and hygrophila control in Osceola County.
• Articles, presentations and displays in development.
• Attended In-Service Trainings hosted by the University of Florida.
• Published articles and presented information on the grant to various interest groups.

What problems, if any, were encountered? If a problem was encountered, what action was taken to correct it? 

• We have not received signed copies of the QAPP for Osceola County records. We have contacted the EPA to obtain these records.
• Some Mt trials were not successful. Investigated the problem to determine a method for obtaining a successful trial.

Is the project on schedule for the quarter? For the project?

• Element 3, Task 1: The project work is slightly behind schedule due to initial QAPP approval delays and delays in formulation evaluation schedules separately supported through the USDA, ERDC and SePRO.
• Element 3, Task 2: Establishing sub-contracts with India could result in delays.

Are there any changes in key contacts?

• There are no changes in key contacts at this time.

Project spending for reporting period:

$31,430.44 was expended this quarter; therefore the remaining balance is $ 2,394,499.26.

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

 

Reporting period:      Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
                                    April 1- June 30, 2007

Person Reporting:      Sarah T. Berger, Senior Biologist

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 April 1 to June 30, 2007. 

1. Senior Biologist was hired for Osceola County and started work on April 16, 2007.
2. Stormwater ponds on Pleasant Hill Road were mapped with Garmin GPSmap 76CSx by walking the perimeter of each stormwater pond at the water line.  Also, areas were calculated using the Garmin GPSmap 76CSx simultaneously.   From the track log menu on the GPS unit, area calculation was selected from the options menu.  The GPS unit created a track log of the area walked and then upon pressing the “stop” button, area units in acres were displayed on the screen.

Figure 1: Castle Cove Court

  

    

Figure 2: Dead Oak

    

Figure 3: Granada Road

Figure 4: Pleasant Hill Ranch Road

 

Figure 5:  Stewart Road

Tasks accomplished by Sarah Berger, Osceola County Biologist

• Attended Osceola County New Employee Orientation
• Attended Kissimmee Bay Rotary when Tina Bond gave presentation on the grant
• Collected plants on Lake Toho for the Hydrilla Kick Off Event
• Attended Hydrilla Kick Off Event and worked booth for the grant
• Met with Bob Yuskaitis, a citizen who lives on Lake Toho, concerning aquatic weeds growing behind his house
• Toured the lakes in Osceola County with Tina Bond including Lake Toho, East Lake, Lake Cypress, Lake Kissimmee and Lake Marion
• Worked at Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants in Gainesville helping Dr. Haller pot plants for future studies
• Attended Aquatic Weed Short Course in Coral Springs
• Took the Florida Pesticide Applicator’s Exam (CORE and Aquatics)
• Obtained Florida Pesticide Applicator’s License
• Toured Rodman Reservoir with Dr. Haller for plant ID work
• Joined professional organizations including FAPMS, FLEPPC, AMPS, and FLMS
• Attended BASF Clearcast meeting with Tina Bond.
• Completed Coast Guard approved boater safety course.
• Met with Keith Brown, Osceola County weed specialist, to discuss weeds and management strategies
• Met with SFWMD to discuss their duties on the lakes
• Attended SFWMD Teen Leadership Day at Southport Park and Disney Wilderness Preserve

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

Reporting period:      Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
April 1 – June 30, 2007

Person Reporting:     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 Operational Treatments:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) planned and conducted two large-scale endothall treatments in June 2007 to control hydrilla on Lakes Tohopekaliga (Toho) and Cypress, FL (Figures 1 and 2).  Lake Toho is approximately 21,000 acres in size and treatments were targeted to provide navigation and recreation access within a large hydrilla infestation (> 2000 acres) found in the middle 1/3rd of the lake.  On June 19, 2007, liquid Aquathol was applied via two helicopters on a calm sunny day.  A total of 8000 gallons was applied over 555 acres to achieve a target concentration of 3 mg/L in the treatment plots.  Treatments blocks ranged in size from 40 to 80 acres. One 80-acre plot in Lake Toho was treated with a combination of diquat at 0.37 mg/L and endothall at 1.0 mg/L.   Lake Cypress is approximately 4,500 acres in size and the hydrilla coverage in the northern 1/3rd of the lake was estimated between 800 and 1000 acres.  On June 21, 2007, a total of 2800 gallons of liquid Aquathol was applied via helicopter over 300 acres to achieve a target concentration of 3 mg/L within the treatment block.   A total of 22 and 11 sample sites were located within and outside the treatment zones in Lakes Toho and Cypress respectively.  Water sampling for endothall residues, water quality sampling, and efficacy assessments for immediate and longer-term hydrilla control are ongoing.

Ongoing Sampling Efforts:
Sample sites on Lakes Toho and Cypress were marked via the use of 2 separate Garmin Map 76 GPS units (Figures 3 and 4).  The waypoints were recorded as UTM coordinates.  The water depth, hydrilla coverage, and percent volume infested (height of hydrilla canopy in relation to the water depth) were recorded at each sample site.  Water quality measurements (temperature, pH, DO, and conductivity) were recorded at 3 depths in the water column with a calibrated YSI 556 meter at selected sample sites.  Water samples for endothall residues were collected on June 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, and 28.  At selected sites, water samples were collected at 3 depths on June 19, 20, 21, and 22.  Water sample collection is planned through July.  Sample collection, water quality monitoring, and efficacy ratings for these treatments are ongoing.

Efficacy monitoring for the large-scale endothall treatment conducted on Lake Cypress in March 2007 is ongoing.  All sample sites were visited twice in May, twice in June and bi-monthly visits are planned to the end of the year.  Hydrilla control in the southern half of Lake Cypress remained good at 4 months after the initial application.  Water samples collected in conjunction with these treatments have been analyzed via an enzyme-linked immunoassay. 

Plant Culture:

Hygrophila polysperma (hygrophila) was collected from Boggy Creek in Osceola County and transported to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants in Gainesville.  Sprig of hygrophila were planted in 4 Liter pots and the plants have rapidly established.  Preliminary herbicide efficacy trials are planned for August 2007. 


Figure 1.  June 2007 treatment plots for aerial endothall applications on Lake Tohopekaliga


Figure 2.  June 2007 treatment plots for aerial endothall applications on Lake Cypress


Figure 3.  Sample points on Lake Toho associated with the June 2007 aerial endothall applications.  Endothall residues, water quality, and efficacy are assessed at each site.

Figure 4.  Sample points on Lake Cypress associated with the June 2007 aerial endothall applications.  Endothall residues, water quality, and efficacy are assessed at each site.

Tasks accomplished by Sarah Berger, Osceola County Biologist

1. Learned how to use Lowrance equipment in Gainesville with Dr. Netherland
2. Ran Endothall residue samples in Gainesville for Dr. Netherland
3. Participated in large scale treatments of Toho and Cypress with Dr. Netherland
4. Began sampling of Lakes Toho and Cypress after treatment

 

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

 

Reporting period:    Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
April 1 – June 30, 2007

Person Reporting:     Mark A. Heilman   

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?

Six different activities were described for Q3 in initial grant work plan.  Activities in each area will be described below.

• Lab Evaluations of Mt formulations and methods

Starting May 25, a laboratory mesocosm study (code: SP1020 JN0366 E070511A) was conducted and completed in parallel with first field trial conducted in Osceola County under formal grant protocols and approved QA guidelines.  Unfortunately, due to unknown timelines prior to QAPP approval, a homogenous, outdoor mesocosm population of mature hydrilla was not available for this study.  Indoor aquaria with hydrilla populations of three different levels of establishment were used in an attempt at a randomized block design.  Due to some variability in starting biomass, results must be qualified and interpreted conservatively.  Below is an attached graph of final hydrilla fresh weight for the mesocosm trial.  Due to a scheduling conflict, tissue drying was not conducted, and only fresh weights of harvested tissues were measured at 31 days post-treatment.   Treatments included were formulated and unformulated Mt applied at 25 and 50 mg Mt active per liter of water.  At the low test rate, applied Mt materials were pre-wet for 6 hours prior to application.  ANOVA evaluation indicated a near-significant treatment effect (p=0.058) but ultimately no significant differences between block populations (p=0.392).  In terms of mesocosm control, pre-wet materials appeared to have less activity than Mt materials applied dry.  There were no clear rate differences for the two materials.



• Collaborative Research with NC State (originally Q1 and Q2)

Due to multiple commitments and Florida field focus, initiation of formal work with NC State has been delayed.  Status will be re-evaluated later in the summer.

• Pilot-scale commercial production

Additional effort was made this quarter to identify and work towards a production agreement with a commercial fermentation partner.  Four companies are currently under formal disclosure agreements to discuss technology with SePRO and USDA.  Technical meetings have been conducted with three of the four potential partner companies.  One potential partner sent a production specialist to USDA lab in Peoria to review production and post-production requirements.  Some initial scale-up production is still planned for either near the end of Q4 or early FY08 Q1.

• Outdoor testing of best formulations

As mentioned above, due to uncertain QA approval guidelines and other work schedules, outdoor mesocosm trials were not feasible to run in parallel with initial field demonstration treatments.   Outdoor tanks should be available and ready for third demonstration effort scheduled for early FY07 Q4.  Greenhouse and indoor mesocosms were substituted for initial two grant demonstrations.

• Initiation of small field demonstrations in Osceola County

Three trials in stormwater ponds in Osceola County have been initiated since the beginning of April.  The first trial started April 3 (protocol: 1020-Osc07-0403) was focused on establishing a rate baseline for future study design along with method tryout and refinement just prior to formal QAPP approval.  This work was initiated with knowledge and approval of Osceola County personnel.  Under formally approved QAPP, two trials have been initiated on May 25 (protocol: SP1020 JN0366 E070511A_OSCFIELD) and June 21 (protocol: P1020 E070608_OSCFIELD)

Two biomass harvests have occurred for the April 3 trial: 38 and 77 days post treatment Results are shown below along with a few pictures of enclosures at 14 days post treatment.  Although visual assessment and data trend indicates a potential 40-60% reduction in hydrilla biomass at 77 day harvest, a Kruskal-Wallis Analysis of Ranks statistical analysis did not quite detect a significant effect of treatment on enclosure dry biomass (p=0.097).




Layout of Enclosures in Osceola County retention pond.
  

Untreated hydrilla

Treated (144 mg/L) hydrilla enclosures at 14 DAT

An additional study was initiated 5/25 using an alternate, partially enclosed plot design with two rate combinations of dry and pre-wet formulated and unformulated Mt material.  Data is still being examined from ~30 day harvest, but field observations suggest treatment failure due at least in part to heavy early June rains from a tropical system and associated retention pond water level increases (up to 1.5 feet via shoreline assessment).

Finally, a third field trial was initiated on 6/21 examining three rates of formulated Mt in combination with Sonar Q herbicide.  A concurrent mesocosm trial is underway with Dr. Judy Shearer with ERDC in Vicksburg, MS.

• What problems, if any, were encountered?

In field demonstration effort, there was an apparent failure in first full trial under QAPP program.  Since lab mesocosm study above indicates pathogenicity of materials applied in Florida, the failure appears weather-related, but also may be tied to partial enclosure design for study. 

• If a problem was encountered, what action was taken to correct it?

Immediate future trials will use full enclosure designs to reduce risk of dilution artifacts from variable water levels in retention ponds.

• Is the project work on schedule?

The project work is slightly behind schedule due to initial QAPP approval delays and some delays in formulation evaluation schedule separately supported through USDA, ERDC, and SePRO.

• Does the new schedule require a time extension

Field activities and related evaluations are being conducted on a monthly basis.  Primary questions on timing relate to additional scale-up in new formulation production and matching increases in treated acreage.  Additional acreage beyond 1A EPA limit still has yet to be approved for 2007.

 

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

 

Reporting period:      Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007 
April 1- June 30, 2007

Person Reporting:      James P. Cuda

Element:  Element 3, Task 2:  Foreign Exploration for Natural Enemies of Hygrophila

Project activities during reporting period: 

1. Development of hygrophila (Hygrophila polysperma) microsatellite primers:

The development of microsatellite primers is important for determining the genetic diversity of hygrophila in Florida; this will provide a baseline for predicting the native range of the Florida population. The objective of this work was to isolate specific microsatellite primers for hygrophila.  In order to develop the microsatellite primers specific for Hygrophila polysperma, nuclear DNA was extracted based on the protocol of Doyle & Doyle (1987) and Cullings (1992). The amount of extracted DNA was quantified by running in 1.2% agarose gel and also with a Nanodrop® spectrophotometer. The amount of DNA extracted was found to be satisfactory. Development of microsatellite primers was undertaken following the Microsat Library Protocol. The nuclear DNA was digested and then ligated with the Linker by putting the mixture in a thermal cycler. The resultant product was run through 1.2% agarose gel to check smears. The linker ligated DNA was then hybridized with a probe, which in our case was biotinylated GA. The probe helps to isolate the microsatellite sequencers. The resultant elution was cloned with E. coli bacteria and was grown overnight on culture plates. Grown colonies were picked with a pipette tip, and 96 well plate liquid cultures were made in liquid broth (LB plus antibiotic kanamycin). The PCR profile revealed 32 potential primers which were submitted for sequencing to the Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research (ICBR), University of Florida.

2. Propagation of hygrophila:

Ten concrete vaults were prepared for propagating hygrophila at Biven’s Arm Research Center, University of Florida, Gainesville campus. Samples of hygrophila collected from the Santa Fe River are being maintained in the laboratory to be used as the starter culture. Rooted stem fragments were planted in pots filled with masonry sand and moist soil and are being maintained in the Entomology and Nematology Department green house.
 
3. First advisory committee meeting of the graduate student:

The first advisory committee meeting for Mr. Abhishek Mukherjee, the doctoral student funded by the grant to conduct the hygrophila surveys in India, was held on 18 June. Dr. Bill. Haller, Professor & Acting Director, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants; Dr. Bill Overholt, Associate professor, Biological Control Research and Containment Laboratory, Ft. Pierce and Dr. Matthew Gitzendanner, Assistant Scientist, Department of Botany, University of Florida participated in the meeting. Mr. Mukherjee presented an overview on biological control of hygrophila along with his research objectives and proposed timeline.

4. Collection of hygrophila samples for genetic analysis:

Efforts are being made to collect plant samples throughout Florida. Florida Department of Environmental Protection personnel were contacted and sample kits were sent to them to facilitate collection. Available herbarium records of hygrophila from libraries of University of Florida, University of Central Florida & Univ. of South Florida are presently being compiled.

5. Collaboration with research institute in India:

Collaboration has by now been established with CABI, India (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International). A trip to India to meet with the collaborators is planned for mid-September.  

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 could result in some delays in accomplishing project goals and objectives due to complex sub-contracting regulations at the University of Florida

References:
Cullings, K. W. 1992. Design and testing of plant specific PCR primer for ecological and evolutionary studies. Molecular Ecology 1: 233 – 240

Doyle, J.J. and J. L. Doyle. 1987. A rapid DNA isolation procedure for small quantities of fresh leaf tissue. Phytochemitry Bulletin 19: 11 - 15

 

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

 

Reporting period:      Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
April 1 – June 30, 2007

Person Reporting:     Bill 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 was continued in East/Central Africa in the second quarter of 2007.  To date, a total of 21 lakes have been surveyed with hydrilla being found in five; Bisina, Kyoga, Mutanda and Bunyonyi in Uganda and Tanganyika in Burundi.  Extensive sampling of Lake Victoria, both in Kenya and Uganda, did not find hydrilla, despite previous records from that water body.  Several insects were reared from hydrilla, with the vast majority being flies in the family Chironomidae.  A chironomid fly found in Lake Tanganyika associated with damage to the terminal buds of hydrilla was identified as Dicrodentipes fusconotatus (Kieffer).  However, based on the biology of other members of the same genus, this insect may not be feeding directly on hydrilla.  Polypedilum wittae Freeman, a chironomid that was identified as a hydrilla herbivore in earlier studies, was reared from hydrilla collected in three lakes, but its trophic association with hydrilla was not confirmed. Mites were found crawling on hydrilla in both Uganda and Burundi, but these have not been identified and it is not known whether they feed on hydrilla. Genetic analyses of chloroplast DNA sequences revealed that Florida dioecious hydrilla was closely related to hydrilla from India and Pakistan in Asia, and to African samples from Burundi and Uganda, suggesting that natural enemies from Africa (or India/Pakistan) could be well adapted to feeding on North American dioecious hydrilla.  North America monoecious hydrilla was closely related to hydrilla from South Korea.  The most genetically diverse hydrilla was in China where 10 haplotypes were identified.

Presentations

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.  Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Annual Symposium.  April 30-May 3, 2007.  Cocoa Beach, FL.

Overholt, W. A.,  R. Copeland, D. A. Williams and J. P. Cuda.  Exploration for Natural Enemies of Hydrilla in Africa – it ain’t always easy….. 2007 Florida Department of Environmental Protection Research Review.  March 22-23, 2007.  Ocala, FL.

Overholt, W. A. and J. P. Cuda. Biological control of invasive weeds: Hydrilla verticillata as an example.  UF/IFAS 2007 Aquatic Weed Control Short Course.  May 14-18, 2007.  Coral Springs, FL.

Overholt, W. A. Hydrilla in Africa – a possible source of natural enemies?  Dodd Short Course J: Aquatic Plants.  January 29, 2007.  Ocala, FL .

 

EPA Demonstration Project on Hydrilla and Hygrophila
in the Upper Kissimmee Chain of Lakes
EPA Grant   #X796433105-1

 

Reporting period:      Third Quarter, EPA Fiscal Year 2007
April 1 – June 30, 2007

Person Reporting:      Tina M. Bond

Element:  Element 4: Demonstration and Outreach

Project activities during reporting period:

What work was accomplished for this reporting quarter?

• Attended the Hydrilla Interagency Group Meeting to discuss the status of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Also told the group about the Hydrilla and Hygrophila Kick-Off Event.
• Attended the UF/IFAS “Agriculture and Urban Stormwater Management In-service Training” in Sarasota. Objectives of the training were: 1) to provide basic information on the structure and function of stormwater management systems; 2) to illustrate differences in agricultural and urban stormwater management systems and regulations within various water management districts; 3) to discuss improvements to current stormwater management systems including improved treatment of water quality and expanded water supply; and 4) to describe new developments in managing stormwater, such as low impact development.
• Attended many organizational meetings for the ‘Keep Osceola Beautiful’ Earth Day Event. This was an Earth Day Event for the citizens of Osceola County, but also served as the Kick-Off Event for the Hydrilla and Hygrophila Demonstration Project. Estimated attendance: 170
• Launched the Hydrilla and Hygrophila Demonstration Project Website (Figure 1). Also have a link to this website from the UF/IFAS Osceola County Website (Figure 2). The website includes the following:
• Main page with search engine
• EPA work plan (html)  
• Quality Assurance Project Plan
• Links of affiliated and partnering organizations/agencies
• Select citations of related scientific articles/literature related to this project.

Additional written material and images have been compiled and are now being formatted into html; some of the material is also being formatted as PDF documents. New material includes:

• Quarterly reports from 2006 to present
• Herbicide label info, and new herbicide info
• Listing of Prohibited Aquatic Plants
• Permit Conditions
• Project Report: Lake Toho & Lake Cypress Herbicide Treatments
• "The Uganda Diaries" by R. Copeland, detailing his research trip to find new biological control agents for Hydrilla.
• A bio page for project leaders/participants, misc. images of Lake Toho, Channeled apple snail eggs, boating & recreation, etc.
• A photo/text page documenting Hydrilla Kick-off Event (4/21/07)
• A photo/text page documenting St. Cloud Extravaganza  (3/10/07)
• Additional Links page
• Photographs were taken in the Osceola County area (Lake Toho) and are currently being edited for integration into the site and more visual appeal to the non-scientific public.
• Was invited to speak at the Kissimmee Bay Rotary Club. Spoke on the subject of invasive aquatic weeds, in particular hydrilla and hygrophila. Also informed attendees about the grant and our goals.
• Published an article in the Orlando Sentinel, April 7, 2007, titled “Water weeds can affect many lives” on the project and the problems we face with aquatic weed control in Osceola County.
• The Hydrilla Kick Off Event was held. It was organized by Tina Bond with the Osceola County Extension Office. Public awareness banner stands and materials prepared by CAIP staff were used as part of the display at the event. CAIP staff (Lynda Dillon and Beth DeGroat) attended assisted in disseminating information about the project and native vs. invasive plants (in general).
1. Participated in and coordinated the exhibits for the ‘Keep Osceola Beautiful’ Earth Day/ Hydrilla Kick-Off Event. Participation from the project included: Eleanor Foerste, Project Manager; Mike Netherland, Element 2 Coordinator; Sarah Berger, Biologist for Elements 1 & 2; Mark Heilman, Element 3 Task 1; Tina Bond and Beth DeGroat for Element 4. (Images 1-4)
2. Advertised the Hydrilla and Hygrophila Demonstration Project Kick-Off in the Osceola News Gazette on April 7 and April 14, the Osceola County Intranet, and on various internet sites.
3. Had meetings with concerned residents, including Bob Yuskaitis. Mr. Yuskaitis is a long time resident of Osceola County and is very interested in our project and what we need to and will accomplish.
4. Spoke at the LakeWatch appreciation dinner.
5. Spoke at the Overall Advisory Committee Meeting for the UF/IFAS Extension Office. Informed the committee about the Hydrilla and Hygrophila Grant and provided updates on its activities.
6. Held the curriculum meeting with Osceola County science teachers.
7. Sarah Berger, Senior Biologist, started on April 16, 2007. Introduced the new Sarah to the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Traveled to the lakes to identify problem areas on the lakes, identify weeds, and to become more familiar with the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Assisted with Sarah’s training in the county office.
8. Completed Coast Guard approved boater safety course.
9. Attended the UF/IFAS Extension Symposium.
10. Attended the Aquatic Weed Short Course. Obtained CEU’s required to maintain the Aquatic Pesticide Applicator License in Florida.
11. Met with Commissioner Ken Smith (District 4, Osceola County), Bob Yuskaitis and Kimberly Lawrence regarding the grant and aquatic weed control in the county.
12. Attended a technical review for Clearcast (Imazamox) manufactured by BASF. This product is being tested in Element 1.
13. Spoke to the Teen Leadership Group for their Environmental Day (hosted by the South Florida Water Management District). Spoke about aquatic weeds, their control, and the importance of managing them.
14. Submitted an abstract on the grant for consideration at the North American Lakes Management Annual Meeting.
15. Attended a Fish and Wildlife Commission Standing Team Committee Meeting. Spoke briefly about the grant and our purpose.
16. Attended the Osceola County Lakes Advisory Committee Meeting. Kimberly Lawrence spoke in brief detail about the grant. I also spoke briefly about the grant. I am scheduled to talk about the grant at the August or September Lakes Advisory Meeting.
17. Had a very informative meeting with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) regarding their role in aquatic weed management in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
18. Met with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to inspect treatment locations and problem areas in Lake Tohopekaliga.
19. Attended a TMDL (total maximum daily load) meeting hosted by the DEP to learn about the approach the DEP will be taking in developing TMDL’s in the Kissimmee River Basin and to listen to local concerns and knowledge of the current water quality conditions in the basin.
20. Met with Tim Coughlin of the FFWCC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) to discuss their goals and responsibilities for aquatic weed management/control in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
21. Met with Osceola County’s Aquatic Weed Control foreman and manager to discuss aquatic weed control in Osceola County and how we can help them. Also discussed the grant to inform them of what we are doing. They were already familiar with the work Dr. Haller and Dr. Netherland are performing on the lakes and stormwater ponds in the area.
22. Assisted Sarah Berger with data collection after a herbicide treatment performed by the SFWMD on Lakes Tohopekaliga and Cypress to understand what data was being collected, where the treatment plots were located, what the outcome of the treatments were (visually), how data is collected, etc.
23. CAIP staff (Amy Richard) attended the first teacher workshop at the Osceola County Office on May 1 to introduce the partnership and showcase newly developed materials to teacher about aquatic and invasive plants in Osceola County. Aquatic plant resources will be provided to teachers at the upcoming continuation of the training in August, 2007. to teachers including \ curriculum notebooks and copies of the newly revised PPT lessons (on disk).
24. Brochures, posters, PowerPoint presentations, and other materials are in development for educational opportunities, meetings, etc.

Tasks Completed (per the Workplan):

Task 1: Kick-Off Event – introduce the public and local government officials to the goals of the project, April 21, 2007.

Task 2: A draft outline, flowchart and master style sheets for the website will be completed by the end of December 2006. The website itself will be launched before the end of March 2007 (was launched April 20 to coincide with the Kick-Off Event).

Task 3: A search of the APIRS database will be done for any materials that would be pertinent to this project and tagged for easy location by researchers and the general public; to be accomplished by the end of December 2006; completed by the Center for Aquatics and Invasive Plants. This is available on the website. In-house review was done from the current literature list (i.e., posted on the website in March 07). CAIP staff and Tina Bond are currently in the process of developing other ways to simplify the searching process of the APIRS database (i.e., for the non-scientific public who are not accustomed to conducting data searches).

Task 4: There are introductory displays developed for use at events. The large format public information displays used in recent public events are currently under review for ideas on developing future materials. 

Task 5: PowerPoint lessons, web-based activities and laboratory/field activities and modules tailored for Osceola County students have been/are being developed by the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Held a teacher survey to understand their needs in the classroom.

Task 6:Ideas for public outreach are currently being developed/discussed for use at the upcoming public event (in October, 2007). Among the ideas: give-away mousepads with the new Osceola URL address and/or brochures with information about aquatic invasive plants in Osceola county. Developing ideas for outreach and other educational materials. Also considered establishing a blog or Q & A page for the website. Looking into setting up an amnesty program with the aquarium/pet industry for unwanted plants or fish. Could possibly collaborate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Task 7: Prepare at least one poster and one research paper each year. Prepared and submitted an abstract for the North American Lakes Management Society Meeting. Drs. Cuda, Overholt, Haller and Netherland presented information related to the grant at the Aquatic Weed Short Course. Graduate students also presented information at the meeting.

 

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