Giant salvinia is a destructive, invasive, free-floating aquatic fern that poses a major threat to Texas lakes. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) implements an integrated pest management strategy to control giant salvinia and other aquatic invasive vegetation. Biological controls, like giant salvinia weevils, are one of the tools in the management effort, and biologists are encouraged by some recent discoveries. Giant salvinia was first identified in Texas during the spring of 1998 in […]
Giant salvinia
Lake Walter E. Long “Fully Infested” with Zebra Mussels
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has designated Lake Walter E. Long in Travis County as “infested” with zebra mussels, signifying an established, reproducing population in the lake. Walter E. Long had already received a “positive” designation following the repeated detection of zebra mussel larvae in October 2018 and May 2019. However, subsequent searches for settled mussels conducted as recently as 2021 did not detect any juveniles or adults. In early August of this […]
National Invasive Species Awareness Week May 15-22 Brings Attention to Harmful, Non-Native Plants and Wildlife
During National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) May 15-22, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) wants to help Texans learn more about how invasive species affect our state’s natural resources and how everyone can help in slowing their spread. In honor of NISAW, May 15 is also designated National Clean, Drain, Dry Day to promote boater behaviors to prevent the spread of invasive species. Invasive species are species that are non-native to an ecosystem and are […]
Waterfowl Hunters Can Help Prevent Spread of Invasive Species
With waterfowl season opening day around the corner, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is reminding waterfowl hunters to clean, drain and dry boats and equipment before traveling from lake to lake to help avoid spreading invasive species like giant salvinia and zebra mussels. Aquatic invasive plants can easily become entangled or trapped on boats and boat trailers and moved to other lakes. Giant salvinia, one of the most problematic aquatic invasive plants in […]