AUSTIN – In 2017, the 85th Texas Legislature provided $6.3 million to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for aquatic invasive species management in 2018-2019. With this and previous investments, the department has continued to expand prevention and control efforts against aquatic invasive species like giant salvinia, zebra mussels, giant cane and many others that cause environmental and economic harm to Texas.
In cooperation with universities, river authorities, municipal water districts, non-profits, local, state and federal agencies, and other partners, during this time TPWD has delivered more than 60 aquatic invasive species management projects statewide, including these examples:
64 high-risk lakes were monitored to aid in early detection of invasive zebra mussels
60 rivers and lakes were managed to control infestations of aquatic invasive plants
2,001 acres of invasive water hyacinth were treated on Texas lakes
18,390 acres of invasive giant salvinia were treated on Texas lakes
394,616 giant salvinia weevils were produced and stocked in Texas lakes to control invasive giant salvinia
9,452 acres of aquatic invasive plants were treated at Caddo Lake
3,472 acres of aquatic invasive plants were treated at Toledo Bend Reservoir
Arundo and other invasive plants were treated along 180 river miles across six Hill Country river basins in partnership with more than 400 landowners as well as cities, river authorities, the Texas Department of Transportation, and other individuals and organizations
10,400 acres of invasive saltcedar were treated along 178 miles of the upper Brazos River in partnership with 60 landowners, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and others
564,000 registered boaters received “Clean, Drain and Dry” invasive species prevention information
179 million impressions were made through radio, online, print, and outdoor advertising as part of the 2018 “Protect the Lakes You Love” campaign
