Invasive aquatic plant discovered in Millwood Lake

A highly invasive aquatic plant has been discovered this week at Millwood Lake. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer, and other agencies are working to determine the extent of the infestation, and to develop a strategy to either control or eradicate the plant from Millwood Lake, if possible.
The plant is known as Giant Salvina. It’s a mat like plant that damages aquatic ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals and waterfowl. Additionally, it blocks out sunlight and decreases oxygen concentrations in the water. Expansion of this species will be catastrophic to fishing, hunting, and boating activities on Millwood Lake due to the dense and thick mats this fast growing, floating fern creates.
Several small clusters of plants were collected near Jack’s Isle along Little River. However, a large mat has not been located at this time.
f you find Giant Salvinia on Millwood Lake, or any other body of water in southwest Arkansas, please contact District Fisheries Supervisor, Eric Brinkman at the AGFC Hope Regional Office, 870-777-5580, immediately. Providing a GPS location of any identified sites would be best. All information provided will be kept confidential.