Two volunteers with Our Santa Fe River are monitoring the manatees, Longnose Gar and water lettuce in the Ichetucknee State Park as part of a larger study which they will share with us over time.
Because water lettuce is considered a class 1 invasive and deterrent to submerged aquatic vegetation growth, it is scheduled for removal “where it is directly affecting mats of eelgrass (Sagittaria) due to shading out these bottom-adapted plants.’ We we assured that the water lettuce removal is limited to an area between the Head Spring Run to the Grassy Flats, where the Longnose Gar and manatee will not be affected. Here is a short video demonstrating the plants and wildlife that we are monitoring. Thank you Renee H. for this week’s footage.
OSFR President Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
It’s good to see people trying to help save the habitat for the wildlife that live in these rivers. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.