Lake Charles residents can expect to see a decline in giant salvinia on the Calcasieu River thanks to environmental factors and control efforts by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Giant salvinia is an invasive weed that can create a thick mat on still water. Department officials say increased salinity levels are taking a toll on the plant's growth. They say a recent assessment revealed that most plants below the saltwater barrier are dead or dying.
DWF says there's been minimal growth in areas above the saltwater barrier, where weevils were heavily stocked. Officials observed weevil damage to the plant in those areas and others, which they say is encouraging for future growth control.
Photo courtesy http://www.actionnews17.com/Portals/0/EasyGalleryImages/1/1327/wildlife-and-fisheries.png