The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct aquatic plant management this week in portions of Lake Okeechobee beginning Oct. 27, weather permitting. The FWC will treat invasive water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) in areas where it exists in dense monocultures.

Due to the large scale of the project, management will be conducted by helicopter. There are no restrictions on fishing, swimming, or drinking in the treatment area. Boat traffic along Henry Creek Marsh may be affected.

Lake Okeechobee provides high-quality foraging and nesting habitat for the endangered Everglade snail kite, wading birds, waterfowl, and other marsh species. Managing invasive water lettuce promotes beneficial native plant communities and reduces impacts on navigation.

For more information about aquatic habitat restoration projects, visit MyFWC.com.AquaticHabitats. For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the “What’s Happening on My Lake” website at MyFWC.com/Lakes.