In recognition of National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 24-29), the South Florida Water Management District (District) is highlighting our ongoing efforts to reduce invasive species and ensure our continued ability to successfully manage and protect Central and Southern Florida’s natural ecosystems.

DID YOU KNOW: District staff work from Orlando to the Florida Keys to protect nearly 1.5 million acres of public land, natural areas, canals and levees from invasive species.

WHY IT MATTERS: Burmese pythons, Melaleuca, Brazilian pepper trees, and other harmful invasive species can damage critical habitat, harm native wildlife and alter the ecology of our natural systems. The effective control of these invasive species is an important part of the District’s mission and our continued ability to protect the region’s natural resources.

LEADING THE CHARGE: The District uses a variety of methods to manage public lands:

• Prescribed Burns: Support the native ecology and reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.
• Natural Resources Monitoring: Invasive plant mapping, wildlife surveys and ecosystem assessments. 
• Invasive Plant Control: Stopping the spread of harmful invasive plants is important when it comes to protecting our native wildlife and plant species. Integrated Pest Management, a scientifically-based approach, is used to help control invasive plants.

COMBATING INVASIVE PYTHONS: Invasive pythons are one of the most destructive and harmful species in America’s Everglades. Their aggressive predation on native wildlife robs panthers, raptors, bobcats, and other native predators of their primary food sources.

Since 2017, the state has taken unprecedented action to protect the Everglades and eliminate invasive pythons from across the landscape. Over 15,650 pythons have been removed since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the District teamed up to combat this invasive species.

CONTROLLING INVASIVE PLANTS: Invasive plants are also harmful to our natural ecosystems, resulting in loss of habitat, alteration of hydrology, changes in natural fire conditions and degradation of public use areas. Melaleuca and Brazilian pepper, as well as floating and submerged aquatic vegetation, can impact our restoration goals if they are not managed properly.

Invasive plants such as hydrilla, water lettuce and hyacinth can impede the District’s ability to provide flood protection to the region’s 9+ million residents by clogging waterways and damaging infrastructure.

CONTINUED RESULTS: More than 200 invasive plant and animal species are a priority for control in South Florida, more than any other area in the continental United States. The District works year-round to prevent, control and manage invasive plants and animals on public lands.

We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/Vegetation to learn more about the importance of removing invasive species from across Central and Southern Florida’s landscape.