Pesky Invasive Plant Turns Up in Another East Texas Waterway

DALLAS (AP) – Experts say an invasive plant that can clog boat motors and block sunlight from reaching lakes has turned up in another East Texas waterway. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department confirms giant salvinia at Lake Fork Reservoir, 60 miles east of Dallas. Spokesman Larry Hodge said Tuesday that crews are removing the fast-growing plants from the Chaney Branch. Several boat ramps are closed. A floating boom warns boaters to stay clear. Hodge says chemicals are being used to kill the floating fern that’s native to Brazil and reproduces by budding. Giant salvinia, which can be transported by boats and trailers, was found earlier on Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir and Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Some Louisiana lakes have giant salvinia, which can form dense mats on water and also hamper fishing.