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South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society

General Meeting Announcement

DATE: Thursday, October 27th, 2011 TIME: 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

The Charley Katz Community Center

6111 NW 10th Street Margate, Florida 33063

Agenda

8:00am – 8:15am 8:15am – 9:05am 9:05am – 9:55am

9:55am – 10:00am 10:00am – 10:50am 10:50am - 11:40am

11:40am – 12:00pm 12:00pm – 1:00pm

Registration and Refreshments FDACS Core Training Mark Fagan / Public Information Officer Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Adding to the Natural Area Restoration Toolbox: Identifying, Cultivating and Planting Littoral Plants Lyn Gettys, PhD / University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants BREAK Reducing Nutrients through Biological Methods for Algae and Submersed Weed Control John Baylor / Aquatic Division Administrator Aquatic Eco-Systems Inc Proper Application of Herbicides to Prevent Fish Kills Tina Bond, PhD / Aquatic Specialist Red River Specialties Inc Star-rush: The New Beneficial Shoreline Plant Rose Bechard-Butman / Certified Arborist & Master Gardener Softscapes Inc Complimentary Lunch Sponsored by Aquatic Eco-Systems Inc

*C.E.U’s will be available for licensed individuals.

*Paid Members-FREE; Guests/Non-Members are welcome to attend for $10

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Officers and Board Members - 2011

President’s Message

Congratulations to Andrew Hines!

The 2011 Recipient of The "Francis E. Chil"

Rossbach Scholarship Fund

T: 954.382.9766 T: 954.382.9766 T: 954.370.0041 T: 954.370.0041 T: 954.414.4100 T: 954.972.8126 T: 954.382.9766 T: 954.831.0756 T: 954.382.9766 T: 954.831.0754 T: 863.557.0076 T: 561.965.4159 T: 954.654.1150 T: 305.370.4211 T: 239.691.8953

Officers 2011 Joel Wolf: President …………………………….……. Steve Montgomery: Past President …….…….….…. Linda Wolonick: Secretary ……..….……………….... Lydia Groves: Treasurer ………………………...…... Joshua Glasser: Editor ………………………………. Board Members 2011 Mark Weinrub …………………………………………. Holly Sutter .. ……………………………………..….. John Keating ..……………………………...………... Steve Weinsier ..………………………………...……. Adam Gardner ....…….……………………...……….. James Boggs ..………………………………...……... John Raymundo ...….………………………..……..… John Lepage .. ………………………………..………. Wes Tipton .. ..……………………………...…..…….. Andy Hyatt … .……………...…………………..……...

Cover Photo By Larry Perez

Fall is finally here and we are all looking forward to a

cooling down from a very warm and trying summer.

Thankfully, the rains have come and our waterways are

looking as they should. Our last meeting was very

successful. The speakers we invited all offered great

insights and the response was overwhelming!

We welcome all input of articles and ideas from the

membership and are looking forward to a happy and

healthy holiday season.

Joel Wolf

President

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The Good Versus the Bad

What constitutes a good or bad plant? Just because a plant is considered native, or endemic, to a particular area, it does not mean that it is automatically a good plant. Conversely, many exotic plants – one not found in Florida prior to the arrival of the Europeans in the 15th Century – are not automatically bad, or invasive. Many natives, taken out of their natural habitat, will begin to act aggressively by taking over the landscape, thus making them bad or invasive plants; and many exotics, will have impeccable manners, making them good plants and thus a popular planting choice. We can all name a number of plants that we have planted in our gardens because they are pretty, only to regret the decision later on when that one plant has taken over the entire flower bed and refused to be removed, rather like an unwanted dinner guest who is still in situ the next day! One such example of a bad native is the Florida cattail. Though a native plant, it grows at an alarming rate, ultimately crowding out considerably more beneficial plants, thereby limiting the diversity of native plant life; and subsequently upsetting the balance of other wildlife dependent upon those natural plants for sustenance. The Florida cattails’ growth habit is so undesirable in fact, that mitigation authorities throughout the state have prohibited their planting. Mitigation areas require the introduction of native plants and removal of all non-natives as a matter of course. Yet in other areas that are not subject to these requirements, exotic plants may be planted provided they are not invasive in their growth habits. If on-line sources still leave question marks about a plant’s growth habit, why not put the plant in quarantine, and observe it growing from a pot prior to considering putting it in the ground? Credit: Rose Bechard-Butman; Certified Arborist and Horticultural Consultant

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The Good This month’s Good plant is a sedge – Star-rush, White-top Sedge (Rhynchospora colorata). South Florida’s average rainfall is a mere 60 inches per annum; most of it deluging us in the summer, flooding streets and lakes. Yet our winters bring us drought-like conditions causing these same lakes to have ever-declining water levels until the following spring. This transient seasonal period, though absolutely normal, can bring unsightly views of black lake mud to your homeowners. Star-rush, White-top Sedge is a Florida native well adapted to fluctuating water levels and a perfect candidate to soften the look of your lakes during these low water periods. This is a plant native to moist or wet fields, marshes, meadows, swamp sides and other open, wet habitats along the coastal plain throughout Florida and the Keys. And here’s the kicker, it can also thrive through long periods of dry weather. Star-rush is a short, upright sedge, with drooping, thin leaves forming a star-shaped cluster around a bold white center. Growing up to two feet tall, it is easily recognizable by its attractive star-shaped white bracts bearing several tiny flowers of dense clusters.

The Bad This month’s Bad plant is Primrose Willow (Ludwigia peruviana). As its Latin name suggests, Primrose Willow is an exotic primarily from South America, but also evident in the Caribbean. The shrub-like plant with fibrous shallow roots, it is clearly distinguished by its erect habit and showy yellow flowers. It is also invasive. Primrose Willow seeds attach themselves easily to visiting birds as they pause to rest or feed, and are then subsequently scattered to the ground. The plant’s seeds are also very fertile – at least 80% of them are capable of germinating – and within four days, new plants are growing in, or on, either clear water or mud. Even small floating islands of seed have been known to produce numerous aerial appendages (upside down roots). Furthermore, new shoots and roots are produced along fallen stems. This plant has the potential to become a major problem if left untreated as, in addition to its prolific breeding habit, Primrose Willow has a tendency to grow so thick and tall that it excludes most other vegetation. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s (FEPPC) list for South Florida currently includes 62 species of Category 1 plants and 50 species of Category II plants as Prohibited and Noxious weeds. For more information, visit wwww.fleppc.org.

Star-rush ,white ,top sedge Primrose willow Credit: Rose Bechard-Butman; Certified Arborist and Horticultural Consultant

Plants of the Month

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Why are AHB dangerous?

All honey bees sting, but AHB defend their nests more

aggressively, in greater numbers, and for further distances.

How can you avoid getting stung?

Be attuned to buzzing, look for stinging insects and their

potential nesting sites. Stay away from nests and contact a

licensed pest control company to remove nests.

What should you do if you are stung?

Be prepared and have a plan. If allergic, purchase bee sting

kits. If stung, remove the stinger by scraping it out with your

fingernail or a credit card. Do not squeeze, it will release more

venom.

Are managed honey bee colonies dangerous?

Managed colonies present minimal risk to the public and are

vital to Florida Agriculture. They also may discourage the

establishment of AHB.

Africanized Honey Bees Be Aware… Look, Listen, RUN!

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October 27, 2011 South Florida APMS General Meeting www.sfapms.org November 6-8, 2011 Irrigation Association – Irrigation Show San Diego, CA www.irrigation.org January 17-19 2012 NEAPMS, New Castle, NH January 17-20, 2012 US Composting Council Annual Conference Austin, TX www.healthysoil.org

January 25-27, 2012 Georgia Green Industry Association – Wintergreen 2012 Duluth, GA www.ggia.org February 6-9, 2012 Weed Science Society of America Big Island, HI www.wssa.net February 26-29, 2012 MAPMS, Milwaukee, WI June 18-21, 2012 FLMS Annual Conference Gainesville, FL www.flmsnet August 19-23, 2012 American Fisheries Society St. Paul, MN www.fisheries.org

Calendar of Events

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Florida’s Freshwater Exotic Fish

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Thirty-two (32) freshwater exotic fish (= fish from other countries) are known to be reproducing in Florida waters. Collectively, these fish represent one of the most diverse, abundant, and well-studied exotic fish faunas in the world. The introduction of exotic fish changes aquatic ecosystem dynamics, and some of these changes can have serious socioeconomic or ecological ramifications. All but one of these were introduced illegally as the result of individuals releasing unwanted fish or flooding of culture ponds, even though releasing exotic species in Florida is punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one-year in jail. Not only is releasing non-native species illegal, it is also inhumane since most will die shortly after being released, and those that live and thrive may cause problems for native species. Anyone wanting to dispose of exotic fish should give them to a friend or aquarium store, or euthanize them by lowering water temperature with ice. All of the exotic fish illustrated occur (adjacent page) in southeast Florida, but few are found throughout the State.

FAST FACTS: African Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus)—small fish native to Africa and introduced in early 1960s; maximum

size five inches; associated with dense vegetation. Black Acara (Cichlasoma bimaculatum)—native to South America and first

reported in early 1960s, this species sometimes becomes abundant in densely vegetated habitats or ponds containing few other fish.

Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus)—native to Africa and Middle East, first brought to Florida in 1961 by FWC for research purposes,

but release into open waters never authorized; grows to 10 lbs and feeds primarily on plankton and detritus; male digs and guards

large crater-like nest in shallow water; female broods eggs and young in mouth. Brown Hoplo (Hoplosternum littorale)—first reported

in 1995 and now widespread in central Florida and spreading south; maximum size about 10 inches, native to South America.

Bullseye Snakehead (Channa marulius)—first reported in 2000; can breathe air; resembles a bowfin but has longer dorsal and anal

fins; edible; native range Pakistan, Malaysia, and southern China. Butterfly Peacock (Cichla ocellaris)—only established exotic fish

introduced by FWC; stocked in 1984 to help control undesirable exotic fish and to increase fishing opportunities in metropolitan

southeast Florida canals; now supports a multi-million dollar sportfishery without deleterious effects; cannot live in water below 60ºF,

spawns in shallow water, and both parents guard young; maximum size 12-15 lbs; native to tropical South America. Clown Knifefish

(Chitala ornata)—large (to 35 inches and 15 lbs) unusually shaped fish native to tropical Asia; first reported in 1994, not widespread or

abundant. Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)—not reproducing, but many sterile fish have been approved for release to control

nuisance aquatic plants; largest in Florida 75 lbs; native to Siberia and China. Jaguar Guapote (Cichlasoma managuense)—native to

Central America and introduced in late 1980s; has small teeth. Mayan Cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus)—first reported from remote

areas of Everglades National Park in early 1980s; native to Central America; tolerant of brackish water; widespread, abundant, and is

a popular sportfish. Midas Cichlid (Cichlasoma citrinellum)—first collected in Florida in late 1970s; native to Great Lakes of

Nicaragua; adults brightly colored, but young drab gray. Mozambique Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)—introduced in late 1960s;

native to east Africa; maximum size about 3.5 lbs; breeding males are black with white cheeks, and large mouths, but females appear

similar to blue tilapia. Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)—one of the first exotic fish reported in late 1950s, native to South America, and

widespread south of Lake Okeechobee; grows to about 2.5 lbs, and is a popular sportfish. Pike Killifish (Belonesox belizanus)—

small fish (less than 7 inches) native to Central America; reportedly released in 1957 after completion of a university research project;

preys on small fish and births young alive; prefers marshy habitats. Redstriped Eartheater (Geophagus surinamensis)—introduced in

late 1970s; native to northern South America; not abundant. Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys multiradiatus)—one of three similar

suckermouth catfish in Florida, this species first collected in late 1970s, but another species had been present since 1950s; native to

South America and covered with bony scales; grows to greater than 20 inches; burrowing activity sometimes leads to erosion

problems. Spotted Tilapia (Tilapia mariae)—native to west Africa and first reported in 1974; this is the only substrate spawning tilapia

in Florida; abundant in south Florida where it is the primary forage for butterfly peacock; coloration changes from a barred pattern in

juveniles to spotted pattern in adults. Swamp Eel (Monopterus albus)—native to Asia and first reported in 1997; breathes air and body

is snakelike without fins; start as females, some later change to males; primarily eat small fish and crustaceans. Walking Catfish

(Clarias batrachus)—native to Southeast Asia and first reported in mid-1960s; numerous media reports anticipated catastrophic

effects that never materialized; grows to more than 20 inches, can breathe air, and traverse short distances on land when raining.

More information about Florida’s exotic fish is available on the web at:

http://www.floridafisheries.com/fishes/non-native.html

Produced by: Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission,

Non-Native Fish Research Laboratory,

801 NW 40th St., Boca Raton, FL 334341

Some of Florida’s Freshwater Exotic Fish

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Many lake restoration projects begin with the removal of invasive plants, muck, and accumulated detritus. The resulting habitat is often devoid of submersed aquatic vegetation, thereby lacking the underwater plant communities needed to provide ecosystem functions such as structure for fish and other aquatic animals. Therefore, an important part of many lake restoration projects is the introduction of native submersed plants. Most res-toration ecologists agree that the best plant material for these projects is vegetation collected from areas near the restoration site. However, this is not always feasible for a number of reasons. For example, there may not be adequate source populations of suitable plants near the restoration site, or conditions at nearby sites may be quite different from the lake targeted for restoration. As a result, it may be necessary to obtain plant material from other sources. Eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) is widely used in Florida lake restoration projects because the species is a native submersed pe-rennial plant that grows in water up to 10 feet deep. It also tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions, including low light levels. The majority of naturally occurring populations of eelgrass are found in lakes with sandy, nutrient-poor sediments; however, many lakes targeted for restoration have sediments that are mucky and high in nutrients. A number of restoration projects have been unsuccessful because, despite significant inputs in labor and plant material, self-sustaining populations of eelgrass failed to become established. Therefore, it is important to use plant material that is adapted to the less-than-ideal conditions at many restoration sites to increase the likelihood of successful establishment of newly planted vegetation. Here at the Center, we are currently conducting a screening program to identify biotypes (similar to botanical varieties) of eelgrass that tolerate and thrive in sediments with high levels of organic material and nutrients. Plants are grown under “common nursery” conditions in sediment types ranging from pure sand to pure peat, and under nutrient levels ranging from none to high (4g of controlled-release fertilizer per liter of sediment). We have evaluated plants from commercial sources and from a number of lakes throughout Florida where populations of eelgrass naturally occur. Some of these lakes have the sandy, nutrient-poor sediments typically preferred by eelgrass, but others have mucky, nutrient-rich sediments. We have thus far identified several bio-types of eelgrass that are highly productive regardless of sediment conditions. One of these biotypes is from a commercial source, but the others are field-collected plants from Florida lakes (including Lakes Seminole and Okahumpka) with the “hostile,” mucky, nutrient-rich conditions common at many lake restoration sites. These widely adapted biotypes of eelgrass may be very useful in lake restoration projects and give restoration managers another tool to increase revegetation success at sites where most eelgrass fails to establish.

Credit: Lyn Gettys, PhD Lyn Gettys is a Research Assistant Scientist at the University of Florida Center for Aquatic & Invasive Plants.

Adding to the Restoration Toolbox: Identifying Widely Adapted Biotypes of Eelgrass

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In our professions involving the care and management of aquatic plants and other natural aquatic life, we are bound to come across a

snake or two. Most of these encounters are with the harmless, non-venomous variety that would rather have nothing to do with you,

preferring to slither away as fast as possible.

But what would you do if you came across a 15 foot python? Or stumbled over an anaconda? These large reptiles are not likely to

disappear back into the undergrowth so easily.

At last year’s Greater Everglades Restoration Conference, much discussion revolved around invasive plant and animal species.

Imported exotic snakes sold through pet stores or privately, growing too big for their current owners, or proving as dangerous as pet

owners had been informed, have been increasingly released into local wetlands, all of which feed into the Everglades. With no natural

enemies present in South Florida to curb their growth, the rapid escalation of the exotic snake population here has become an

increasing source of concern to ecologists.

Recent information suggests that not only are Burmese pythons established and breeding in southern Florida, but so are African

Pythons. Common, or Red-tailed, boas have already been seen at several places across the state and it is highly likely that these

other species will soon expand their ranges too. There are even a few reports of anaconda road-kill.

Burmese pythons (Python molurus) are native to Southeast Asia, can grow to more than 20 foot long, hunt at night and kill prey by

constriction, literally taking their breath away. These pythons will inhabit marshy lowlands or drier upland habitats, and can travel

more than 40 miles in a season, which is particularly important when seeking a suitable breeding female. Additionally, female pythons

can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. Multiply this number by the average years a python lives, anywhere from 15 to 25 years, and one

can see why ecologists are so worried.

Because such an impressive resume also means that anything and everything in its path is fair game. To date, more than 20 species

of native mammals, birds and even reptiles, have become prey to Burmese pythons. Some of these are already imperiled species

such as wood storks, Key Largo woodrats, limpkins, and white ibis. Other prey include large animals like deer and alligators, even

bobcats; but more worrying is the threat to truly endangered species such as Mangrove fox squirrels and Florida panthers, by these

non-discriminatory aggressive hunters.

Pythons, like most snakes, will generally shy away from humans, however the African Python is known to be a far more aggressive

species and therefore potentially dangerous to humans, particularly if disturbed or harassed. If you see a python, constrictor or

anaconda, report it immediately to the authorities. Call 1-888-IVE GOT1 or report it online, www.ivegot1.org. Even if you called the

sighting in, please follow up with photos and reports.

On the following pages is a Quick Reference Guide to help identify the Bad snakes from the Good.

These guides are provided by the University of Florida/IFAS. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

Credit: Rose Bechard-Butman; Certified Arborist and Horticultural Consultant

The Good, the Bad and the Venomous – Encounters and Dealing with Snakes

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South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society

Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Company:_______________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________ State: ________________ Zip: ___________________________ Telephone: _______________ Fax: ________________ Email:______________________ SFAPMS Annual Sponsorship (Please check one level): (Includes recognition at all conference/workshops in 2011/2012, and recognition in the Hydrophyte and, SFAPMS web site) Sponsorship/Participation Options (please check as many as you would like) _____ “Chil” Rossbach Scholarship Fund (any amount is appreciated …………………... _____ Student Membership……………………………………………................................ _____ Non-Member Event Attendance…………………………………………………….... _____ Individual Membership………………………………………………………..…......… _____ Four Business Card Ads in Hydrophyte (attach but do not staple)..……………... _____ Door prize (one meeting)………………………………………………...………….... _____ Raffle Prize (one meeting)…………………………………………….…...…………. _____ Four ¼ Page Ads in Hydrophyte (provide original layout)...……………....…..…... _____ Four ½ Page Ads in Hydrophyte (provide original layout)………..……….…..….... _____ Meeting Merchandise Sponsorship (your logo & SFAPMS logo will be included on item) _____ Full Page Ad in Hydrophyte (provide original layout)………………..………...…… _____ Gold …………………………………………………………...………………….. _____ Silver …………………………………………………………………...………….. _____ Bronze ……………………………………………………………...……………….. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total for all Sponsorship/Participation …………………….…………………………... $ _______ Please send this form with a check made payable to: South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society 6900 SW 21st Court Building 9 Davie, FL 33317 You can now make payment online via our web site at www.sfapms.org Thank you for you participation and support.

$ ______ $ 5 $ 10 $ 35 $ 125 $ 10-75* $ 150* $ 200 $ 400 $ 500 $ 800 $ 1,250 $ 1,000 $ 750

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South Florida APMS 6900 SW 21st Court Building 9 Davie, FL 33317

Place stamp here

South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society proudly thanks

New SILVER Sponsors:

And Bronze Sponsor: