DONALSONVILLE, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) strongly urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a more proactive strategy to halt and ultimately eradicate the growth of hydrilla from Lake Seminole in Georgia. The following concerns were sent by letter to Lieutenant General Thomas Bostick, the Commanding General and Chief of Engineers of the Army Corps of Engineers.
“The unbridled growth of hydrilla in Lake Seminole presents a major problem for the health and well-being of the lake and surrounding communities,” said Congressman Bishop. “To date, the Corps of Engineers’ response to the problem has not brought us closer to a solution, and I strongly urge the creation and execution of a plan that will reclaim our lake from these unwelcome weeds.”
Lake Seminole’s hydrilla infestation poses a serious danger to the lake’s aquatic inhabitants. The weed’s ability to multiply at alarmingly high speeds has enabled it to dominate the vegetation within the lake. As hydrilla grows, it gradually creates a thick, blanket-like cover near the water’s surface, which drastically impedes sunlight and oxygen from reaching the lake’s submerged plant life.
The unfettered growth of hydrilla in Lake Seminole also raises economic concerns. The dense network of hydrilla that forms near the water’s surface significantly limits boat use and other forms of water recreation. Furthermore, it may lead to a decrease in property values of real-estate surrounding Lake Seminole as the recreational-related resources within the area are negatively impacted.
In the past, Congress has appropriated support to fund Army Corps initiatives to cut back the infestation, but during the past several years of constrained budgets, support has not been accessible to manage the overgrowth of hydrilla in Lake Seminole. To view the letter sent to Lieutenant General Bostick, please click here.
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