District to treat invasive floating vegetation at Headwaters Lake within Fellsmere Water Management Area

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Map of Fellsmere Water Management Area Headwaters Lake
Map of the Fellsmere Water Management Area Headwaters Lake

A map shows the location of aerial spraying to be done at Fellsmere Water Management Area.

PALATKA, Fla., April 25, 2024 — The St. Johns River Water Management District plans to aerially treat 1,200 acres of floating plants on the Fellsmere Water Management Area (FWMA), including Headwaters Lake, beginning on April 30 through May 2, weather permitting, to address ongoing navigation concerns, manage water control structures and protect the lake’s health.

Area 2 depicted on the map will be closed to the public for the duration of application. A combination of herbicides, Galleon, Clipper and Arsenal AC, will be used to remove this problematic vegetation. There are no post-application restrictions for recreational purposes, including fishing. Notices with maps will be posted at the FWMA boat ramp and canoe/kayak launch, as well as on the District’s website, www.sjrwmd.com. Mechanical removal methods of floating plants are also considered by the District, but are best used for smaller scale infestations and canal/navigation management, and would be cost prohibitive for this extensive treatment project.

Floating plants, such as tussocks and invasive, exotic water hyacinth and water lettuce, often form large free-floating mats of vegetation that can be driven by wind into canals and constricted areas. In the FWMA, these mats cause navigational hazards by blocking access to canals and the boat ramp. Vegetation mats can also be problematic when they become lodged against water control structures, restricting the ability to manage water. Their removal encourages regeneration of native vegetation growing above and below the water. Managing and treating these plants are necessary for the health of Florida’s waters and to enable continued recreational boating and other aquatic activities.

For more information, please call the District’s Bureau of Land Resources at the Palm Bay Service Center at 321-984-4940. All herbicides used by the District are EPA-approved and all invasive plant management staff are annually trained and certified.

For additional information on invasive plant management in Florida, visit: