Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs to hold Shreveport Field Hearing on Giant Salvinia

Press Release

On Monday, June 27, 2011 the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs will hold a Field Hearing in Shreveport, Louisiana on "Giant Salvinia: How Do We Protect Our Ecosystems?"

The hearing will examine the impacts of giant salvinia, an aquatic invasive plant from Brazil that has been declared one of the world's worst weeds. The giant salvinia has been discovered in 12 states since 1995, including Louisiana and Texas. Infamous for its lack of natural predators, giant salvinia forms impregnable mats of vegetation in freshwater ponds and lakes, blocking out sunlight and killing everything below the water column. This weed can double in size from seven to ten days and has been placed on the Federal Noxious Weed List, essentially banning it in the United States.

"The giant salvinia has become a giant nuisance in Louisiana. This invasive weed is destroying lakes and ponds, killing all wildlife in its path, blocking access for boaters and restricting recreational activities. Every effort to control this destructive weed has failed; it is time for a comprehensive effort to control this unwanted aquatic pest," said Subcommittee Chairman John Fleming (LA-04).

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