2012 qtr 3

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Agenda goes here

Agenda.doc

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Officers and Board Members - 2012

Presidents Message

The Francis E. Chil Rossbach Scholarship Fund

Funds from the scholarship are used to help defray costs for students taking classes related to the study of aquatic environmental sciences or related areas. The scholarship is open to anyone, and all are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted throughout the year and the scholarship awarded when a suitable candidate is found. Money raised by the Society during the year partially goes to fund this scholarship, the intent of which is to promote the study of aquatics. For an application, please go to www.sfapms.org/scholarship.

T: 954.972.8126 T: 954.382.9766 T: 954.370.0041 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: 561.633.7226 T: 407.472.0520 T: 407.808.2035 T: 954.577.6331 T: 954.572.2388

Officers 2012 Mark Weinrub: President.. Joel Wolf: Past President . Linda Wolonick: Secretary ... Board Members 2012 John Keating ..... Steve Weinsier .... Adam Gardner. James Boggs ..... John Raymundo . John Lepage ... John Lynch...... John Baylor.. Dr. Tina Bond ..... Dr. Lyn Gettys . Jason Rivera

The storm season seems to have taken some of the heat off water restrictions. Many South Florida regions have recently had above average rainfall. There are still concerns regarding NPDES

regulations and our industry! It should be noted that part of the current Farm Bill up for passage (H.R. 872) seeks to nullify EPAs NPDES Rules that duplicates pesticide regulation under FIFRA and adds more unnecessary paperwork to waterwork management practices already in place. Attention should also be given to the Numeric Nutrient Criteria deadline which has been extended to the summer of 2013. Our group should advocate criteria that actually reflects Floridas waterway conditions and does not impose a national standard. Each region in the United States has different factors affecting water quality. Mark Weinrub, President South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society

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Plant of the Month Proserpinaca palustris L.

Mermaid-weed Description: Mermaidweed is a low herbaceous plant perennial with simple or branched creeping stems. Being a member of the watermilfoil family, this plant has the characteristics of a feather-like leaf structure. The submersed leaves are alternate 2.5-4.5 cm long and deeply pinnatifid or divided into 8-14 paired linear divisions. Emersed leaves take on a different appearance becoming lanceolate, 4-7 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide with serrated leaf margins. These emersed leaves remain alternate, but soon develop a petiole up to 1cm long. Small inconspicuous, symmetrical, green to whitish flowers are found in the upper leaf axils either alone or in groups of two to five. The fruit is nut-like three seeded and about 4mm long. Reproduction occurs by seed germination. Habitat: Mermaid-weed is a relatively common species found in transient ponds, bogs, and marshes, as well as disturbed canal banks and irrigation ditches. Distribution and Importance: This species is found primarily in the southeastern United States, but does not occur as far west as Texas. Mermaid-weed is a native aquatic that can grow profusely in irrigation ditches occasionally hindering water flow. Wildlife Utilization Value: This plant has limited use by wildlife except for providing protective cover for small invertebrates. Credit Photo: Recently observed in Miami-Dade County by Jana Eckhardt/Allstate Resource Management Article: Bureau of Aquatic Plant Management/Florida Department of Natural Resources, Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Florida (1988) Mermaid Weed


Why Should Invasive Species Concern Us? A variety of aquatic invasive species have caused damage to Floridas ecology and economy and continues to cost Floridians considerable sums of money to prevent, control or eradicate. Non-native species means animals or plants living outside of captivity that have not historically occurred in Florida and invasive species means species whose presence in Florida causes economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Throughout Florida invasive non-native species clog waterways (hydrilla) and power plant cooling water intakes (green and Charru mussels) or affect native aquatic plant, shellfish, or fish populations through: competition for space (green mussel, water lettuce), diet overlap (tilapia), herbivory (island apple snail), predation (lionfish), or by interbreeding with native species (red-eared slider turtle). Native species interact similarly with other native species (i.e., competition, predation, hybridization or interbreeding) but the effects of invasive non-native species are amplified by their explosive population growth. Invasive species can exert ecological influence through species abundance, size, productivity, or predation to become a dominant species, or by altering physical or biological aspects of the environment (i.e., ecosystem engineers). An ecological effect linked to invasive non-native species can be the extinction or local disappearance (extirpation) of native species. Fortunately, no Florida native aquatic species have disappeared statewide or locally; although, the statewide distribution of transplanted red-eared sliders and their potential to hybridize with the native yellow-bellied slider triggered the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to restrict trade and create an ownership permit requirement. Certain aquatic plants annually cost the State of Florida $23 to $28 million a year to maintain open waters for recreational usage, flood water management, or transportation. Other costs to the State concern ongoing research and regulatory enforcement amongst several agencies to understand, prevent, control, or eradicate invasive species. Credit: Special: Edition Newsletter/Aquatic Invasive Species (May 2012), Division of Aquaculture Photo Credits: Lionfish www.bluechannel24.com/?p=615 Charru Mussels - University of Georgia Marine Extension Service

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Successful Restoration of a Retention Pond It may sound like the headlines form a supermarket tabloid, but there are several proven methods to a successful restoration of an unsightly or unhealthy retention pond. These guidelines are a reflection of heartaches and the joys experienced during the restoration of three retention ponds. These do not come from a university-trained biologist, but from a retired electrical engineer struggling to meet budget, fight weeds, placate condominium owners, but mostly to improve his very local environment, the quality of the water and to provide local critters with a better home. These guidelines are: Obtain written permission from all the stake-holders. This includes owners of the pond, tenant organizations, and government regulators. Seek out a leader, an experienced pond person that has a passion for the job. A committee is as nice as a backer, but you need a leader to get the job done. Leadership transitions as ownership moves form restoration to maintenance. Develop a written plan, schedule and budget, for maintenance as well as restoration. Then get buy-in from the participants and secure sources for financial assistants. Limit the selection of aquatic plants. Otherwise the choice is overwhelming. Use only Florida-native, non invasive plants. It not only helps the environment, but it has a better chance of success. Dont fight Mother Nature, you will lose. Involve everyone. Give all concerned a chance to participate, even if its simply providing refreshments during work days. Involvement involves ownership. Credit: Ernie Franke St. Petersburg, FL [email protected]


A New Invader

The yellow floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) is a non-native species that was originally introduced into the U.S. from Asia as an ornamental. It has been spotted sporadically around the country and recently found here in South Florida (Boca Raton). At this time, the newly discovered population is thriving, but believed to be an isolated case. Management efforts are underway to eradicate the plants and prevent the population from spreading to any other nearby waterways.

Credit: text and photos by Stephen Montgomery / Allstate Resource Management

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Living with Alligators

In Florida, the growing number of people living and recreating near water has led to a steady rise in the number of alligator-related complaints. Alligators are an important part of Floridas landscape and play a valuable role in the ecology of our states wetlands. Alligators are predators and help keep other aquatic animal populations in balance. A better understanding of the facts and information about alligators will help ensure that people and alligators can continue to coexist.

Alligators and People

Alligators are a fundamental part of Floridas wetlands, swamps, rivers and lakes and they are found in all 67 counties. Florida continues to experience human population growth. Many new residents are seeking waterfront homes, resulting in increased interactions between people and alligators.

Although most Floridians understand that we have alligators living in our state, the potential for conflict exists. Many complaints deal with alligators in places such as backyard ponds, canals, ditches and streams, but other conflicts occur when alligators wander into garages,

swimming pools and golf course ponds. Often alligators come out of the water to bask in the sun or move between wetlands. In many cases, if left alone these alligators will eventually move on to areas away from people.

Safety Tips

For more information, visit http://myfwc.com/media/152524/Alligator_Brochure.pdf

Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

http://myfwc.com/media/152524/Alligator_Brochure.pdf

Generally, alligators less than four feet long are not large enough to be dangerous unless handled. However, if you encounter any alligator that you believe poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Please be aware, nuisance alligators are killed, not relocated.

Never feed alligators its dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. When this happens, some of these alligators have to be removed and killed.

Be aware of the possibility of alligators when you are in or near fresh or brackish water. Bites may occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near wa-ter.

Do not swim outside of posted swimming areas or in waters that might be inhabited by large alligators.

Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural prey of alligators. Dont allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators.

Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. Handling even small alligators can result in injury.

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October 9-11 2012 Florida APMS 36th Annual Training Conference St. Augustine, FL http://www.fapms.org/ October 22-24 2012 Texas APMS Annual Conference Bandera, TX http://www.tapms.org/ January 22-24 2013 Northeast APMS 14th Annual NEAPMS Conference Westbrook, CT https://neapms.net/ March 3-6 2013 Midwest APMS 33rd Annual MAPMS Conference Cleveland, OH http://www.mapms.org/

Calendar of Events

October 17-19 2012 South Carolina APMS SC Annual Conference Myrtle Beach, FL http://www.scapms.org/ October 25, 2012 SFAPMS Meeting Miramar Civic Center / Miramar Aquatic Center 6920 S.W. 35th Street Miramar, Florida 33023 sfapms.org Feb. 4-7, 2013 Weed Science Society of America Baltimore, Maryland www.wssa.net

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American Bald Eagle Some stay here year-round, others migrate

The American Bald Eagle (Haliateetus Ieucocephalus) is named for the distinctive white head and display of tail

feathers shown on a mature bird. This occurs at five years of age, the white feathers appear and the beak, feet

and eyes turn a bright yellow. Bald eagles are quite unique to North America and found in every state except

Hawaii. Florida is home to 80% of all breeding bald eagle pairs in the southeastern United States. It is our largest

raptor and one of the largest birds on the continent. It is about 29 to 42 inches long and weighs 7 to 15 pounds

with a wing span of 6 to 8 feet. Females are larger than males and northern birds are larger than those that

reside in the south. Normal flight is 40 to 60 MPH. Diving speeds can be over 100 MPH. Eagles soar to altitudes

of more than 10,000 feet and stay aloft for hours, riding natural wind currents and thermal updrafts.

Bald eagles mate for life, selecting another mate, only if its faithful companion dies. They prefer nesting in a large

living pine tree and return to the same nest every year. Nests are built an average of two feet deep and five feet

across, built with twigs, soft mosses, grasses, and feathers. Nesting materials are added each year causing the

nests to become larger over time. If a nest is destroyed by a natural cause it is often rebuilt nearby.

In the spring one to three dull large white eggs are laid in the nest. Incubation takes thirty-five days and both

parents share responsibilities. Eaglets are full size and are flying at twelve weeks and leave the nest soon. About

half survive the first year. Bald eagles have a life span of up to forty years in the wild, and longer in captivity.

Bald eagles feed primarily on fish, and occasionally carrion. With a thousand pounds of pressure per square inch in each foot, they easily swoop down to grasp prey in their powerful sharp talons. They can lift about half their weight. Bald eagles can swim to shore with a heavy fish using their strong wings as paddles.

Once on the endangered species list, the Bald Eagle has made an encouraging comeback since the early

1960s. This is due in part to increased public awareness, strict enforcement of protective laws, preservation of

habitat, and support of environmental conservation programs, which help assure a healthy and secure future for

our beautiful, majestic and symbolic national bird.

Credit: Column by Sandi Staton, SECO News [email protected]


Watch the size of holes for planting trees

Q. Im new to the area. Recent winds toppled some of my trees. They were planted in compact limestone and the hole was only as big as the root ball. Should I have added something to the soil to help my plants? A: Welcome to South Florida and our unique soils! When planting any type of plant, whether its begonia, or a live oak, the planting hole should swallow at least two or three times the diameter of the root ball. All too often people dig a deep hole thinking its beneficial for the plant, but studies show its the opposite. In fact the hole should be a couple inches shallower than the root ball so that when the plant is planted, the uppermost major roots at the base of the plant are a couple inches above the level of the surrounding soil. For trees and shrubs, its not recommended to add anything to the soil when its being planted. Use only the soil left from digging the hole. Avoid adding fertilizer until three to six months after planting. The plant gets benefit from adding potting soil, bagged topsoil, peat moss, or compost when putting trees in the ground. These amendments can actually cause problems since the roots are less likely to establish in the surrounding soil. Instead they circle around and around the hole. Avoid packing the soil when planting. If the trees are falling over easy, try staking them. Just remember to remove the stakes after one year. For additional information on proper planting techniques and how often to water after planting, please read this UF extension publication: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep314. Credit: Column by Adrian Hunsberger [email protected]

E. Gilman/UFExtension

University of Georgia Extension

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Phosphorus Limitation And The Case Of Bay Lake: Do We Really Know What We Think We Know?

Bay Lake is a 36-acre lake in the Little Wekiva watershed located partially within the City of Orlando in the northwest quadrant of Orange County. Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for both total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen have been established for the lake. The lake is completely surrounded by residential and commercial land uses; most of which are serviced by septic systems. Water quality monitoring began on the lake in 1990 and, with the exception of total phosphorus, has generally trended negatively. Secchi and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) data prior to 2000 suggest that the lake experienced intermittent algal blooms, while data after 2000 indicate that the lake has maintained a persistent algal bloom. In response to declining water quality within Bay Lake, Orange County commissioned two lake studies. The first study, involved an assessment of sediment phosphorus speciation and was followed by a whole-lake alum treatment. After treatment, mean annul TP improved thirty-nine percent to 27 ppb, but other water quality parameters to interest continued to deteriorate. Despite the relatively low TP concentration, mean annul Secchi depth was less than 0.5 m in 2010 and mean chl-a concentration was greater than 50 ppb. The lake was denominated by the nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria Cylindrospermopsis, spp. This species has been shown to flourish under both low and high concentrations and does not appear to follow conventional wisdom regarding TP limitation. AMEC was contracted by Orange County to perform a second study for the lake in 2011 involving a nutrient and hydrologic budget and management plan. As a part of the study, AMEC proposed several BMP alternates to reduce the remaining load reaching the lake, but nitrogen fixation and other internal dynamics appeared to be contributing significantly to water quality problem as well. While controlling external loading is critical to any lake restoration plan, water quality data from Bay Lake demonstrates that lake managers should not discount the effects of internal processes. Furthermore, internal nutrient control measures may not always produce the desired biological response even though the nutrient is being addressed.

Credit: Lance M. Lumbard, Sam Arden, Judith Dudley AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, Inc., Orlando, FL

Ronald Novy, Brian Catanzaro Orange County Environmental Protection Division, Orlando, FL

We can help you with continuing education units for your license. Applicators seeking a license in the aquatic category must demonstrate practical knowledge of: Pest organisms in aquatic environments Control measures that pertain to the control of such pests The equipment or methodologies required to safely and effectively implement such measures Calculating the volume of water to be treated Application rates pH Potential secondary effects Various water use situations and the potential of downstream effects Potential pesticide effects on non-target organisms; and The principles of limited area application

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The Hydrophyte

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

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South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society proudly thanks

New SILVER Sponsors:

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2012 qtr 3

Documents

john lynch

john keating

john lepage

john baylor

john raymundo

emersed leaves

board members

mark weinrub