The Florida Wildlife and Game Commission, working in conjunction with the Jackson County Department of Parks and Recreation has initiated a program to combat the hydrilla in the Mill Pond. The Program consists of three steps: 1) draw down of the water level, 2) release of grass carp, and 3) herbicide spay of the remaining hydrilla in the vicinity of the spring and swimming area.

Phase 1 is already complete and the Mill Pond has been drawn down. By drawing down the water level much of the hydrilla in the shallower water is left high and dry where it is exposed to frost and dies. Phase 2 of the program, the releasing of the grass carp, has just been completed. The last time grass carp were released in to the pond was about 12 years ago. These fish are prolific eaters and love hydrilla. The carp, when released, are about 8 to 10 inches long. The commission waits to release the fish until they are this size to keep them from being preyed upon by larger predatory fish. These fish are bred with an extra chromosome so they are sterile. If they were allowed to breed they would eventually become a problem themselves. Grass carp grow to a size of up to 40 to 50 pounds and live for 15 to 20 years. However, after they reach full size their rate of consumption slows down dramatically. So they have about a 7 to 8 year span during which they are an effective control of hydrilla growth.

Phase 3 will begin in February. They will apply a direct contact herbicide using large spay guns. The herbicide is specially formulated so that it dissipates in the water rapidly and is undetectable in the water only hours after application.

Our rivers and lakes are great asset to our community and we appreciate the efforts of the Florida Wildlife and Game Commission and the Jackson County Department of Parks and Recreation's efforts to keep them healthy.

To learn more watch the video "1000 Grass Carps Released in to the Mill Pond".