[APWG] New Multimedia Site Highlights Hydrilla in Florida

[Cleary, Ruark]

Keep Costly Invaders Out of Florida's Waterways
Tallahassee - DEP has designed an interactive website to help residents and
visitors understand invasive plants and their harmful affects on Florida's
environment and economy. The latest invader featured on the web site is
hydrilla verticillata, a proliferous, non-native aquatic plant that causes
serious problems in Florida's rivers and lakes. 
"We see the overwhelming destruction caused by invasive non-native plants
almost everywhere in Florida," said Eva Armstrong, director of DEP's Division
of State Lands. "This web site provides insight into the problems caused by
one of Florida's worst enemies." 
The new multimedia presentation uses Flash technology and video clips to
demonstrate the impact of hydrilla on Florida's natural resources and
economy. Boats, motors and trailers transfer hydrilla stems and tubers to new
waterways. Growing several inches a day, one strand can quickly infest an
entire river or lake. 
Invasive, non-native plants like hydrilla currently inhabit about 15 percent
of Florida's public conservation lands, decreasing native biodiversity and
affecting an eco-tourism economy valued at over $7.8 billion annually. 
With the touch of a button, from the comfort of home or classroom, viewers
can learn about hydrilla and other non-native plants at
<http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands/invaspec/index.htm>