Invasive and nuisance aquatic plants pose a significant threat to the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. Ecologically, these undesirable plant species can reduce biodiversity by outcompeting and displacing native flora and fauna. Many invasive aquatic plants, such as Water hyacinth, can form dense mats on water surfaces, blocking sunlight and reducing dissolved oxygen, leading to fish kills and environmental degradation. Economically, these species can also overwhelm and dominate waterways, affecting navigation, water management activities, and recreational uses. Due to a lack of natural predators, excessive growth rates, and high reproductive capacities, invasive aquatic plants will spread rapidly when left unmanaged, posing potential risks to public health through the promotion of mosquito habitat, introduction of toxins, as well as considerable ecological, economic, and environmental harm.

Aquatic Vegetation Control (AVC) is an employee-owned company based in Florida, dedicated to safeguarding our water and aquatic environments by enhancing the resiliency of habitats through the responsible and sustainable management of invasive, nuisance, and other undesirable aquatic vegetation. We recognize the importance of protecting our waterways for future generations and understand that aquatic invasive plants pose significant challenges that require diligent and sustained management efforts. As such, AVC views and employs Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an essential component of our approach to controlling all undesirable vegetation. IPM is a comprehensive and environmentally sensitive approach that combines all available control methods. It goes beyond simply removing plants, it addresses the factors that promoted invasive or nuisance plants to first establish and creates conditions less favorable to their future growth and reestablishment.

We use several tactics with IPM components to improve the resiliency of our natural habitats and waterways, including:

• Cultural Control and Nutrient Management: This approach consists of modifying the environment to make conditions less favorable for undesirable plants to establish and thrive. This is often performed through large scale plantings of native species, which can inhibit undesirable vegetation through competition for resources, as well as through targeted efforts to remove existing nutrients from waterbodies and reduce further nutrient inputs.

• Mechanical Control: This encompasses physically removing and or suppressing undesirable vegetation through mechanical means, such as hand-pulling, mowing, cutting, and harvesting. We allocate experienced personnel and utilize specialized equipment to physically remove and suppress a variety of vegetation from the banks, surface, and subsurface of waterbodies.

• Biological Control: This involves the use of an invasive or nuisance species’ natural predator, such as grass carp or insects, to consume and control the growth of certain aquatic plants. AVC promotes the use of bio-controls as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to vegetation management and collaborates with state and local government agencies to support these programs by aiding in monitoring efforts and bio-control agent releases.

• Chemical Control and Herbicide Applications: Chemical control involves the use of herbicides to selectively target and eliminate undesirable vegetation. AVC employs chemical control to target specific invasive and nuisance plant species while minimizing all non-target and environmental impacts. We adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations, and follow the latest recommendations from agencies and academic institutions to ensure the best results.

Benefits of Professional Aquatic Vegetation Control

Partnering with a professional AVC service provider offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Enhanced Water Quality: By effectively managing vegetation and excess nutrients, significant improvements in dissolved oxygen levels, water clarity, and overall water quality can be obtained. Improving water quality can also elevate aesthetic, recreational, and residential values.

• Enriched Recreational Opportunities: Aquatic environments with a strong composition of native and beneficial plants promotes a more diverse and resilient ecosystem that better supports fish and other desirable organisms. This helps to ensure a safe and productive environment for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water-based activities.

• Reduced Flood Risk: Meticulous management of aquatic vegetation drastically reduces the likelihood of drainage system blockages, mitigating the risk of flooding in adjacent areas, and safeguarding communities and homeowners from potential water-related hazards.

• Profound Expertise and Regulatory Compliance: Armed with extensive knowledge, seasoned experience, licensing, and all necessary permits, AVC navigates the intricate landscape of regulatory compliance seamlessly, ensuring adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations with precision and confidence in our management approaches.

Customized Aquatic Vegetation Management Plans

At AVC, we understand that every waterbody is distinct, necessitating a tailored approach to vegetation control. Our team comprises seasoned experts, field scientists, biologists, and skilled laborers who meticulously evaluate each waterbody's unique requirements. We craft an effective and site-specific management plan that will meet and exceed your long-term maintenance goals, by taking into account factors such as:

• Type and extent of aquatic vegetation present

• Water depth and flow characteristics

• Surrounding land use and environmental considerations

• Budget and long-term maintenance goals

By implementing a proactive and strategic aquatic vegetation control plan, you can maintain our waterways' health, beauty, and functionality for years to come.