Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced an upcoming hydrilla focused Town Hall Meeting in Donalsonville, GA. Congressman Bishop has invited and will be accompanied by Colonel Jon Chytka, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District. The purpose of the meeting is to get feedback from the public on the issue.

“As one can plainly see, the ongoing problem of hydrilla remains a danger to the natural ecology of Lake Seminole and Lake Eufaula as well as commerce within the surrounding communities,” said Congressman Bishop. “In order to improve the waterway for boaters and fishermen, we must move closer to getting the hydrilla infestation under control, clearing the lakes for full use once again.”

Lake Seminole’s hydrilla infestation poses a serious danger to the lake’s aquatic inhabitants. The weed’s ability to multiply at alarmingly high speeds has enabled it to dominate the vegetation within the lake. As hydrilla grows, it gradually creates a thick, blanket-like cover near the water’s surface, which drastically impedes sunlight and oxygen from reaching the lake’s submerged plant life.

The unfettered growth of hydrilla in Lake Seminole and Lake Eufaula also raises economic concerns.

The dense network of hydrilla that forms near the water’s surface significantly limits boat use and other forms of water recreation.

Furthermore, it may lead to a decrease in property values of real-estate surrounding Lake Seminole as the recreational-related resources within the area are negatively impacted.