Invasive aquatic species are a problem throughout the Black Warrior River watershed, especially in reservoir areas and backwater sloughs. These plants are artificially introduced, and once established they tend to out-compete native plant species, covering sloughs, creek mouths. and river banks. The result is altered wildlife habitat, and a hindrance to recreation and navigation. Additionally, these plants often harbor unsightly trash along the river banks and in sloughs. Once established these invasive aquatic plants are difficult to eradicate. Chemical application is not a desirable solution to the problem. The best solution is taking precautions to prevent the introduction of these species into our water resources in the first place. See the links below for more information on the issue and what you can do to help:
Alabama Invasive Plant Council
http://www.se-eppc.org/alabama/
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Aquatic Invasive Plant Species Management
http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/bwt/aquaticspecies.htm
U.S. Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/plants/default.aspx
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
http://www.anstaskforce.gov/default.php
Find more resources at the Black Warrior Riverkeeper website here.