A YEAR OF AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE AS A REGIONAL AGENT WITH THE ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM: A LOOK INTO PRIVATE DEMAND, ISSUES, AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Norman Haley
Regional Extension Agent
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Scottsboro
Abstract
Alabama landowners and managers of water bodies throughout the state can be impacted by native and non-native aquatic plants. The role of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) and, specifically, the Regional Forestry, Wildlife, and Natural Resources (FWNR) agent is to provide non-biased, research-based education and technical assistance towards all aspects of the state’s natural resources. The recommendations, assistance, and education towards the prevention and control of aquatic plants by FWNR agents is focused towards increasing the worth and use of water resources and are presumed to be services of great need and value. Examined were the client enquiries made to a regional FWNR agent serving eight northeast Alabama counties throughout the 2013 calendar year. Enquiries regarding aquatic plant management were the most common and dominated all primary methods of contact: 66%/field visits, 46%/phone calls, 43%/office visits, and 32%/emails. Additionally, 25 in-county pond alkalinity and hardness tests were conducted in respect towards aquatic plant prevention. The most common issues addressed via telephone included general aquatic plant control/prevention techniques, filamentous algae control, stocking grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, controlling duckweeds Spirodela polyrhiza and Lemna valdiviana, fish kills via oxygen depletions, fertilization, herbicide labeling/application, and controlling pondweeds Potamogeton spp. In -field issues most often included the development of all-inclusive pond management plans, and control of duckweeds, filamentous algae, pennywort Hydrocotyle umbellata, and parrotfeather Myriophyllum aquaticum. The demand for aquatic plant management information and technical support in this region and the state is prevalent and several opportunities for further outreach and education exist.
Authors: Haley, III, N. V.
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Haley, III, N. V. Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 35967