Duck season is here, and plenty of Lawton hunters are pointed south toward Texas water. Texas Parks and Wildlife has a warning that travels with you: giant salvinia and zebra mussels are spreading between lakes on boats, trailers, waders, bags and hollow decoys, and even a splash of leftover water can carry microscopic mussel larvae.
The numbers explain the concern. Giant salvinia, a floating plant that forms thick mats and crowds out the vegetation waterfowl rely on, can double its coverage in a single week and is now in 30 East Texas lakes. Zebra mussels are confirmed in 40 Texas lakes statewide, attaching to equipment and damaging everything from docks to water infrastructure. Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species is illegal in Texas and can bring fines up to $500 per violation.
The fix takes about two minutes at the ramp: clean off visible plants and mud, pull the drain plug and empty all water, then let gear dry before the next lake. Sightings can be reported to TPWD at 512-389-4848. For those of us who fish, paddle and hunt around Lake Lawtonka, Lake Ellsworth and the Wichita Mountains, that habit is the cheapest insurance our water has. What’s your pre-launch routine look like?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.