Weed Improvement In Franks Tract

F

Flutterby

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Jul 14, 2004
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14378
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The weed abatement treatment seems to be working in Franks Tract and the nearby sloughs. Let's hope they treat areas such as Mildred and Five Fingers too!
 
That's great news. Am I correct when remembering that there are 5 trial areas they are testing? If so, do you know what those locations are?

Thanks!
 
Just went through there today on my way back from Discovery Bay. Never been thru there before, so I don't have a frame of reference, but it was pretty weedy and shallow in places. I was following a friend who has a much bigger boat and was a little nervous about the shallow water - but we made it!
 
Yes, Franks Tract has shallow areas, sand bars, weeds and a tractor or two. As well as that floating houseboat and now an abandoned trawler that is anchored in Franks Tract. It is best to go with someone who has local knowledge until you've learned the area. Also Franks Tract experiences changes every winter due to storms, etc. Every spring I like to go out there to explore the changes and note them on my GPS. I see Vessel Assist going out across Franks Tract all the time. Phil knows the areas to avoid!
 
Thanks for the comments. We have been encouraged by the comments we have been receiving by those who are aware of what we have been doing in Frank's. Time will tell just how much improvement we will see in the future.
 
Are there plans to treat the area again? It seems to me that one treatment doesn't completely eradicate those buggers!
 
PKJR -- Just wondering what you are treating with; if it is the same ag-friendly herbicide tested in early studies.
 
The plan is to treat Frank's every spring for the next 3-5 years. We are using Sonar in the slow release pellet and liquid forms.
 
pkjryan,

Have you guys been treating 7 Mile Slough also. It is the cleanest that I can remember seeing it in years, but the last time I was out, most of the remaining hyacinth was in full bloom so that may change.
 
The cold weather early in the year put a pretty good whammy on the hyacinth. We are doing what we can to take advantage of the damage done. Unfortunaely, the seed bank of water hyacinth can remain dormant for many years before deciding to popup and show itself.
 
Paul,
I have noticed a surge in another species of plant on the Tract, at least I think it is. It looks like what we used to call Eel Grass. It has several patches that are getting bigger pretty fast.
 
http://www.apms.org/plants/sago.htm Phil,
Sorry it took me some time as I have been working in the field. Without seeing the plant firsthand and after consulting with a scientist who works in the area, I would think it would be Sago Pondweed. I sent you a link with a picture and hope that is what you are seeing. It is native to California and is probably starting to replace the areas where Egeria once occupied,. If it is Sago Pondweed, it is a native and native plants are "hands off" in the world of ecological control.
 
On another note. It looks as if we have been given permission to do another treatment starting next week. This is good news as it will allow us to get another chance to knock it back some more.
 
I was in Franks last weekend and saw the sago pondweed! I thought it was the other stuff but dying from the treatment. That sago can really wrap up in your prop! And at low tide the weed is longer then the water is deep. Traverse the area with care.........
 
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