Invasive Weed Removal Continues on Crystal Lake

An odd looking boat with a paddlewheel on front is continuing removal of weeds on Crystal Lake, behind the city library.

The City of Lake Wales is paying local firm Texas Aquatic Harvesting $12,500 for removal of invasive torpedo grass and common cattail grass on Crystal Lake. The firm also is removing water hyacinths and other invasive weeds from Lake Weaver at the corner of Central Avenue and U.S. 27 at a cost of $13,500.

According to Parks Superintendent Vincent Crawford, another five lakes in the city eventually will need weed removal, with the total cost expected to reach over $1 million. Other lakes targeted for weed removal include Cooper Lake, Spook Hill Lake, Lake Alta, Twin Lakes and Lake Wailes.

Assistant City Manager James Slaton said harvesting is the preferred method to help restore overall lake health, noting spraying the weeds causes poor water quality as the vegetation decomposes on the lake bottom.