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County, State Officials Say Mill Pond Treatments Ongoing; Drawdown, Longer Interventions Discussed
Summary
Commission staff reported that Florida Fish and Wildlife conducted a recent herbicide treatment on Mill Pond; staff described fragmentation and congestion downstream and said more intensive measures such as a prolonged drawdown and mechanical work would be required for longer‑term control.
County staff and a Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) representative updated the board on aquatic‑vegetation control efforts at Mill Pond and Spring Creek.
Staff said FWC applied a 48‑hour drip herbicide treatment about two weeks earlier to targeted areas at the head spring and allowed treated material to flow downstream. Residents and staff reported fragmentation of treated vegetation and congestion building on the Mill Pond side of the dam, which produces the decaying mats and odors that concern property owners and visitors each season.
Staff described continuing follow‑up treatments and monitoring by FWC’s invasive plant management division. Commissioners and staff discussed more intensive options, including an extended drawdown of the pond followed by mechanical removal and demucking. Staff cautioned that a full project of that nature would require permits (including dredge/field permits), could take many months to plan and execute, and would significantly reduce recreational and commercial use of the pond while work is underway.
A commissioner suggested forming a citizens’ advisory committee of Mill Pond stakeholders to meet with staff and FWC to advise on treatment selection and schedule. Staff said they would assemble interested local stakeholders and follow up on committee membership and next steps.
Why it matters: Mill Pond supports commercial concession activity, tourism and private property uses. Treatments have short‑term and long‑term tradeoffs; a long drawdown may be necessary for a more durable reduction in invasive vegetation but would disrupt pond use and require permitting and funding.
No final decision on a drawdown or private‑vendor engagement was made at the meeting; staff and FWC will continue treatment and report back.
