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CDFW Temporarily Restricting Use Of Boats In Fresno County Wildlife Preserve
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has temporarily restricted the use of boats in the Mendota Wildlife Area in Fresno County.
Due to an overgrowth of invasive water hyacinths, towed boats will be temporarily prohibited from entering the Mendota Wildlife Area for use in Fresno Swamp. The restriction takes effect immediately and is scheduled until February 13.
Water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant native to the Amazon, can be harmful when introduced to non-native environments. In addition to altering pumping operations, hyacinth forms dense mats in the water that can entangle boat propellers and hinder navigation. This year, a bloom of water hyacinths limited access to traditional waterfowl hunting areas on the north and south sides of Tule Island.
In partnership with CDFW, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, the San Luis Delta Mendota Water Authority, the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, and local irrigation districts are working on a long-term plan to control the water hyacinth in Fresno Slough. The control effort will likely take several years and access to towed boats will be restored once the current bluebells infestation has been reduced.
Media contact:
Ken paglia, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
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