Invasive Plant to be Removed from Lake Wedington | freshare.net

Invasive Plant to be Removed from Lake Wedington

By Robert J. Korpella

First posted on 12-16-2010

The U.S. Forest Service will soon be draining Lake Wedington as a means of controlling yellow floating heart, an invasive plant that chokes out other vegetation. Lake Wedington is located about 14 miles west of Fayetteville, just off Arkansas Highway 16.

Yellow floating heart is an aquatic plant from Asia that is often used as an ornamental. It was first discovered in Lake Wedington three years ago, covering about 60 percent of the lake’s 102 acres. As yellow floating heart grows, its mass blocks sunlight from penetrating the water, which affects fish, wildlife and other, more desirable aquatic vegetation. The plant’s presence also impacts boating, fishing and swimming in the lake.