I wrote recently about all of the water hyacinths that were appearing in large clumps all over the lake after recent heavy rains. The heavy rains caused the lake level to rise rapidly causing the lighted moored water hyacinths to break loose and float downstream. Many people who lived in the south part of the lake were not used to seeing these floating islands and some were not sure what was happening.
If they were really surprised by the large number of plants that floated down, just wait. Right now there is approximately 5 or 6 acres of water hyacinths pressed up against the Highway 155 bridge. Little by little they are squeezing through and floating downstream as the ones a couple of weeks ago did. This time, after the recent rain last week that caused the lake to rise another five or more feet, there are many more water hyacinths headed their way.
We may get a good cold front that could slow the progress for the plants do not do well in cold weather. With prolonged times of freezing weather, much of the mass of plants may sink below the surface and not continue its migration. Many of those growths will actually die in the deeper water. If we do not get the cold weather, then these plants will eventually make their way under the bridge. Winds and boat traffic will free the "logjam" that now exists.
Aren't invasive species wonderful?