Sanderson tours Reelfoot Lake for first-hand look at invasive plants

State Rep. Bill Sanderson, R-Kenton, recently got a first-hand look at how invasive plants are taking over Reelfoot Lake.
He toured the lake with wildlife manager Jeff Martin, whose job it is to manage Reelfoot Lake. Among the projects Martin is responsible for overseeing is an invasive plant species eradication program, a long-term dredging campaign to clear boat channels and a $30 million spillway project.
“In July 2012, the TWRA instituted a five-year campaign to spray herbicide that will treat nearly 700 acres of the lake that has been most affected by the invasive plant species pennywort and water willow,” Sanderson said. “These invasive plant species have seen significant growth over the past few years but the TWRA’s efforts have shown that it (the eradication campaign) is working.
“I was truly impressed with how much of this invasive vegetation they were able to eradicate in such a short amount of time. After spending all day touring the lake witnessing the recently dredged channels and the dead vegetation, I came to a new appreciation of how big a job this really is.”
He went on to explain Reelfoot Lake’s economy depends on the health of the lake and its ability to bring in fishermen and hunters.
“It is extremely important to make sure the lake is protected for the long-term,” he said. “I want future generations to enjoy this lake just like I have.”
Sanderson said he plans to set up a meeting of community leaders and TWRA officials to discuss issues that concern the long-term health of Reelfoot Lake and the economic impact of changes to the lake.
“It’s important that we get together from time to time to allow our local leaders and TWRA officials a chance to express their concerns and suggestions. I really look forward to what the area could be if we all put our heads together,” he said.

Published in The Messenger 6.19.13