Washington County Public Fishing Lake to temporarily close after aquatic plant found

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — The Washington County Public Fishing Lake has been temporarily closed by the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources after an "invasive aquatic plant" was found in the lake.

According to an ADCNR news release, the discovery of giant salvinia has caused the lake to close starting on Monday, Aug. 5.

The release said the plant is "a fast-growing invasive species that has the potential to double in size every two to four days."

Officials said the plant could quickly take over the lake by forming thick mats on the surface of the water. That mat would then block sunlight and reduce oxygen levels for the fish and other aquatic plants.

If the plant goes uncontrolled, it is possible for it to take over the aquatic ecosystem and impact outdoor recreation, according to the release.

"During the closure, WFF F...