This presentation highlights stakeholder driven research addressing concerns about
herbicide residues preventing vegetation establishment for sport fish habitat. Lake
Istokpoga is a 27,000-acre lake in south-central Florida that is nutrient rich and supports
a renowned population of largemouth bass for recreational fishing. This lake has
historically grown vast amounts of hydrilla that local anglers have begun to rely on as
structure and habitat for sport fish. Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, thousands of acres
of hydrilla disappeared from the lake and has not returned. Many local stakeholders
attributed the failure of hydrilla reestablishment to decades of herbicidal management of
hydrilla and other invasive plants. Their concern was that herbicide had increased in the
hydrosoil until it had become toxic to all plant life. To address this concern, a 3-pronged
research strategy was developed: 1) have the stakeholders identify locations in the lake
where hydrilla once grew but is no longer present, 2) have stakeholders assist with taking
sediment samples that could be sent for laboratory analysis of herbicide residues and for
greenhouse bioassay, and 3) sample these same locations for hydrilla tubers. Listen to
find out how to integrate research and outreach to build trust and relationships with local
lake advisory groups and community members.