Earl Chilton II

Lake Conroe: A Case History of Integrated Plant Management for Hydrilla Control

Lake Conroe has long been synonymous with controversial control of the exotic plant hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). Hydrilla was first identified in Lake Conroe in 1975, only two years after the reservoir was impounded. By the time it was identified in Lake Conroe hydrilla already occupied 190 ha. Subsequent surveys indicated hydrilla was spreading rapidly. By 1979, hydrilla had increased to over 1,821 ha in Lake Conroe and was causing significant problems for boaters, skiers, and swimmers. As a result of efforts by the Lake Conroe Association and its supporters and despite objections by...