SHORELINES

Alabama Power works throughout the year – but especially in the summer – to control invasive, non-native plants on the water. However, promoting native beneficial plants is just as important to having a healthy ecosystem and successful aquatic plant management program. To help boost native plants, Alabama Power started its water willow relocation program in 2015. One of the most common plants on the Coosa River, water willow roots in the lake bottom but has stems and leaves that extend out of the water. ese roots and stems provide important spawning sites for fish and habitat for other aquatic animals. e hardy plant can also withstand reservoir drawdowns and harsh winters. In addition to providing habitat for animals and fishing spots for anglers, water willow helps stabilize the shoreline. But, unlike non-native plants, it doesn't grow so dense that it creates a mosquito breeding ground and other problems. "Most non-native plants have high growth and reproductive rates. is allows them to outcompete native vegetation," said Josh Yerby, an environmental specialist for Alabama Power. "You lose access to the water for all types of recreational uses – fishing, boating, swimming. at typically doesn't happen with the water willow." Alabama Power biologists take water willow from areas with high density and relocate these plants to places with few or no plants. "It's not just about control; it's also about promoting the native plants," Yerby said. "at may be leaving it alone or more actively promoting it and trying to increase the coverage on our reservoirs." e Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which licenses hydroelectric projects, requires the company to manage aquatic vegetation on its lakes. In May, Alabama Power worked with Kyle Bolton, fisheries biologist for the Alabama Department of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, to relocate water willow from Lay Lake to Lake Martin. Bolton also coordinates the division's Aquatic Enhancement Program. "Since 2015, we've had very good success on the reservoirs where we have done this," Yerby said. To move the water willow, team members scoop floating mats of the plant out of the water with a rake. ey put the plants into tubs, coolers and similar storage containers for transport. e biologists also remove any non-native plants to make sure they aren't relocated from one lake to another. "We have to keep everything moist overnight until we get to the relocation site. We inspect the plants again as we are taking them out. It's important not to move exotic plants in the process," Yerby said. Once the water willow reaches its new home, the plants are spread out on the water and small-gauge wire is laid on top. e plants and wire are then sunk to the lakebed with cinderblocks. "You have to secure those stems down to the lake bottom. From there, they will hopefully grow up as new plants," Yerby said. Alabama Power has worked with the state as well as the U.S. Forest Service and high school fishing teams from 33 www.apcshorelines.com

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