Maitland City Talk

Residents of Maitland and other cities throughout Florida often believe that all plants along their lakefront are “weeds” that should be permanently removed. Most are not aware that these plants can be separated into three distinct groups that define their ecological role in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. Lakefront homeowners can easily identify and understand the difference between those that are beneficial or harmful and learn how to properly manage and maintain them.

Aquatic plants generally consist of species that are native, nuisance or exotic/non-native. A native plant is one that is found naturally in Florida and has not been introduced by human activity. Native plants are beneficial to the ecosystem because they filter pollutants such as fertilizer from upland areas, provide habitat and a food source for other species, and stabilize shorelines to prevent erosion. Common native aquatic vegetation found in Maitland consists of plants such as pickerelweed (Pontedaria cordata), duck potato (Sagittaria lancifolia), and bulrush (Scirpus californicus).

On the other hand, although nuisance plants can be species that naturally occur in Florida, most of the time they have a negative effect upon their habitat. Two species common in Maitland that fall into the nuisance category are cattails (Typha spp.) and primrose willow (Ludwigia octovalvis/peruviana). Though they may be pleasing to the eye, cattails do not provide an edible seed source for organisms, and they also release an abundance of nutrients into water bodies during their decomposition. Like its counterpart, primrose willow also has a tendency to overgrow and crowd out native plants in disturbed aquatic and wetland areas.

Finally, non-native, or exotic, plants are species that have been introduced from another country or region. Because these plants are not naturally found in Florida, they do not have any natural mechanisms of control (such as predators, diseases, etc.). Without insects or other organisms to control their growth, they often form a monoculture. This condition exists when one solitary species completely occupies a given area. Common non-native aquatic species in Maitland include hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), torpedo grass (Panicum repens), and salvinia (Salvinia minima).

So, now that you know how to classify aquatic plants, how can you properly manage them? Almost all cases in which aquatic vegetation is being removed from a shoreline, especially through the use of herbicide, will require a permit from Maitland’s Stormwater and Lakes Management Division and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Permits typically allow the establishment of a cleared access corridor sized according to a resident’s lake frontage, along with the removal of exotic/nuisance species from the remainder of the shoreline and their replacement with native aquatic plants. However, these permits do not allow the creation nor maintenance of a “beach” or cleared shoreline. Please take note that even though a shoreline may have been maintained in non-compliance for years, it is still considered a violation of state and city code and must be re-vegetated or allowed to re-grow as needed.

To determine what species are present on your lot and ensure that the appropriate permits have been maintained for your lakefront, please contact the Stormwater and Lakes Management Division at 407-539-6203 for a consultation.

—Marissa Williams

Stormwater and Lakes Management coordinator

City Council Agenda

of Jan. 23

City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23 in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. Below are items that will be addressed at that meeting.

Special Presentations

Tax Exemption Referendum – The Honorable Bill Donegan, Orange County Property Appraiser

Maitland Chamber Update – Maria Alverez Simmons, Executive Director

Heritage Lands – Pushpa Seth

Recess Council Meeting/Convene CRA Meeting

Decision

CRA Resolution for Budget Amendment #1

Adjourn CRA Meeting/Reconvene Council Meeting

Consent Agenda:

Approve Council Minutes of Jan. 9

Receive Charter Review Commission Minutes of Nov. 21

Towing Contract – Tri County Towing

Contract – Sting Ray Chevrolet

Resolution – Termination of Easements

Change Order – Fire Station #45

Decision Item:

Ordinance – Development Agreement Amendment Process

CRA Request – Budget Amendment #1

Resolution - FDOT Joint Use Agreement Rail Station

Resolution - FDOT Locally Funded Agreement

Discussion Item:

Maitland Art & History Association resignations/management status – Requested by Councilman Bonus

For updates, please check our website at www.itsmymaitland.com