The Nature Conservancy is working with several other organizations and agencies in Florida, including USDA-NRCS, to prevent the spread of two invasive climbing ferns: Old World climbing fern (OWCF) and Japanese climbing fern (JCF). Both are true ferns that are spread by minute windborne spores. OWCF is blanketing southern Florida, JCF is problem in northern Florida. The two are meeting in the middle and we want to stop their spread before they become as big a problem here.
They are working with professional licensed contractors to conduct herbicide treatments of climbing ferns on private lands focused in wetland habitats on properties that are within priority counties. Early detection and rapid response is the key to limiting spread in central Florida. 2007 priority counties are Lake, Polk, Pasco, Seminole and Volusia.
To determine eligibility, contact: Tom Sheahan, Invasive Plant Technician, 863-635-7506
Report (1:30 wma)