The biologists confirmed the importance of water fluctuation
using experimental ponds on UCF's main campus. Willow seedlings
and saplings planted on the pond banks grew poorly when the
biologists raised the water level and flooded the plants for
several months. At the same time, control plants just above the
waterline grew over 3 feet tall. Combined, the two experiments
show that the key to controlling willow is allowing water levels
to fluctuate in early spring. Seedlings and small saplings
cannot survive dry conditions and are easily drowned in wet
marshes. Once plants become larger, willows can survive droughts
and tolerate floods and are very difficult to eradicate, Fauth
said. Based on the conclusions of the study, the UCF biologists
are helping scientists at the water district develop new ways to
reduce willow cover and slow down the expansion, Fauth said.
"It's important that these trees be controlled to maintain water
quality and availability, conserve wildlife and continue
enjoying recreational activ