Hydrilla Treatment Underway at Mill Pond

Efforts are underway to address the hydrilla growth at Jackson Blue Springs, commonly known as the Mill Pond. This week, contractors began a pond-wide treatment to help manage the invasive aquatic plant that has spread throughout the waterway.

According to Rett Daniels, Deputy County Administrator, the treatment involves the introduction of herbicide into the pond over a 36-hour period. “This is a pond-wide treatment and not just a spot treatment,” Daniels explained. “The herbicide is designed to attack the hydrilla from the spring all the way down to the dam.”

Hydrilla, a non-native and invasive species, was not originally part of the Mill Pond ecosystem. Though the exact method of its introduction is unknown, it is believed to have been carried in by a boat or trailer from another body of water. Once established, hydrilla can spread rapidly, choking out native vegetation and impacting recreation.

While eradication of hydrilla is extremely difficult, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for regular treatments to keep the plant under control. Daniels stressed that the Mill Pond is a state body of water, and the project is both funded and managed at the state level. “Jackson County does not oversee this project,” he said. “Our role is simply to connect the dots, provide information back to the state, and help communicate with the public.”

The county has been pushing for additional treatments for several weeks due to the heavy overgrowth that has been noticeable to residents, visitors, and property owners along the pond. “We’ve heard from a lot of people who use the pond, and they were eager to see action taken,” Daniels said. “We leaned heavily on FWC to move forward, and we’re glad to see treatment begin this week.”

The herbicide being used is federally approved and has been applied in the Mill Pond before without harmful effects to people, fish, or other wildlife. Swimming, fishing, and boating remain safe during and after treatment.

For property owners along the pond, there are additional steps that can be taken to help manage hydrilla near their docks or shorelines. Daniels noted that residents can apply for permits through FWC for limited control methods such as mechanical removal, hand harvesting, or the use of approved herbicides. “It’s not required, but it’s an option for those who want to maintain their immediate areas,” he explained.

Still, with the Mill Pond covering more than 200 acres, large-scale hydrilla management falls under FWC’s responsibility. Over the next three to five weeks, residents should begin to notice a reduction in hydrilla growth. Monitoring will continue, and future treatments will be scheduled as needed.

For now, the county is working to keep residents informed and make sure concerns are relayed to the state. “This is an important resource for our community,” Daniels said. “The goal is to preserve it so that it remains safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.”