Draft 2026 aquatic plant management plan available for public review and comments

The public is invited to review and provide comments on the draft 2026 South Carolina Aquatic Plant Management Plan, which outlines how native and non-native aquatic plants should be best managed in the state’s public waters to support healthy aquatic environments.

The plan is developed by S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) in conjunction with the S.C. Aquatic Plant Management Council. It identifies aquatic weed problem areas, describes management objectives, prescribes management strategies, and determines funding needs and sources.

South Carolinians can review the plan at des.sc.gov/invasiveweeds. All public comments should be received in writing (no telephone comments will be considered) by March 2, 2026, either emailed to [email protected] or postal-mailed to:

SC Dept. of Environmental Services

Attention: Aquatic Nuisance Plants Program

2600 Bull St.

Columbia, SC 29201

Comments regarding additional areas of problematic aquatic vegetation on the state’s public lakes and waterways also can be sent using those addresses or they may be reported at Aquatic Vegetation Reporting.

Each year, the SCDES and the Aquatic Plant Management Council prepare a plan that identifies aquatic weed problem areas, prescribes management strategies and determines funding requirements. In the 45 years of the program’s existence, more than 211,500 acres of invasive aquatic vegetation in public waters have been controlled to improve habitat, public access and use. One waterbody was added to this year’s plan, and several adjustments were made to waterbodies due to changes in the vegetation types and quantities in those systems. The plant control guideline information was also shifted to a table to consolidate the plan.

Learn more about aquatic plant management in South Carolina, including how residents can help prevent the spread of invasive species, at des.sc.gov/invasiveweeds.