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AQUATIC VEGETATION |
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Plants
in canals are divided into two categories, submerged and emergent. Submerged
vegetation is what most people refer to ad "those weeds in the canal". The
emergent vegetation is primarily composed of cattails, but also includes pickerelweed,
arrowhead and others. Both types of vegetation in moderation are good habitat
and food for fish and turtles. However, large amounts of submerged weeds can clog up
propellers and hinder fishermen. Cattails are fairly prolific, and can crowd out
other species. Cattails and submerged weeds can be treated with herbicides and/or
removed. However, if too much is removed , and the nutrient load has not changed,
something else will readily take its place. Instead of clear water with large
submerged weeds, you may get cloudy, green water with lots of microscopic plants. |
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FISH |
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| The two
best-known species of fish in freshwater canals are bass and bluegill. Largemouth
bass are a favored gamefish. They have black vertical stripes and an olive-green
background and a streamlined shape. Bluegills are flatter, more pancake-shaped and
tend towards blue around the gills and stomach. Other species found are channel
catfish, shiners, and mosquito fish. |
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MUSCOVY DUCKS |
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| Muscovy ducks
can be a nuisance in freshwater canals. If people feed them, more nutrients are
added to the water than if the ducks had to forage for themselves. Feeding also
leads to healthier ducks, thus more eggs and more ducks. They often use docks as
bathrooms. These immigrant birds from Central and South America also push out native
species by taking over food sources and habitat. |
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ALLIGATORS |
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| Alligators are
sometimes spotted in the freshwater canals, and should NEVER be fed as it is illegal.
This could lead to associating food with people, and potentially tragic
consequences, although they should be treated with caution and respect. |
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SNAKES |
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| There are four
poisonous snakes in this part of Florida. They are the water moccasin, coral snake,
and diamondback and pygmy rattlesnakes. Moccasins live in and around water and wet
areas, and can be aggressive. Coral snakes are rarely seen and prefer to stay away
from people. The rattlers can be found in flatwoods and suburban yards. Other
snakes that live here include black racers, garter snakes and banded water snakes.
Water snakes resemble moccasins, so it is best to keep your distance from any snake found
near or swimming in canals. |
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TURTLES |
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Turtles
are very common in freshwater canals. They will quickly submerge when approached to
swim to the safety of vegetation. One of the more common species is the Florida
red-belly. Others include the smaller mud and musk turtles, and the snapping turtle.
Respect the snapping turtle, as its strong jaws could take a finger off. |
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SEAWALL ALTERNATIVES |
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The
ERD and city engineering department have put up examples of shoreline alternative s along
Lake Kennedy park. The littoral zone provided by an alternative provides habitat for
fish and wading birds, and helps to filter out nutrients and toxins from lawn and
stormwater runoff. There are many kinds of aesthetically pleasing plants that can be
used along shorelines. The ERD has put together a littoral plant guide for use by
residents. There are also examples of suitable plants at the City Hall pond, and the
public boat ramp on Burt Store Road. |
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