Commuters across the Causeway or joggers along Lake Ponchartrain may have noticed patches of vegetation floating in the lake lately. Many are wondering what that IS floating in the lake.
Dr. John Lopez, Executive Director of the Lake Ponchartrain Basin Foundation, says there is no cause for alarm. It may not be pretty, but it also isn’t harmful. This happens from time to time, especially after heavy rains. “It doesn’t have to be a hurricane, but a dramatic rain event such as this one tends to flush out some of the plant or wood material in the rivers and bayous”
While it may look alarming to see strange vegetation floating in the lake, Dr. Lopez assures residents that not only is it normal, but it can actually have a positive impact for the region. “These kind of events tend to unclog the waterways a little bit for boat traffic,” notes Lopez. While he warns that boaters should avoid the organic debris of vegetation floating in the lake, Dr. Lopez assures area residents that the slight salinity of the lake should kill off the new vegetation and cause it to sink to the bottom of the lake and be flushed out fairly soon.