SC DEQ Seeks Comments on Draft Aquatic Plant Management Plan

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Published January 28th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) is seeking public comments on its draft 2026 Aquatic Plant Management Plan. The plan outlines strategies for managing aquatic plants in the state's public waters. Comments are due by March 2, 2026.

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What changed

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), in conjunction with the SC Aquatic Plant Management Council, has released a draft 2026 Aquatic Plant Management Plan for public review and comment. This plan details the proposed management objectives, strategies, and funding needs for controlling both native and non-native aquatic plants in the state's public waters to maintain healthy aquatic environments. The draft includes identification of problem areas, management strategies, and funding sources, with specific adjustments made to waterbodies based on current vegetation conditions.

Regulated entities and interested parties are invited to submit written comments by March 2, 2026, via email or postal mail. The SCDES encourages feedback on problematic aquatic vegetation areas and how residents can help prevent the spread of invasive species. This consultation period is crucial for shaping the final plan, which has historically controlled over 211,500 acres of invasive aquatic vegetation.

What to do next

Review the draft 2026 Aquatic Plant Management Plan.
Submit written comments regarding aquatic plant management strategies and problem areas by March 2, 2026.
Report additional areas of problematic aquatic vegetation through the provided channels.

Source document (simplified)

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Draft 2026 Aquatic Plant Management Plan Available for Public Review and Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 28, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — 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 invasiveweeds@des.sc.gov 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.

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