Legal to harvest Wild Water Hyacinth?

[Scubamike74]

So I was driving along the delta today on HWY4. I noticed that the bogs that run adjacent to the road were FULL of hyacinth. They were very large and healthy looking. My question is...can I harvest some for my pond? Obviously I would thoroughly clean and rinse them before placing them in my pond. I just don't want to get a ticket for a $2 plant. It's just that these were bigger and healthier than any I have seen in the stores.

 

[Mmathis]

What is the status of WH where you live (CA?)?

 

[Scubamike74]

They are trying to kill them off in the Delta as far as I can see.

 

[fishin4cars]

Best thing you can do is check with your states Wildlife and Fisheries agency and see what the law states, Some states don't have any laws about taking of plants, but does about keeping them, some allow the taking if they are already growing in the state but may not allow them to be transported. For our state you can find them all over everywhere, Legal to remove, But you can't ship them or transport them across state lines. I have never had a DWLF agent stop or ask me about removing nuisance plants. But I did have one that almost ticketed me for catching minnows in a dip net without a fishing license. So it's better to know ahead of time how the law reads for your specific area.

 

[Scubamike74]

Good idea. I'll call them Monday!! Ty

 

[gardengimp]

. I have never had a DWLF agent stop or ask me about removing nuisance plants. But I did have one that almost ticketed me for catching minnows in a dip net without a fishing license. So it's better to know ahead of time how the law reads for your specific area.

And in florida you can net any non-game minnows whenever and pretty much wherever you like. So yes, check out your state laws. Being the person I am, I trust my abilities with a search engine far more than some joe schmuckatelky giving me the quickest get me of the phone answer. I would look it up.

 

[DrCase]

I got some Thalia out of a ditch. I didn't get caught

 

[Fishylove]

Lol DrCase.

 

[capewind]

LOL... Just go grab a couple and IF caught, tell the green police you have a child interested in "environmental science" who wants to run an experiement on how fast specific plants remove nutrients from the water .... even if it isnt legal, it should get you out of a fine AND still likely to end up with the plants!

 

[HTH]

It is best to clean the plants after you get them. It is possible to introduce nasties into your pond.

 

[Scubamike74]

Well I called Fish and Game. The first girl did not know so I was transferred. The second guy said it is legal but strongly suggests a different kind of plant due to the infestation of hyacinth in waterways.

 

[capewind]

Great news .. go collect a few (and clean well as you already said) ... when they multiply (and they will), just throw the excess into your compost.

 

[gardengimp]

Woot! I suggest ditches along sides of roads. Try to stay away from state parks, employees in those places can be kinda grim towards collectors.

 

[Scubamike74]

I just spoke to yet another DF&G Officer and he says that it's illegal. Ugggg what a pain...

 

[Mmathis]

I just spoke to yet another DF&G Officer and he says that it's illegal. Ugggg what a pain...

Darn!