An Assessment of Aquatic Invasive Plants in the Illinois River: water hyacinth surveillance, mapping, persistence,and potential seed dispersal Annual Progress Report Period 1 May 2013 –30 April 2014

This study had the following objectives: 1.Documenting the current distribution of mature water hyacinth plants in the Illinois River/CAWS corridor and comparing with historical records and sightings. 2.Comparing seed densities and frequencies in seed banks and dispersal in areas where dense colonies of water hyacinth occur and non-occupied areas (i.e., control) in the main Illinois River channel and associated backwaters. 3.Concurrently assessing the temporal and spatial overlap between recurring stands of water hyacinth and the presence of their seeds in their underlying seed bank4.Developing and evaluating a rapid aerial survey technique to detect and map locations of water hyacinth along the Illinois River.