On September 25, 2026, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began removing approximately 31 acres of floating tussock from Lake Weir in Marion County. The project will improve aquatic habitat, support native plant growth and improve navigation near the Weir Canal. Access to Little Lake Weir will be temporarily unavailable while work is underway.
Floating tussocks are floating mats of vegetation that can develop after droughts when plants growing on the lake bottom break loose as water levels rise. Tussocks can disturb the lake bottom, limit sunlight available to native submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and interfere with navigation.
Removing the tussock will allow more sunlight to reach native SAV and create space for native vegetation to grow and expand. A healthier and more diverse plant community provides important habitat, food and shelter for fish and wildlife.
All harvested material will be removed from the lake and placed on nearby Marion County upland property. FWC biologists will monitor the project over the next two years to track changes in the lake's vegetation community.
Work will occur north of Bird Island and west of the Carney Island peninsula, near the entrance of the Weir Canal with Lake Weir. The project is expected to be complete by December 18, 2026, with access restored by that date or earlier.
"This project will improve conditions for native aquatic plants and the fish and wildlife that depend on them" said Danielle Kirkland, FWC Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section Leader. "Removing floating tussock will help create a healthier, more diverse plant community while also improving navigation."
The FWC appreciates Marion County's partnership and support in making this project possible.
For more information on aquatic habitat projects, visit MyFWC.com.AquaticHabitat. For general waterbody information, fishing forecasts, virtual tours, annual workplans, boat ramp information, and more, visit the "What's Happening on My Lake" website at MyFWC.com/Lakes.