PART XII:
COVERS
Problem Addressed
are used=to control
nuisance rooted plant
growth, particularly in limited areas of reservoirs such as coves, marinas,
swim beaches, and boat docks.
The
provide'reservoir users with
immediate and long-term access to areas previously choked with plants.
This
method of plant control has been reviewed by Cooke (1980).
Theory and Design
Sediment covers control the growth of rooted aquatic plants in several
ways.
Some covering materials are actually screenlike in nature so that gas
The screens appear to operate by physi-
bubbles do not accumulate under them.
cal limitation of the plants, since light can penetrate the screen (Perkins,
Boston, and Curren 1980).
Other materials are completely opaque and may exert
control by light limitation
(1982) lists these advantages of the use of sediment covers for
rooted plant control:
Use is confined to specific areas.
Covers are usually out of sight.
Covers can be installed where harvesters or sprayers cannot
gain access.
No toxic substances are used.
Permits or licenses are usually not required.
They are easily installed over small areas.
(1982) cites these disadvantages to the use of sediment covers:
They do not address the cause of the problem of excessive
l
rooted plant growth.
They are expensive.
l
They are difficult to apply over large areas or over areas
l
obstructions.
They may slip on steep grades or float to the
if gases
accumulate beneath them.
. They can be difficult to remove or relocate.
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