The State - News from Oct. 28, 1985

The state Department of Food and Agriculture has moved to stop the spread of the fast-growing hydrilla weed into the Sacramento River. “Immediate action is essential to eradicate the hazardous plant and keep this crippling water weed from spreading and getting a chokehold on the northern portion of the Sacramento River,” said department Director Clare Berryhill. He said that by covering a large portion of waterways with its growth, the weed could adversely affect agriculture, boating, swimming, fishing and “endanger people and property through possible flooding.” Berryhill said two sites north of Redding and one at Anderson are being treated with chemicals, excavated and filled to eradicate the weed. The other four sites, south of Redding, “are being diked to prevent flooding and the carry-out of hydrilla downriver when high water occurs this winter,” Berryhill said.