Tussocks - Why Regulate Them?

Have you ever heard of Tussocks, Sudds, Floatons or Drifting Islands?   For those who aren’t  familiar with these things, simply put, they are Drifting masses of mud, peat, and aquatic plants.   The islands are also comprised of plant roots and other organic detritus.   The islands deviate in size, being a small as a few square feet or as large as several hundred square acres.  This natural phenomenon is seen all around the world.   Tussocks are ofttimes found in lakes and marshlands.  

Tussocks are made often of  cattails, bulrush, sedge and reeds that have extended from the shoreline of a marshland area.   Flora that hangs over the land will often begin to build up.  This sometimes happens because the water level might be low in the root area so the tip of the floras tries to reach the water by hanging and soon afterward, separating.  The area under the  floating mat is usually very rich with aquatic living organisms.   Eventually harsh weather or storms cause  the overhanging section to break from the shoreline.    The mass begins to  migrate and finally clings onto another landform.   Wind helps to move the mountain  along, but anything to harsh can destroy the mass.   Trees  up to 50 feet tall and 8-12 inches in diameter have been known to grow on Tussocks.

Tussocks are a sign of healthy aging in bodies of water.  Individuals say it has been a part of Florida’s shallow lakes.  Their number and enormity was altered by droughts, fire, and floods.   Floods are the most familiar mode of transportation for Tussocks.  Downstream fens and uplands are places the floods have moved many Tussocks.  

Man made structures like wires, levees and dams check today’s water levels.  This binding prevents the  foundation of the Tussocks because the water level gets too high or too low in most places.   Presently, most people do not admire these drifting islands.   The island not only carry itself but many times animals too.   It is not  uncommon to see amphibians or reptiles along for a ride.   Personally the arrival of an alligator at my front door would not be a welcomed  creature.  The tussocks don’t always bring red alerted organisms, but it also might bring good plants and herbs along with it.  

Tussocks are also responsible for another great problem.   Tussocks can block paths to essential shipping harbour.  This can cause many problems for businessman who works near areas of  water.  Boats can be stopped and damaged by it.  It might also block the paths of irrigation systems.  Many governments are wasting millions so that Tussocks don’t get in  their way of living a happy life.  Herbicides have been used in an campaign to control these structures.    Pricey ways like shredders and flatboat mounted  track hoes have been used to gain control.