When Pflugerville officials saw hydrilla and pondweed overtaking parts of Lake Pflugerville they called in the Moss Monster.
The fast-growing aquatic plants can overcrowd a body of water, which hinders recreational activities and disrupts the ecosystem. Park and city officials fight back against the aquatic plants with mechanical trimmers and specialized fish.
For James Wills, Pflugerville Public Works Department director, keeping the plants in check while maintaining Lake Pflugerville’s ecosystem and promoting lake recreation is a balancing act.
The Moss Monster looks like a steel paddleboat mated with a giant underwater hedge trimmer and conveyor belt. The machine traversed Lake Pflugerville in September and October mowing down the aquatic plants 5 feet beneath the surface and depositing the cuttings on the bank for the city to haul away.