Snail problem closes boat ramp

The Windsor boat ramp will be closed this week as officials again try to get rid of island apple snails at the site, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported.

The lake had been treated in April. But egg masses from the snails are still being found. The treatment will take place later this week with the ramp expected to be closed both Thursday and Friday. The ramp and canal should reopen Saturday.

“Officials from the St. Johns River Water Management District, FWC and the University of Florida have discussed the current situation and agreed it's imperative to conduct another treatment before the snail population moves out of the Windsor ramp area,” said Allen Martin, FWC regional freshwater fish biologist in a statement.

The snails can strip away large areas of aquatic vegetation in waterways.

Officials believe the snails were released from aquariums and are asking people never to release them into the waterways.