The approach to controlling Salvinia molesta on the Lower Colorado River can best be described as integrated pest management (IPM). This method includes the integration of several control mechanisms to provide a wholistic solution, attacking the problem from several directions at once. This process is outlined below.

HACCP
Hazard analysis and critical control points planning has been modified from the food industry for natural resource work. HACCP is a planning tool employed to remove product contamination. Its use in natural resource management is a relatively new application.

Mechanical Control
Physically removing salvinia from the river has been attempted on several occasions with varying degrees of success. Booms across the PVID drain, a boat mounted plant harvester and hand removal have all been used.

Chemical Control
Herbicide treatment of Salvinia molesta received the most attention immediately after salvinia was found, and in the years leading up to the testing and release of a biological control agent.
Trials were performed in the summer of 2000, and again in 2002 to determine the efficacy of different kinds and concentrations of herbicides on treating salvinia. These trials were carried out at the Coco Palms location on the PVID drain. Photos of the trials as well as a report of the 2002 tests are available.
A list of appropriate chemicals and their target species was also compiled.
In 2001, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Land Management collaborated on protocols for water quality monitoring and herbicide treatment.
The first years results of this monitoring were reported in a presentation in 2002.

Biological Control
In its natural environment in Brazil, a weevil lives specifically on Salvinia molesta, consuming it and keeping it in check. This weevil has been transported around the world to successfully control outbreaks of salvinia. After a long period of testing for host/predator specificity, USDA approved the release of the this biocontrol agent on the Lower Colorado River.
Federal Register notification of Salvinia biocontrol efforts with Salvinia weevil
Release and monitoring of the weevil began in the summer of 2003. Pictures of the monitoring are available in the photo galleries.
Reporting on the success of the weevil survival and control will be coming soon.

River Surveys
Along with the monitoring of water quality parameters that accompany the herbicide treatments, the river is also periodically surveyed for the presence of salvinia between the PVID drain and the Imperial Dam.
Maps of these surveys are available at the survey page.