NESHOBA COUNTY, Miss. ( WJTV ) – An invasive plant was discovered in Neshoba County.

According to the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (PRVWSD), giant salvinia was recently found just north of the Pearl River in Neshoba County.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said giant salvinia is an exotic fern from South America that invades ponds, lakes, and other waterways in the United States. It damages aquatic ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals and waterfowl.

PRVWD officials encouraged boaters to keep their boats, gear, trailers and vehicles clean of plants, fish, animals and mud to prevent the plant from spreading.

Boaters should also make sure their equipment is dry before launching their watercrafts into another body of water.

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