Lygodium, the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge, and a Letter to the Editor that sums things up quite nicely.

First, have you always wanted to have your “Letter to the Editor” published in the newspaper? Maybe tried once or twice before and were unsuccessful? Below you’ll find information that will greatly increase your chances of accomplishing getting published. Maybe even have your letter published this Sunday, Christmas morning! How cool would that be?

Anyhow, back to the topic, on the Lygodium (climbing fern) infestation in the Loxahatchee Refuge this Letter to the Editor appeared in the Post recently titled, “Fed oversight turned refuge into a mess”; here are two excerpts:

     The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is big on species management, but it seems to me that the single species they are managing to keep healthy in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is Lygodium, which, ironically, is killing all the other species in the refuge.
     I give credit to FWS for their work to regulate and review permits that help protect wildlife across the country. As land managers, however, they are third-rate. [emphasis added] The Lygodium infestation blanketing tree islands and making an impassable mess of dead vines that entangles wildlife on the ground didn’t happen overnight.

[and. . .]

     I understand budgets are tight, but the management at this federal agency hasn’t had the foresight to so much as ask our Congress for money to fix the problem. In the end, this will cost everyone more money when the entire refuge becomes a Lygodium farm.
     I don’t know the exact answer, but the answer needs to be one that saves the Everglades and saves the refuge.

JIM HARVEY, WEST PALM BEACH

If you didn’t know, one of the most prolific and published contributors to the Post editorial page is Lake Worth’s own Drew Martin. How does he do it? He knows the trick: You have to follow up with the editor!

There are other things you can do as well. Please read these instructions (written for residents of Lake Worth but really apply to any City in the County). Get started on your letter today. Good Luck!