Aquatic Plant NewsOur Pre-treat plant survey has been completed this year, along with treatments to invasive species in May with direction from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). The contract aquatic work was awarded to Bonestroo Co. this year, an experienced biology science based company.
Hopefully this on-line article will provide some understanding to this seasons aquatic plant growth and another challenging year. Treatments were done on Monday 5/24th, where treatement included over over 80 acres of the waterway at a cost of $270./acre. Look for treatment results by this weekend.
The treated areas included 60+ acres of the most dense areas of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) and Curly Leaf Pondwwed (CLP); both aquatic invasive species in Buena lake, Fox River bays and Tichigan Lake. Much remains due to limited budget but we maintain control the invasive species. WWMD had approval to treat the shallow channels and bays with dense growth with these AIS and treat the largest most dense areas in the lake.
Areas were treated to create pathways in the dense new growth of Elodia in a number or areas in the river to provide a parallel lane to shore with pathways intersecting outward, providing lanes for property owners with this dense Elodia along their frontages.
Areas which could not be treated are the masses of Elodia growth in the middle of any bays, and in the river south of the lake for several reasons:
1. Navigation is available around the growth
2. The huge cost
Elodia is a native plant and WDNR would approve access area treatments along frontage but preferred no treatment where access was not an issue. Again at $270/acre WWMD does not have the budget to clear the entire waterway.
While this is a change, we need to get used to it and learn to boat as we would in a river, creating pathways to keep the lanes open.
WWMD/Bonestroo did not have approvals from WDNR to do any piers and dock access based on site reviews by Craig Helker our WDNR water specialist as the native plant growth was typically not at the mature stage, except for the dense beds of Elodia in some areas.
This navigational treatment was not on the maps sent by Bonestroo on May 5th. A second treatment will be scheduled for mid June after review of Monday's work and growth audits on the waterway the end of next week. This treatment will again be limited to WDNR approvals for excess dense growth inhibiting reasonable access to docks and piers, so general treatments of frontage will not occur due to both cost and approvals. WWMD has held funds in reserve to review treatments of dock areas in about two weeks after review of the waterway.
You do however have the right to remove any and all aquatic plants in a 30 ft. wide area from you shoreline outward past the piers, either by pulling or cut and rake. The commission has a set of special cutter rakes to borrow and you can pick up by contacting:
Dick Kosut at 262-895-6160 or his via his email listed on the Commissioner Contact page.
Another option is to hire teenagers to pull weeds, providing summer work and improved use frontage.
FYI, we are seeing and hearing comments of increased fish population minnow and both bluegills and l.m. bass that should provide more food for the 6000 walleyes planted over the past two years. The new growths of Elodia grow well in previously plant less silt providing good bottom and cover promoting fish growth. It grows so dense it will choke out the invasive Eurasian Water Milfoil, maybe a benefit here.
We wish to acknowledge the consistent quality and professional work provided by Lake & Pond Solutions, our contractor over the past three years, as our aquatic plant life balance and our knowledge of our plant life in the waterway has improved every year of their effort in that period.
Caution When In the Water!
Our newest invasive, the Zebra mussel with the razor sharp D-shaped hard shell population is increasing at record rates. We are observing greater numbers of Zebras clinging to boat bottoms, motors, metal pier frames, posts, swim floats that can cause injury from sharp cuts, when our bare feet and hands come in contact with these little beasts.
Plan for swim shoes and care when grabbing any underwater surfaces when in the water, as we have reports of hands and feet being cut. Provide caution to Kids and Grandkids!
New Water Clarity
One benefit is as water clarity increases with the rapid growth of our Zebra mussel population, as plant growth surveys recorded maximum depth of plant growth increases from 23 to over 32 feet average and maximums to 40+ feet.
Reports from other waterways confirm that increased clarity and deeper plant growth are contributing to improved forage areas for Small Mouth Bass, Yellow Perch and Walleye populations. Greater depths of plant life provide deep feeding hideaways for game fish.
One Zebra filters a liter of water every day so we can expect improving clarity from now forward.
Consistent Dedication to Continue Improvements
While the District tries; we can never completely satisfy everyone’s expectations. Living on a natural waterway is really not meant for those who believe it should be a clear and plant free swimming pool, but we could do better if we all reduce feeding the demons (plants) for over fertilizing and we all try to balance our beautiful lawns with erosion free run off, free from nutrients.
Your District was a leader in championing the new WI State Statute removing Phosphate from our lawn fertilizer, to reduce the amount of nutrients entering your waterway.
Your District championed new requirements approved by the Town of Waterford for review and permit approval rules for all water runoff and containment on new developments.
Manual Removal of Invasive Aquatic Plant Tools
The WWMD District has a set of three special water harvest rakes for loan to owners who wish to remove plants around their piers and 30 ft. maximum along the shoreline.
Great exercise and fun in the sun! Or hire strong teenagers to harvest and clear your 30 ft.
Eco-System Restoration Plan Development in Process
In 2010 DREDGING IS IN !!
Removal of silt to restore our water to original depths is the highest goal of the WWMD strategic plan. Now that the District has mitigated the majority of our erosion-runoff problems, the WWMD is taking the next step, assigning a steering committee the duties to expand current research, develop an action plan and implement the project.
This is a multi-year project over a 6 to 8 years period requiring over $8,000,000. To remove at least 150,000 cubic yards of silt. Funding of $5000. on average per each from each of our 1032 owners would get us started.
We need your commitment of $5,000,000. and this could be paid out over about three years.
This is about the same as the sewage system put in the late 1980”s, so the next step to us all is having a really great waterway. Are You Ready? Why do we wait? So let’s get this waterway cleaned out! Now!
Note
Want to know more about Wisconsin Aquatic Plant Management (APM)? Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource Website to view information about the
APM (click on the link).
Safe and Careful Waterway Use…Summer is just around the corner!