Lake Management Plan Update

By D.Ernes – Lake Management Committee

As we move into the recreational season, we have begun to implement several of the programs for this year. If all goes well, the ultrasonic buoys should be in place at five locations on the lake. These buoys are being evaluated as a non-chemical means of controlling the algae blooms. It will take some time for them to begin to control the algae, but we have high hopes that they will be effective. As has been discussed, please avoid them as you move about the lake. The success of this approach hinges on each boater avoiding these devices.

The second program which has started is the use of the water quality probe. With this hand-held device, we can monitor parameters to help assess the health of the lake. With the ability of measuring algal densities, we hope to be better able to assess treatment timing and location, as well as monitor effectiveness of the ultrasonic buoys.

One thing to note with these programs is that they are all being driven by RRA members. The buoys will be deployed and maintained by our maintenance department. The water quality probe data collection is being done by volunteer members of the Lake Management Committee who spend several hours on the lake gathering data. We have also had LMC volunteers managing the goose deterrent program by addling eggs in their nests.

As was discussed at the Annual Meeting, each of us can help to keep our main asset in good conditions. Complying with the boating rules especially with No Wake areas will help reduce nutrients from being introduced from boat wakes. Proper lawn maintenance can do the same for controlling nutrient runoff. Other practices have been mentioned. Everyone working together can go a long way to …

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