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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Ultrasonic Buoy Deployment Notice
By D.Ernes – Lake Management Committee
At the March and April meetings, it was announced that part of the 2024 Lake Management Plan will be the evaluation of ultrasonic buoys. These buoys use solar panels to power ultrasonic emitters that are suspended in the water. The sound waves disrupt the ability of blue-green algae to rise to the surface, depriving them of the sunlight they need to survive. As a result, they will die and drop to the bottom of the lake. This is a non-chemical alternative to the algaecides we have employed for the past few years and have been shown to be safe to non-target organisms.
The presence of these buoys (about the size of a 50 inch television set) can become an object that boaters will need to be on the look out for. The picture at the right shows what these buoys look like. They are equipped with a US Coast Guard approved flashing beacon for nighttime navigation assistance.
There will be five of these positioned throughout the lake, primarily adjacent to No Wake Zones. We expect that they will be deployed in the next few weeks, in time for the Memorial Day weekend, and the anticipation of high boat traffic volume. Please use every effort to avoid coming in proximity to these buoys. They are expensive to replace. In addition, the lead time for a replacement is about a month, so if they are damaged, that area of the lake will not have any protection from the growth of blue-green algae.
The location for these buoys is as follows:
- At the dam near the no wake area
- Mouth of Plum and Sugar Creeks at the start of the No Wake Zone
- In the Southern end of the lake below the No Wake buoys near Spanish Cove and about a 1000 feet further north.
We need to have these buoys in place for the entire recreational season to evaluate their effectiveness. If we can show that that they work, we can substantially reduce our reliance on chemicals. Thank you for your vigilance.
Lake Management – Status Update
Most of us remember the days when the lake was green with swirls of blue-green algae on the surface. We saw toxin levels exceed EPA limits, cautioning residents to avoid contact with the lake. The water was also cloudy, with poor transparency.
Over three years ago, we began an effort to develop a Lake Management Plan. This plan has been flexible to allow changes while continuing to move forwards with actions that have shown success.
As a result of the Plan, we have seen a shift in those poor conditions. We have begun treating the blue-green algae before it gains a foothold, in spite of roadblocks that mother nature places on us. The lake is now clearer. The recent study shows that the fishery is healthy. And the algal toxins have been in control.
There have been a number of recent comments concerning what we are now seeing on the lake that we wanted to address. With the clearer waters, aquatic weeds and green filamentous algae are becoming more prevalent. An additional reason for their growth is that nutrients are driving the productivity of the lake. Until we begin to control the nutrients, something will grow using those nutrients. It is also possible that the early drought and the now prevalent rains are driving this growth. While less desirable aesthetically, these consequences are not detrimental to the health of the lake.
For the next steps, we have been working with outside vendors to develop programs to start to mitigate the nutrients and thus reduce the secondary effects of the control measures targeting blue-green algae. These efforts are more costly, and we are seeking ways to get financial assistance.
Until we move into the next phase of our plan, we will need to find ways to adapt to the changes. Many have indicated that they are manually harvesting the filamentous algae. It should be reminded that you should use precautions such as protective clothing and gloves while removing the clumps. Also, dispose of the material properly so that it does not come in contact with children or pets while it is drying. Filamentous algae is not toxic, but the clumps can contain other materials which some people may be sensitive to. We will also look for other ways of reducing the filamentous algae.
We don’t believe that anyone wants to go back to a blue-green algae dominated lake. It will take some patience, and maybe a little work, to get through this stage in our journey. Enjoy the lake!
Lake Management Update from a non scientific perspective! From one neighbor to another!!!
By: Louise Lisac
I have lived on the lake since late 2011. That’s almost 12 years of watching and learning how our lake responds to seasons, to weather; from winter to summer and from sunshine to rainstorms. The beauty of the lake and the ugliness of the lake have been seen from my vantage point. I had never spent a large part of my life near the water until I moved to the Shores. I would spend visits to the beach and to the lake, but I never truly focused day in and day out on the “life of a lake”. I knew our beautiful lake needed help. At first, I bought into the idea that dredging the entire lake would solve all our problems. Get rid of the built-up sediments and the weeds and the algae would go away. Who cares if it costs an enormous amount of money, Wasn’t it worth it to protect the number one asset of our lake community? It sure made sense to me.
Unfortunately, nothing is ever simple. Hard problems very rarely have a one-dimensional solution. Oh, if only that were true! Lake life would be much more enjoyable. I got involved because I knew our lake was worth saving. Besides, so was the investment I made in property. I did this with a sense of fight and also with an open mind. Regardless of our opinions we are a community. A community brings a variety of talents and personalities to the table. Debate can be challenging but it can also lead to great dialogue and more importantly understanding of a bigger issue and a more focused short term and long-term solution to a very real problem.
I have been witness to the value of resident involvement. Individuals willing to bring their talents to the table and work on our Lake Management Committee and individuals willing to create a grass roots campaign and create the Environmental Advocacy Club joined forces and came together to partner with our Association Board of Directors and our Association Maintenance Manager to develop a strategy that is science based, multi-dimensional and created on fact not emotion.
A professional lake advisor was hired. If you’re sick, I hope you don’t just search the internet and diagnose yourself. If you do, it may not work out so well. You probably should go to a medical professional who has experience and training about how the human body works, what symptoms may present themselves for certain diseases and more importantly how to treat those diseases and not just cover up the symptoms. I hope you’re smart enough to make those tough lifestyle changes that may be necessary to return you to health. Our lake is in need of attention. A professional lake advisor has the knowledge and experience to determine what treatments can help both the symptoms and the long-term cure. There are lifestyle changes we will all need to make as well.
Under direction from our lake experts and consultants, this upcoming recreational season we will continue with weed control as well as the Vodaguard treatment. These treatments are not “magic bullets” but short-term treatments to address symptoms. Please watch the eblasts for updates and scheduling of these activities.
We will continue with our water testing procedures and alert you, if and when levels exceed our tolerance and safety levels. Eblasts will notify you of this as well. Please educate yourself on our warning process. You can also register to get text updates of these warnings direct to your cell phone. Simply on any eblast, click the link that says “Update Preferences” and add in your cell phone number. That’s as easy as it can get!!!
We will continue with our geese management activities. While animals are important in our lives, we need to ensure their excrement does not negatively affect our water. You can help by cleaning up after your pets and reduce the risk of runoff coming into our lake.
We have a fish study planned for later this year. Jones Fish has been hired to do this study and informed us that fall is the best time to complete this type of exercise. The results of the study will be shared once it is complete.
Dredging is scheduled throughout the summer. Northern coves will be done during June, July and August. This is to minimize sediment disruption in the main lake. The South End of the lake will be dredged after Labor Day.
We enjoy many recreational activities on our lake. Boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and even meditation are all important. Our lake management programs are focused to ensure these activities can continue and to ensure our property values are not negatively affected. You are part of lake management as well. Both part time and full-time residents of the Lake Roaming Rock Community share responsibility to be good stewards of our lake and our lake environment. What’s that you say????? Yes, you own the health of our lake. Do your part. Stay educated. Get involved. Learn what you can do to help filter runoff. Understand how using the wrong fertilizer can affect algae blooms. Pay your dues. Don’t dump leaves and other debris in the lake. Never ever use chemicals for any reason. Watch gas overspill if you fuel your boat at the water’s edge. Respect mother nature. Help educate your neighbor of these initiatives. Be a lake disciple!
We are blessed to live in such a beautiful environment. Never take for granted what we have here in the Shores. Protect it and if you get the opportunity, thank your neighbors who contribute their time and talents to enhance the health and welfare of our lake. These are unpaid positions and are done only because they love Lake Roaming Rock. The next time you feel you need to complain, why not consider getting involved? Think about becoming part of the solution. Enjoy the summer season and all that it has to offer. More importantly understand that a beautiful lake is no accident and requires unique and multifaceted care by all who use and recreate.
Lake Management Short-Term Plan
By David Ernes – Lake Management Committee
The RRA Board recently announced the hiring of EnviroScience to act as our Lake Advisor. One of the functions of the Advisor is to develop both short term and long-term management plans focused on the improvement of the lake water quality.
The Short-Term Management Plan [SMP] was recently released and the major parts approved by the Board after consideration by various RRA committees. It was reviewed at the Annual Meeting and at a Lake Education meeting in early May. For those who could not attend either, this article details the major points of this plan. Note that this SMP is designed to bridge the gap between the current season and the time when a Long-Term Management Plan [LMP] can be properly investigated and developed.
The primary part of the SMP is to implement the treatment of the lake to control the growth of the blue-green algae. This will be done by AquaDoc using an EPA approved product known as VodaGuard C. This is a copper-based product similar to LakeGuard® Blue, which was used successfully at Chippewa Lake. Copper is an algaecide that will kill the blue-green algae. It is expected that this will be a short-term solution and will only be used as a ‘band-aid” until the LMP is ready.
Another area of interest is aquatic vegetation control. As was already announced, the AquaDoc treatment program has been approved for the summer of 2021. The program received high marks from those who used it last year. The SMP also made recommendations regarding the use of the weed harvester to limit its impact on the lake.
Dredging is also addressed in the plan. Dredging, while necessary to maintain navigation, can also negatively impact the lake by resuspension of sediment and the resultant release of nutrients. Such a nutrient spike can amplify Algal Blooms and thus interfere with the treatment mention above. Therefore, to minimize the impact on the treatment program, dredging will be delayed until after Labor Day.
Many know that the bacteria level at the beaches (last year, at Beach 1 in particular) has been an issue. Based on DNA testing, one likely cause is the geese population. Therefore, a recommendation was made to examine options for geese control. Some are currently in place with the Geese Deterrent program and a green laser that will be evaluated at Beach 1. Proper design of lakefront landscaping can also discourage the congregation of geese. One such option is a properly designed buffer zone adjacent to the water. A workshop will be scheduled later in the year to present options that can be done by each homeowner to not only deter geese visitation but also assist in controlling erosion and nutrient flows into the lake. A demonstration site is in the early stages of planning. The more we do locally, the better our chances for success. And each practice we follow represents a reduction in the efforts (and cost) of more comprehensive programs. Now, more than ever, it is the time to …
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(The full SMP can be found on the RRA website under the Lake Management tab. Feel free to review the plan, as it gives an excellent justification and review of the criteria and options evaluated during the planning process. If you have questions, let us know – romerocklmc@gmail.com).
Lake Aeration for Nutrient Control
By David Ernes – Lake Management Committee
As many of you know, our lake is stratified. This means that below about fifteen feet, the lake temperature drops rapidly, as does the level of dissolved oxygen. Under these low oxygen conditions, the phosphorous normally bound to other minerals in the sediment, predominantly iron, is released into the water just above the lake bottom. During the spring and fall lake turnover, and other conditions of increased agitation, this phosphorous mixes with the water throughout the lake, resulting in a surge in nutrients. This can eventually result in an algae bloom. In recent article, we discussed the use of alum to cap the sediment, preventing the release of this phosphorous. Another method that can be used to minimize this release is aeration.
Aeration, also referred to as circulation, involves the use of compressors to force air through weighed tubes connected to bubblers situated on the lake bottom. The released air bubbles add oxygen and, with sufficient pressure, mix the lake water, disrupting the stratification. The subsequent increased oxygen content restores the balance between phosphorus and the sediment minerals keeping it trapped. Also, an increase in lake bottom oxygen accelerates the breakdown of the organic matter (leaves, dead vegetation, etc.) by beneficial bacteria. The fish can also access the improved lake oxygen levels, which is beneficial to their health.
Aeration is best done on the deep areas of a lake where it is stratified, so this type of aeration does not directly impact the coves or the smaller inlets. Over time, aeration may be felt more broadly, as the lake reaches equilibrium.
This past fall, representatives from EverBlue Lakes visited our community to make a presentation, which included an overview of their system optimized for larger lakes. The presentation also included their systems for “muck” digestion and for watershed remediation.
In the past few articles, we have presented some of the options being evaluated for our lake. There are many more options out there. But to control algal blooms, which many consider as our main objective, the most common involve the use of chemicals to kill the algae or options to control the nutrients from the lake sediment using alum, and aeration.
Another option not discussed is to control the nutrients from the watershed. This is more complicated. However, remember that our property is part of this watershed. So, do your part so that you can say that you too are trying to ….
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Lake Management Techniques – Nutrient Control
By David Ernes – Lake Management Committee
In a previous article, we discussed the use of algaecides to control algae blooms. One other option is to control the nutrients, primarily phosphorous, the major food source for the algae. One source of these nutrients in the lake is the legacy sediment, which has accumulated over the years. During rain events, high wind conditions, and other activities, the sediment in the shallow regions of the lake can be stirred up and release nutrients. There is little that can be done to control the weather conditions, but we can obey the no-wake buoys where excess speed can stir up this sediment. Dredging is one option being evaluated that can remove this shallow sediment, albeit at a rather significant cost.
In-lake sediment is also found in the deeper areas of the lake where it is difficult to remove. As we know, below about 12-15 feet, the lake is anoxic, meaning the oxygen level is very low. This allows the phosphorous in the sediment to be released into the water, which can mix with the lake during the spring and fall turnovers, or other intense mixing conditions. Two methods available to control this source of phosphorous are aeration and alum treatment.
Alum, or aluminum sulfate, can be applied to a lake, where it is converted to aluminum hydroxide, an active ingredient in several over-the-counter antacids. This forms a floc, which traps phosphorous in the water, tying it up and ‘dragging’ it to the bottom sediment layer. There, it forms a “crust”, trapping the phosphorous in the sediment and preventing it from being released in the water. As the floc sinks, it removes dissolved phosphorus and also traps sediment fines, helping to clarify the water. The effectiveness of this application can range from a few years up to fifteen or twenty years, depending on a number of factors. While there are some potential issues surrounding the use of alum in lakes, modern companies ensure that the application poses minimal risks.
A full inactivation treatment described above can be quite expensive, but another option is to use a ‘stripping’ dose of alum. This is a lower dose and traps the phosphorous in the lake as well as the fine sediment but does not fully cap the sediment in the lake bottom. Its longevity depends on the rate at which new phosphorous enters the lake.
Therefore, application of alum is just one of multiple methods that can be used to control the nutrients and ultimately algal blooms. Each of these methods must be evaluated in terms of effectiveness, longevity, safety and of course cost. If you have any questions concerning the various options being discussed in these articles, contact us at romerocklmc@gmail.com. In the meantime, remember to…
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Lake Management Techniques: Erosion Control
By Gerald Dixon – Lake Management Committee
The brown color of our lake is the result of suspended bits of rock and soil in the water. This suspended material is called sediment. Sediment is generated by erosion, which is a geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural terrestrial and aquatic forces, as well as human and animal influences. Lake sediment causes un-navigable waters, unwanted green algae blooms, and weeds among other unseen detriments to a healthy lake. Shoreline erosion contributes significantly to our lake’s sediment and water quality issues. Most homeowners will not dispute the fact that Rock Creek’s watershed is a carrier of sediment. But another major contributor is our thirty miles of shoreline. Here are some of the aquatic forces that lead to our shoreline erosion:
Waves: Wave action can displace loose soil when the soil composition isn’t right for the area and natural vegetation has been removed.
Ice: When lakes freeze and then melt, sheets of ice are pushed up onto the shore. This is occurring more and more frequently as water levels rise and fall.
Storm Water: As storm water moves over loose soil, layers of the soil are removed in “sheets” leading to something called “Sheet Erosion.”
Flowing water: Run off from the lake’s watershed and flow of material contribute to the overall deposits.
Splash or heavy rains: Precipitation and storm water hitting loose soil cause heavy displacement depending on the slope of the property.
Human influences also cause shoreline erosion to happen. This is often referred to as “accelerated erosion” which happens much faster than natural erosion and is much more challenging to reverse. Sometimes, people who are trying to help control shoreline erosion are actually causing much more damage in the process. Removing vegetation in order to create more visibility and access to the water not only destroys many natural habitats, but gets rid of the natural erosion control that plants and tree roots offer.
Aquatic plant removal can have a similar effect. Shallow lakes, such as ours, tend to have more aquatic plants near the shore. These plants help protect the shoreline from erosion by reducing a wave’s energy before it comes in contact with the shore. When too many aquatic plants are removed, the ecosystem in the lake is not only damaged, but the full erosive force of waves is able to hit the shoreline and cause damage there too.
When home owners install impervious surfaces such as driveways or permanent structures, that surface area is now unable to absorb water from precipitation. This precipitation will therefore cause erosion instead of absorbing into the soil naturally. Paved sitting or observation areas beside the lake and long docks have a dramatic effect on the shoreline.
But the most severe erosion from human influence is created by watercraft. When boats are design to create waves, such as those we wish to board behind without a line, the damage to shoreline is the greatest; fortunately, deep water waves are not as damaging as shallow water waves. This is the principal reason our “No Wake Zones” were created. Unfortunately, the majority of boat operators do not slow to minimum steerage speed as required by the regulation.
Again, what we do on our properties can affect the lake, so always consider it when you make changes, especially along the shoreline. We should all do our part to “Save our Lake” and as always…
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Lake Management Techniques: Algaecides
By David Ernes – Lake Management Committee
In an upcoming series of articles, the Lake Management Committee will be presenting a brief overview of the mitigation options we are investigating for our lake. The purpose of these options is to reduce the frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms (HAB). The techniques can be summarized as being mechanical, biological or chemical in nature.
Algaecides are one example of a chemical option. While they kill the algae population, they are not retained in the water column. Instead they either sink to the bottom and become mixed with the sediment or breakdown to a form that is no longer effective. As such they must be applied at a frequency that is determined based on the characteristics of each lake (e.g. nutrient sources). It is important to realize that the effectiveness and longevity observed for one lake is unlikely to be predictive for another lake, like ours.
The two most common types of Algaecides used for HAB’s are based on either copper sulfate or hydrogen peroxide. The former has been used for years and is highly effective at killing cyanobacteria. While most people have heard that copper can be toxic to fish, plants and other species, this side effect largely depends on the form of copper used and its dosage. There has been a lot of discussion lately related to the use of a new copper-based product, LakeGuard Blue, which was used successfully at Chippewa Lake. They reported no adverse effects. Since the product allows the copper to stay suspended in the water column for up to 24 hours, a lower dose can be effective.
The RRA Board, as well as members of the LMC and EAC, recently attended a Zoom call with representatives from Chippewa Lake. We also hosted a representative from BlueGreen Water Technologies, the manufacturers of the product, at our lake. Both spoke highly of the product, and its efficacy. However, there is no guarantee that we would see the same success or longevity. The supplier also advocates testing to be used in conjunction with the product for the best outcome.
The second product, often referred as SPC, or PAK 27, breaks down in contact with water forming hydrogen peroxide. The released peroxide destroys cyanobacteria and has the added effect of also breaking down the toxins that can be released when they die. SPC does not accumulate, rather it further breaks down to water and oxygen. The disadvantages are a higher cost, and the fact that it is not as effective as copper on HAB. BlueGreen has a product, LakeGuard OXY, with the same suspension properties as the Blue product and is currently being evaluated in Florida.
Overall, these products are suitable for their intended application. However, as stated above, they are not a long term solution and have some disadvantages. In fact, where copper was used on a lake over a number of years, they saw the need for increasingly higher doses to achieve the same desired effects. And the longer it is used, the greater the chance for the buildup to cause negative effects.
These are just two of the options being investigated. Their advantages and disadvantages will be compared with the others. Then, in conjunction with the results of the Nutrient Budget, and the advice of experts, we will work to develop both short and long term plans for our lake.
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Lake Management: What’s Happening
By David Ernes – Lake Management Committee
No one can deny that this has been an unusual year with the Global Pandemic affecting every part of our lives. As consequences of this situation, it has not been possible to report on the activities of the Lake Management Committee (LMC) normally done at the monthly Board Meetings. Therefore, we wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the activities being conducted in the interim in anticipation for a time when things can get back to ‘normal’.
The first item is that we contracted for the generation of a Bathymetric Survey of the lake. This creates a depth profile of the lake along with a vegetation distribution and hardness evaluation. (Note: This survey was approved and authorized prior to the start of the Pandemic.) This survey yielded significant information for a number of activities. The depth across the lake, in combination with a sediment depth survey conducted last year, can be used to select areas for dredging. The total lake volume that was also measured is necessary to determine dosing levels for any whole-lake chemical remediation efforts, should they be necessary. The resulting three-dimensional map will help to locate optimum sites for the placement of aeration systems, or fountains – two options being evaluated. And the depth can help to illustrate the reason for adherence to no wake areas since a boat’s wake can extend up to ten feet below the water’s surface. It also helps to point out the need to maintain the 75-foot distance from the shore for any boating activities. And our fishermen can locate optimum spots for their excursions.
Second, we continue to monitor the level of bacteria, and algal toxins at the beaches to assess the safety of on-lake activities. The results are reported weekly in the Monday E-blast.
Next, while whole-lake vegetation management is a long-term goal, it is not possible to move forwards on this until the nutrient levels responsible for algal blooms have come into control. This is the reason for the AquaDock program; a more focused program contracted between the company and the individual lot owners. We will be evaluating its positive and negative issues later in the fall once it is competed.
Lastly, we are currently starting a process to evaluate different mitigation efforts for the lake to manage nutrients and reduce algal blooms thereby improving the appearance of our lake. We hope to be issuing articles in the coming months describing these practices, some of which were mentioned above. These articles will present each alternative without any determination as to whether they would (or should) be implemented on our lake. The only criteria is that they have shown to work in the intended application. In conjunction with other resources, we will then evaluate each one, looking for the best option for the long-term health of the lake while being financially responsible.
Now is also a good time to look at your property to make sure you are a good steward for the community as a whole. Also pay attention to your behavior on the lake while boating to insure that all residents can enjoy this unique advantage. So as always…
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