{"id":40006,"date":"2024-10-26T22:02:55","date_gmt":"2024-10-27T02:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.roamingshores.org\/RRA1\/?p=40006"},"modified":"2024-10-26T22:02:56","modified_gmt":"2024-10-27T02:02:56","slug":"leaves-a-falling-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roamingshores.org\/RRA1\/2024\/10\/26\/leaves-a-falling-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Leaves a Falling"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dave Ernes \u2013 Lake Management Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the concern of leaves in the lake? As leaves fall into the water, they begin a natural decomposition process. This decomposition consumes oxygen in the water, particularly in shallow areas, creating a condition known as hypoxia. Low oxygen levels can severely impact aquatic life, stressing fish and other organisms. We saw this last fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are currently enjoying the brilliant colors on display around the lake this time of year. The problem starts once the leaves fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to reducing oxygen levels, the decomposition of leaves releases nutrients into the water, most notably nitrogen and phosphorus. The Planet Natural Research Center web site states that 50-80 percent of the nutrients that trees absorb end up in their leaves. While these nutrients are essential for the growth of aquatic plants, the excess can cause algal blooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, please avoid intentionally blowing or raking leaves into the lake. Not only is it a good idea, but you can be fined for not following this simple rule. This also applies to grass clippings and other lawn debris during fall cleanup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those of you off-lake, leaves accumulating in the drainage culverts can breakdown, resulting in a high nutrient \u201ctea\u201d that can flow into the lake after any fall rain event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you CAN<\/strong> do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n