Have you crossed off these five items?
By Trent Nelson
Lakes and ponds are highly valued in communities for stormwater collection, fishing, swimming, boating, and spending quality time with family and friends. People rely on the health, functionality, and beauty of freshwater resources for long-lasting happiness. While connecting with nature around these systems, it’s still important to remember safety. In addition to standard safety tools, like lifejackets, first-aid kits, fencing, and posted signage, there are considerations in addressing the maintenance needs of a community lake or pond.
1. Identify and prevent toxic algae. While it is natural for some harmless algae to be present in lakes and ponds, not all forms are safe. Cyanobacteria—sometimes known as blue-green algae—can produce harmful toxins that have been known to kill fish, wildlife, dogs, and other animals. Likewise, scientists believe that exposure to these toxins can contribute to the development of neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Before anyone is swimming, fishing, or spending time around the water, it’s important to make sure dangerous cyanobacteria are not present.
Regular water-quality assessments can help ensure water bodies are safe for the whole family to enjoy. Professional testing can be used to not only identify the presence of toxins, but also uncover water-quality imbalances that may be fueling cyanobacteria development. With this knowledge, you can work with a professional lake manager to design a proactive lake- and pond-management plan that helps prevent harmful algal blooms.
2. Identify and remove invasive aquatic weeds. Lakes and ponds are robust ecosystems that are home to an abundance of aquatic plant life. Unfortunately, the spread of invasive species in recent years has led to an increase in nuisance weeds within freshwater environments. Common aquatic weed species include milfoil, water chestnut, hydrilla, torpedograss, giant Salvinia, and many others. In addition to displacing native wildlife, these plants can entangle swimmers, boat propellers, and fish hooks. They can also clog important stormwater equipment.
The best way to prevent the growth of invasive lake and pond weeds is through proactive management and community education. Consider sharing identification techniques with neighbors, and make a point to check boats and recreational equipment for invasive-weed fragments before entering the water. If an infestation is already present, aquatic herbicides may be required to manage the growth. Luckily, advanced herbicide technologies have made invasive-species control more efficient, more sustainable, and longer-lasting.