A proactive approach is most effective when it ac- counts for all elements of an ecosystem and can sig- nificantly reduce long-term costs associated with in- vasive plant infestations (which often require exten- sive multi-year management programs to eradicate), damaged stormwater pond equipment, and dredg- ing—one of the most expensive projects a community will eventually have to face in the lifespan of their waterbody. Luckily, there are many innovative ways to avoid these issues.


For instance, advanced solutions like highly targeted herbicides are be- coming available to combat nuisance and invasive plant growth. Tese modern technologies target the unique growth mechanisms in many invasive plants without impacting native species. Te premium low dosing features of these technologies allow for a 100-1000x reduction (compared to other aquatic herbicides) in the ac- tive ingredient, allowing the whole family, including children and pets, to actively enjoy water resources without risk.


Likewise, many simple and proactive options can be implemented to protect valuable stormwater equip- ment from damage and deterioration. Most people are unaware of the intricate, mad-made structures that comprise most ponds in our communities, as well as the strict regulations that stormwater facilities must meet. Encouraging residents to pick up trash and debris around the property will help prevent stormwater pipes from becoming clogged during rainstorms. Annual inspections by a licensed profes- sional can also ensure potential areas of concern are identified and remediated early on.


In addition to stormwater equipment damage, our community waterbodies are also susceptible to losing depth and volume over time, which can lead to dan- gerous flooding during rainstorms. To protect the longevity of your lakes and ponds, it is important to remediate erosion problems and limit the organ- ic materials that enter the waterbody. Establishing a beneficial vegetative buffer is a great first step in this process. Plant native species around your lake or pond and allow them to extend 3-5 ft out from the shoreline and grow about 18 inches in height. Tese plants will help filter and take up excess nutrients and pollutants before they enter the water. And if


“...bring in a professional to educate you about the best proactive approaches for your waterbody and help design a custom management plan...”


the water is already suffering from a nutrient imbal- ance, new solutions like Biochar can be used to filter nutrients from the water column. Biochar is a highly adsorbent material very similar to activated charcoal. Contained in a large sock-like bag, this porous ma- terial allows water to flow through while attracting pollutants from the water. Once the bag is full, it is physically pulled from the water and disposed of.


In addition to these sustainable filtra- tion options, advanced tools like ba- thymetry can be implemented on a recurring basis to better understand what is happening below the surface of the water. Bathymetric mapping involves the use of integrated GPS and depth sensing technology to cre- ate a three-dimensional model of your


waterbody. Tese models reveal bottom contours and inform highly accurate volume calculations that can be used to track sedimentation. With this data, a timeline for future dredging, a cost estimate, and budgeting plan can be developed.


Whether erosion or bad odors are keeping you away from the water or nuisance algae is causing an eye- sore around your property, there are always ways to counteract the issues you are experiencing. It is important to bring in a professional to educate you about the best proactive approaches for your water- body and help design a custom management plan before problems get out of hand. Just like a master carpenter would use his knowledge and expertise to build you the best seat, a certified and trained lake management professional will take each “leg” of the aquatic resource into account to achieve your unique goals and objectives.


ERIN STEWART and KATELYN BEHOUNEK are Aquatic Biolo- gists with SOLitude Lake Manage- ment, a nationwide environmental firm that provides sustainable lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fish- eries management solutions.


Learn more about this topic at www.solitudelakemanagement. com/knowledge.


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