CAST Commentary on Aquatic Plant Management:
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology recently published document that is a brief commentary on the benefits of controlling nuisance aquatic plants. This is an excellent resource to support your aquatic plant management efforts. Read the full commentary here: CAST Commentary – Aquatic Plants
Fish Kills:
This winter set records for snowfall, snow cover, ice cover, and ice thickness. These conditions were very stressful on the fishes in your waterbody and may have resulted in a winter fish kill. A fish kill is a terrible occurrence, but there are some very important steps in dealing with a fish kill. Read more facts & details on Fish Kills.
When you realize there has been a fish kill:
- Immediately write down the date, time, and weather conditions.
- Take note of the species of fish and sizes.
- Contact your lake manager/pesticide applicator and notify them of the fish kill.
- Your lake manager/pesticide will immediately come to the site, assess site conditions, test the water, and clean up the fish (for a fee). Then, they will report the fish kill to the MDEQ and MDNR. All of the information collected will be used to determine a cause of the fish kill. This MDNR website discusses fish kills.
Eurasian Milfoil:
For many years, Eurasian Milfoil has been king of the invasive plants. However, there are many other invasive plants that are threatening to enter your waterbody and destroy the ecosystem. It is important that you take a proactive approach toward identifying the various plants in your waterbody and notifying us immediately of any new invasive plants. This website has descriptions of invasive species that you should be watching for in your lake:
Hydrilla:
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) is an aquarium plant that has been introduced to North American waters and is a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. This noxious, invasive plant has been found in Lake Manitou, Rochester, Indiana, only 55 miles from Michigan. It is very important that you learn to identify this invasive plant and take a proactive approach toward looking for it in your lake. If you think you have found Hydrilla, contact your lake manager or the MDEQ immediately so they can confirm the identification and make a rapid response. This article describes the plant, its discovery in Lake Manitou, and many resources for more information: The Michigan Riparian “Too Close for Comfort” (PDF)
