Introduced aquatic weeds clog many of New Zealand’s waterways. It affects aquatic life and prohibits access and use for recreational users. Lakeweed Harvesters remove the aquatic plants mechanically, using a harvester mounted on a three metre by seven metre pontoon vessel. The operation works under strict standard operating procedures to ensure maximum weed is harvested
Floating weed harvesters have opened passages through Dane County Wisconsin’s dense tangles of underwater plants for about 50 years. The barges wield rotating cutting bars like those on farm combines to cut a submerged crop that is fertilized too well by runoff of nutrients like dairy manure. Each spring, the county launches a flotilla of
New research out of McGill University in Montreal suggests there is cause for concern regarding the effects of the herbicide glyphosate being sprayed on land near waterways. The new studies found glyphosate puts freshwater ecosystems at risk even when its application meets approved guidelines. “And what we found is … glyphosate concentrations as low as
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is planning to add 100 artificial and natural structures at 37 sites to provide additional fishing areas for the angling public at the Tuckertown Reservoir. These fish attractors are intended to help offset the loss of aquatic vegetation in the presence of sterile grass carp. Sterile grass carp are a practical
As a child, growing up on the lake was an amazing experience. Summer days were filled with fishing, swimming, and catching frogs. Winters were filled with ice skating, more fishing, and hockey. There was always something to do on or near the water! I fondly remember sitting on the pier with my brother; toes just
Lots of Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July by illuminating the night sky with sparklers, smoke bombs, roman candles, ground spinners, and many other types of firecrackers. Fireworks get their splendor from a variety of chemicals, such as potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium nitrate, sodium benzoate, sodium oxalate, ammonium perchlorate, strontium nitrate, strontium carbonate,
Industrial-scale beef production is impacting global climate, but scientists have found a way to make cattle-rearing more environmentally-friendly. Around 70% of methane emissions from agriculture is due to cows. Cows release methane, a by-product of their digestion, either through belches or farts. Researchers have discovered that by supplementing a cow’s diet with a type of
For decades before World War I, much of the ice used in iceboxes was harvested from Wisconsin Lakes. The ice was stored in icehouses until it was shipped via rail to Chicago and then across the nation, in particular the American Southwest such as Texas and Arizona. Small ice harvesting existed to meet demand locally,
In 1985, Muskegon Lake in Michigan was declared a Great Lakes Area of Concern by the EPA. The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission will utilize $3.1 million to clean up the lake and undo years of environment abuse. The abuse began in the 1800’s during the lumber era when sawmill debris was tossed into
Pewaukee Lake was formed in 1838 when a dam was constructed along the Pewaukee River and the wetland was flooded. It combined with Snake Lake to form the 2,500 acre Pewaukee Lake. For 40 years – 1945 to 1985 – the sanitary district used herbicides, including 2-4-D for 17 years, in an attempt to control