Controlling nuisance plants in Dane County lakes is a key element in an updated plan being worked on by county officials.
The Land and Water Resources Department tries to balance a reasonable use of the lakes through boating, fishing and swimming, while preserving the health and balance of the lake ecosystem.
The use of mechanical equipment to harvest lake weeds is part of the plan. The plan needs to be updated every five years to satisfy requirements set down by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Each waterbody has a harvesting priority map that indicates potential cutting locations, as allowed by a DNR permit. Timing of harvest is determined by plant growth and a Dane County staff member who scouts out the potential, current cutting locations and anticipates future locations.