Case Study: Decades of Data Shows Harvesters Markedly Reduce Weed Growth

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

126-acre Center Lake has an average depth of 10 feet and 6.53 miles of shoreline; including artificial channels cut through the surrounding marshland
439-acre Camp Lake has an average depth of 5’ with 4.85 miles of shoreline
Both lakes are mostly muck bottoms
5410-acre watershed surrounded by residential homes and emergent cattail marsh
Most of the lake’s water is supplied from surface-water runoff
Camp and Center Lakes offer year round recreation such as boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, ice fishing, ice-skating and snowmobiling

Camp and Center Lakes in Wisconsin

PROJECT CHALLENGE

Very developed shoreline increases nutrients entering the lake, resulting in aquatic plant growth and algae blooms
Popular recreational destination requires a balance between a healthy aquatic ecosystem and recreational access
Invasive Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), curly-leaf pondweed, and non-native zebra mussels are present
Harvester permitted to remove invasives and to cut specific navigational lanes

THE SOLUTION

Aquatic Weed Harvesting is a long-term commitment on Lake Ripley. Efforts have successfully reduced invasive EWM by 57%, with over 1,000 loads of harvested plants removed from the lake.

HM-420 aquatic plant harvestering cutting lake weeds.

Aquarius Systems Transport Barge and an Offloading Conveyor.

Aquatic plants are vital for water quality, algae control, sediment stabilization, and shoreline protection. The District recognizes the importance of riparian access and strives to maintain a balanced aquatic plant environment.