The Iowa Great Lakes are seeing an increase in aquatic plants this season. Mike Hawkins, a Fisheries Biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says those include native aquatic plant species such as coontail, sago pondweed and wild water celery, to name a few, which are extremely beneficial to a lake’s ecosystem. While it IS legal to remove vegetation within a 20 foot radius around docks and boat hoists by hand or mechanical means without disturbing the lake bottom, Hawkins again reminds everyone it is ILLEGAL to apply chemical herbicides.
Hawkins adds native aquatic plant life in a lake are also vital to reducing nutrients that can result in bacteria and algae growth.