Wauconda Increases Harvesting Efforts on Bangs Lake

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:00:44 +0000

The Village of Wauconda’s lake weed harvester began operation for the season on May 4th. This year it has been operating five days a week, with some of those days having extended hours. To date, 382 cubic yards of aquatic plants have been removed from the lake…which is 64 truckloads of lake weeds disposed of just this year! During the same period last year, 94 cubic yards of aquatic plants were removed from the lake.

The mild winter and warm spring have contributed to the explosive growth of two invasive weed species. To better control the weeds, the Village of Wauconda is developing a comprehensive multi-year lake management plan. The goal of the plan is to evaluate Bangs Lake and determine the best courses of action necessary to establish and maintain proper balance between aquatic plants, fishery, animals, and other elements so that Bangs Lake remains a healthy and viable body of water for year-round active and passive recreation.

Dane County Plan Uses Harvesting to Manage Lake Weeds

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:29:53 +0000

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.

lake management plan – Aquarius-Systems

Wauconda Increases Harvesting Efforts on Bangs Lake

Dane County Plan Uses Harvesting to Manage Lake Weeds