Latest News Items (updated 3-23-11)

 

What is Starry Stonewort?-

Unlike other native Michigan charoid algae (i.e. chara algae, nitella), starry stonewort, an invasive species, can grow to remarkable heights and depths. This characteristic can also aid in its identification. Starry stonewort forms dense mats of vegetation that completely cover the lake bottom and “choke out” almost all other plant species.  In summer of 2010 LAKELINE published an article about the history of Starry Stonewort. Click here to view. 

Why is my pond green?-

Ponds are living systems very much like your lawn or garden.  To maintain a healthy and aesthetically appealing pond, some management is required. We provide a basic guide to pond management for homeowners. click to view  Also AERF (Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation) provides a comprehensive guide to Lake and Pond Management.  The guide can be found at Aquatics.org   

What can I do about muck?-

Every year we hear the same question, "How do I get rid of muck?".  Well this is not as simple as it seems....... or is it?   Basically, there are 3 options for getting rid of organic debris (muck).  The first is dredging, which can be very expensive and require an extensive permitting process.  The second is aeration.  This is the process of circulating the muck via a mechanical system.  Common examples are; a bubbler type aeration system, a water pump based system, or something as simple as walking along the bottom of the lake to allow for oxygen to "break-down" the organic matter.  Finally there are bacteria based products.  These products are designed to add to the existing bacteria found in the water to help speed the process of decomposition. Keep in mind that bacteria product claims have not been studied by the EPA and are unproven.  For 10 years we sold and used multiple bacteria products with no tangible results.  Based on this, Aqua-Weed Control can no longer support their use.  In 1999 the "Journal of Aquatic Plant Management" published a study about bacteria for use in aquatic environments.  Click here to view     

Milfoil Weevils, the pros and cons-

As part of a IPM (Intergraded Pest Management) program, you should examine the different methods of aquatic plant control.  These include: chemical, cultural, and biological.  One method of biological control currently in use around the nation for Eurasian Watermilfoil is the milfoil weevil.  Extensive studies have been conducted with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of this method.  One such comprehensive study was published by Progressive AE in April of 2010. Click here to read

Are herbicides safe?-

To better inform the general public to pesticide use and safety issues please click on the article "Pest Control Products in America - How Safe?"  Also RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), has many articles in reguards to pesticides and fertilizers safety.  Please visit their site pestfacts.org  

Seasonal fish kills-

It’s that time of year again, where the ice slowly melts off the lakes and ponds and we hear of the un-lucky person who discovers that some fish didn't make it through the winter.  Some causes of this can be over-population, lack of oxygen, or diseases.  Of the many articles published about this topic Gary Crawford, of SEAS Winter Fish Kill Fact Sheet and the Michigan DNR-Fisheries Fish Kill Information fact sheet provide many answers to home owners about fish kills.

A how to guide for floating plant control-

Duckweed and Watermeal are 2 common floating plants found in many ponds across the United States.  As applicators we run into many clients seeking an effective solution for these problems.  Dr. Carole Lembi from Purdue University has published an excellent guide to manage these plants.  Click Here to view the guide.

 

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