Info on DASH and Benthic Barriers
Thius article was provided by RLS, the contracting company for Paradise Lake Management. Both of these methods are non-chemical methods for weed control.
A Primer on Benthic Barriers and DASH for Paradise Lake Riparians
Lake Leelenau Uses Biologic Methods for Milfoil Control
Diver Assisted Harvesting (DASH) and benthic barriers are two non-chemical options for controlling invasives lake weeds. Lake Leelenau has chosen to use these in order to keep the lake chemical free.
Both of these methods are possible controls for the weed which appear next year and beyond after this year’s herbicide treatment. Below is an article from 9 and 10 news outlining their program:
Resources
Anyone who makes use of our beautiful lake can take part in community efforts working to achieve one common goal … keeping our lake healthy. Below is a list of resources and links which will help guide and educate you should you decide to join our ranks!
Eurasian Watermilfoil
EWM (Eurasian Watermilfoil AKA Myriophyllum Spicatum) has not only effected the waters of Paradise Lake. It has made a home for itself in many bodies of water across the US. On November 20th of 2010, the USGS performed a survey of the United States in order to map instances of EWM across the country. Their findings are illustrated on the map to the right:
Aquatic Invasive Species Alert
Learn about the aquatic invasive species within our Northern Michigan waterways including eurasian watermilfoil and more. Also included is information about the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act, and how you can become involved with the Aquatic Invasive Species Patrol. Produced by: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
EWM
Keep a bucket handy on your boat at all times. If you see any weeds floating in the water while you’re out enjoying the lake, pick them up and place them in your bucket. You can then dispose of them away from the lake (and your shoreline) once home. It only takes a second.
Keep EWM away from your shoreline in summer to keep the segments from rooting near shore or floating back out to sink and re-root. Pick them up and dispose of them away from the lake.
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
If you fish or boat, there is a lot you can do to help stop the spread of an invasive species. The steps are simple and non-time consuming. Stopping these aquatic hitchhikers is the first and most important step in keeping our lakes healthy.
Fertilizing Tips for Lakefront Properties
What does fertilizer have to do with our lake and what can you do to help maintain our water quality? Produced by: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
Living with the Lakes; Understanding the Impacts of Vegetation Removal and Beach Maintenance
This material summarizes the findings from the research conducted and the DEQ report regarding beach grooming activities.
Produced by: Ducks Unlimited Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Offices, Grand Traverse Bay Bands of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Lone Tree Council, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michgian Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, National Wildlife Federation, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay
Waterfowl
Although really cute, don’t feed the waterfowl! A feeding program supporting a large population of waterfowl can contribute hundreds of pounds of phosphorus per year to a body of water and cause excessive weed and algae growth.
Landscaping for Wildlife
Besides enhancing wildlife habitat, planting a shoreline vegetation strip has many other values for your property and our waters. Produced by: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
Waterfront Landscapes
Read about how to design Shoreline Greenbelts for beauty & Water Quality. Enhance your property and help the lake! Produced by: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
Sensible Shoreline Development
Whether you’re building a new home or modifying your existing property, the information here will assist you in making environmentally sound decisions that can assist in the preservation of the character and quality of the land and water that surround you. Produced by: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
Septic System Advice
Nutrients released from old or noncompliant septic systems into a body of water will feed Eurasian Watermilfoil. There are several important things you can do to ensure your septic system is properly maintained. Produced by: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.
Weevils
NOTE: Weevils are no longer available commercially. Any mention of weevils in annual reports reflect those previously introduced into Paradise Lake or those which occur naturally and are still found to be actively impacting EWM..
The PLA has been using weevils in our lake for many years. In order to make a hospitable atmosphere for them, keep some milfoil on your shoreline in late fall and leave it there throughout the winter. This will make a good food supply for wintering and spring emerging weevils.
Get a buoy map and follow buoy lines in summer. This will aid you in keeping your boat out of the weed beds (so your prop does not cut segments to re-root) and also will prevent the killing of weevils as they live on and in EWM stems. Anyone with EWM close to shore should coordinate with neighbors and contact the PLA to buoy a central pathway from shore through the EWM. This would allow those residents to motor from their docks along the shore to the pathway, thus preventing motoring through the weeds, killing weevils, and segmenting and spreading EWM. Buoy maps are available at public launches.
Other Important Resources
There are many websites containing educational information about invasive species’ and water quality online. Below are just a few resources that bear special mention…