Spring 2020 Update

Spring Update on Lake Blue Heron

Be sure to check out the video at 2:10!

We continue to see favorable weather on the lake — cool many days and some rain but not a ton.  We are also still benefiting from the treatments that took place last year. There are broad areas of the lake bottom where there are no masses of Filamentous Algae, unseen in the last 4-5 years. Yay. So far this year, we’ve only seen a day or two where patches of algae formed on the surface and floated to the edge of the lake. We do not see the massive buildup of shoreline algae — Yet.

In addition, we are seeing some formation of “helpful algae” within the water column.  When you see that the water is turning a “greenish” color and getting a little “cloudy” this is a GOOD thing. This means that there is algae (not Filamentous Algae) forming within the water that is “particulate” algae. This form of algae helps to diffuse the sunlight which benefits the late in two ways. First, it keeps the water cooler as sunlight is reflected off rather than penetrating the water. The deflection of sunlight also reduces the Filamentous Algae (the one we don’t want) from growing so rapidly.

All this is good news. However it is inevitable that the water will warm and the remaining Filamentous Algae (if left untreated) will once again begin to multiply, decay and float.

To minimize this, the Killearn Lakes Homeowners Association has directed that Charlie Mesing continue with treatments to keep the lake in balance. Charlie had plans to begin this process April 29/30. However his equipment suffered a maintenance issue and he will be delayed for a week or so. Weather permitting, we probably will see a treatment occur next week (Week of May 4th) – May the 4th be with you!

Enjoy the beautiful weather and wild-life — and stay safe!

Fred