I had a conversation with Charlie Mesing today to get an update on his observations and to get an understanding of where he’s planning to go from here regarding Lake Blue Heron treatments.
He attended the KLHOA Board meeting last evening and the Board remains very supportive of his plans and management activity. There is room in this year’s plans for one more “treatment” and Charlie is adjusting his plans to deal with the current state of the lake.
At present, the Filamentous Algae (FA) conditions are in excellent control. Charlie reports that there is now very little growth in the lake. He says that the presence of the Southern Naiad (SN) grasses in the lake has done a great job of reducing the opportunity for the FA to bloom. What we see now on the surface of the lake is floating SN, some of which is showing signs of decay from his last treatment and the normal “cooling” of the fall months.
Charlie did adjust his last treatment (about 2-3 weeks ago) to use chemicals more targeted to the SN and the pervasive “duck weed” — a very invasive weed. There are visible signs that this adjustment was successful, however we still have some surface concentrations of SN.
In the last treatment this year, Charlie intends to focus on the SN that remains close to residential properties (Eastern and South-western shores). He is considering the addition of carp next spring to help reduce some of the SN — but he wants to do this gradually to ensure that the FA does not return, as that is much more difficult to treat and is a bigger eye-sore than is the SN.
Charlie has been made aware that some 3rd party treatment efforts are under consideration by some residents. Understanding that sometimes it is necessary to do more in small areas, he only asks that anyone working to conduct 3rd party treatments (chemicals) please contact the KLHOA just to ensure they are aware of the activity. This will make sure that treatments are coordinated to obtain the best results for you. You may also find that Charlie’s plans may take care of you and save you money in the end.
One last item. The shore vegetation continues to be very helpful in reducing water-born nutrients. Thank you! It is understood that at times, you may want to reduce the visual obstructions — if you’d like Charlie to consider that in his treatment plans, please let the KLHOA office know as he can plan to include something for you when he’s out on the next treatments. As a reminder, we will see a lot of decline in lake plant growth (in the water and along the shores) as the cooler weather arrives — preserve your money for next summer if you can!