An annual lake management program is critical to keep ahead of noxious aquatic weed and algae problems that can threaten the aesthetic and recreational success of a pond or lake. Our comprehensive annual lake management programs are tailored to suit the individual needs of the lake owner. Depending on your needs, our lake management programs may include bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly inspections.
In general, our lake management programs include the following services:
-
Lake Inspections
Lake inspections may be conducted bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on your needs. Inspections are performed using a small gas/battery-powered boat, kayak, or by walking the pond perimeter for smaller ponds. All manmade debris seen floating in the pond/lake or resting at the shoreline will be collected and removed. This includes general trash; cups, bottles, plastic bags, tennis balls and other small manmade objects. During each lake inspection visit, current conditions are observed and documented and any unusual observations are noted. Digital photographs are taken to document current conditions
-
Aquatic Vegetation Control
During each lake inspection, any unwanted aquatic vegetation or algae will be treated with the appropriate aquatic herbicides. Our lake management programs include a herbicide budget which allows us to not only treat any aquatic weed or algae but it insures that you are not over-paying for unwanted vegetation control. When needed, we can provide triploid grass carp to help control unwanted submersed aquatic vegetation.
-
Water Quality Analysis
Once each year, we will measure the water quality of your pond or lake. Temperature (ambient and water), Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, Visibility, and Fecal Coliform are measured. For most bodies of water where swimming is allowed, it is critical to measure the Fecal Coliform. Aquatic Environmental uses an accredited laboratory to determine fecal coliform concentrations. Fecal coliform counts measure the concentration of the bacteria Escherichia coli in water. This bacteria is specific to the guts of birds and mammals, including humans, and is not harmful unless present in high numbers. Fecal coliform can originate from human or animal sources and counts are often higher after rain events. Observed levels are not of a concern unless counts exceed 100 colonies per 100 milliliters of pond/lake water. High levels indicate a sewage leak, animal waste in the watershed or excessively high numbers of waterfowl utilizing the pond/lake (Usually Canada Geese in our region).
The following services are optional services that can be included in our lake management program:
-
Water Color Enhancement
To enhance the beauty of your pond and lake, AES can apply a concentrated aquatic dye (liquid or water-soluble powder packets) to add color to your pond water. The aquatic dye used is environmentally safe and do not harm fish or other wildlife. Aquatic dye can reduce the likelihood of aquatic vegetation and algae problems by decreasing the amount of sunlight penetrating through the water column.
-
Electrofishing Survey (Lake Audit)
For those interested in improving the fishery, we can include an electrofishing survey in order to collect data on the existing fishery and develop management recommendations in order to improve the fishery in order to meet your goals. Click on the following link for more information on our electrofishing surveys.
-
Fish Feeder Maintenance
For those who currently have a fish feeder, during each of our visits we will supply and fill the feeders with fish food, adjust the feeding times on the feeder, and maintain the feeder such as checking the battery, and diagnose and correct any technical/mechanical issues with the feeder. For those who wish to install a feeder, we can supply and maintain the feeder for you.
-
Aeration and Fountain Maintenance
For those who currently have an aeration system or fountain, we will maintain the system such as keeping the fountain clear of clogging from debris, diagnosing and correcting any technical/mechanical issues. For aeration systems, we will check the operating pressure of the system during each lake inspection, clear the diffusers of debris, and clean out the cabinet containing the compressor.
-
Pond Fertilization
Pond fertilization provides planktonic algae (phytoplankton) with nutrients for growth much the same as adding fertilizer to a food plot for deer. We fertilize ponds to establish phytoplankton growth (the base of the food chain) which small fish feed on and so on up the food chain. Proper fertilization increases available food throughout the food chain, thus increasing the amount of fish (pounds) the pond can support. When done properly, a fertilization program can increase the carrying capacity of a pond from 100 pounds of fish per acre to 400 pounds per acre. Fertilization alone does not grow big fish, but allows you to have more pounds of fish per acre. However, combine fertilization with a good harvest plan and you are on the road to bigger fish. Fertilization will also help deter aquatic weed growth by blocking the amount of sunlight that reaches the pond bottom. Our staff will measure the visibility and apply the appropriate amount of fertilizer (if needed) during each site visit. Our staff will use our licensed Trophy Grower Max Fertilizer which is a 10-52-4 water soluble fertilizer.
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANNUAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
