Weed harvesting operations began at the end of May.  Areas of the lake that can be harvested as well as harvesting depths are established by the DNR.  For areas of the lake deeper than six feet, the harvest depth will be five feet.  Along the shoreline where depths are less than six feet, a 60-foot wide path can be harvested as needed along the ends of docks.  There will be no mechanical harvesting in areas between the shoreline and the end of docks.  Property owners can hand harvest a 30-foot wide path in this area.  Weeds can be left on piers or along the shoreline for pick-up by the harvester operators.

     One of the advantages of harvesting weeds (as compared to chemical treatment) is that phosphorus that is present in the weeds is also removed from the lake along with the weeds.  UW-SP measures the amount of phosphorus present in our weeds.  Last year, over 3,175 pounds of phosphorus was removed from Lake Camelot.

     The amount of weeds in the lake is a result of runoff of excess nutrients – especially phosphorus.  You can help decrease the amount of phosphorus in the water by:

• Using a phosphorus-free fertilizer on your lawn.  Also, a slow-release fertilizer is better – an example is Milorganite (it also helps deter deer).
• Respect the shoreline – no fertilizer or mowing within a 35 foot buffer zone
• Install barley straw bags under your pier or along your shoreline.
• Use rain barrels, rain gardens and porous materials for driveways, patios and parking areas
• Inspect and pump your septic system on a regular basis (at least every three years)

Rain Gardens:  What are Rain Gardens?  They are gardens that can soak up rain water from roofs, driveways and lawns.  They are landscaped areas planted with native plants (beautiful and low-maintenance, once established) to replace areas of lawn.  The gardens fill with a few inches of water and allow the water to slowly filter into the ground instead of running off into the lake, thus holding back pollutants such as phosphorus and pesticides.  By reducing the amount of runoff, we also reduce the chances of local flooding and shoreline damage.  Rain Gardens also provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects, such as mosquito-devouring dragonflies.

     It’s not complicated to build a rain garden!  Pick a naturally low spot in your yard at least 10 feet from

your house.  Dig a shallow depression with a level bottom three to six inches deep.  With our sandy soil, it’s best to incorporate water-absorbing compost and topsoil into the top layer of sand.  Direct your house downspout to this depression.  Use native plants as their root systems go deep into the soil and will better absorb the rainwater.  They also will survive extreme wet and dry conditions.  Native plants are becoming more common at garden centers – a great source is Prairie Nursery located in Westfield, just a short drive away.

    A Rain Garden can be sited in either sunny or shady conditions – the plants you choose will just be different!  If you’d like more information, contact the Tri-Lakes Office at 715-325-3250.  We have several articles on Rain Gardens that we can share with you.  Also there is an excellent in-depth  how-to manual that will take you step-by-step through the planning and building process.  It is available online at www.dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/dsfm/shore/raingarden.htm  Have fun with this project and help our lakes at the same time!

                                           Barb Herreid