LAKE RAMSEY
WEED CONTROL IN THE LAKE
FROM Bob Panek
June 11, 2003
I met today with Carl Mapes from LA Dept of Fish and Wildlife to discuss what needs to be done to treat the outgrowth of weeds in the lake.
Question: Do the weeds in the lake cause a problem for the fishing?
Answer: Yes, they provide so much cover for the brim that Bass are unable to get adequate food. The result would be undersized fish, which is what the conclusions were of the recent fish survey done for Wally Bowers. (click here for report)
Question: How did this grass get started in the lake and why has it progressed so fast?
Answer: Weeds like this (specifically called Pondweed) are brought in on the bottoms, trailers and in the live wells of boats and through the introduction of fish from other areas by well meaning self-stockers. The weeds have proliferated so quickly because of clear water due to the lack of phytoplankton and from lawn fertilizer run off in the spring. He explained that if we had fertilizer run off in January or February it would encourage growth of the "good weeds" or phytoplankton which is the greenish looking cast that the lake has in the spring. He also thought that we had an overabundance of ducks and geese, which also lead to excess fertilizer.
Question: What can be done to control the weeds?
Answer: The only practical way to treat the entire lake would be through introduction of a sterile fish called, Grass Carp. The cost would however be in excess of $50,000. Herbicides would be even more expensive. However, the herbicide might not be too expensive for individuals to treat individual areas behind each of our houses. He suggested a herbicide called Aquathol Super K which he thought cost about $350 (Note) per 25 pounds. That container would treat one surface acre or 43,560 square feet. Assuming that you have to treat an area out 20 feet the length of your lot or 85 feet you would only need about one pound or about $15. The granular fertilizer is broadcast over the area to be treated and would limit lake use for one or two days in the treated area. It is necessary to treat out to an area where the lake is six feet deep; the weeds rarely grow in water deeper than six feet. He cautioned against using a liquid herbicide because we have a clay bottomed lake and the herbicide will be absorbed into the clay and bypass the weeds. The herbicide should be applied now through the rapid growing season.
Note: I have since checked for Aquathol Super K and found that Florida Parish Farm Supply (Dickey Stewart at 878-2164) can order it for $525 per 25 pounds and $210 for ten pounds. Bob Martin (a resident that can be reached at 875-0045) sells a comparable product in a liquid state that he believes would work better than the Aquathol and it can be purchased for $26.50 per gallon; it is estimate that it would take about 1-½ gallons to treat a typical lot width out 20 feet. I have ordered a 5-gallon can to try on my weeds.
