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By Brad Metzler
Lakes are sometimes left to fester and turn into an ecological nightmare. Man-made lakes are especially susceptible to human input, such as pollution, fertilizer run-off and introduction of foreign species of plants or fish. Proper lake management can help to prevent the demise of a precious natural resource. Experts in lake management design plans for correcting existing problems and preventing future mishaps. Left unattended, a lake can age at a dramatic pace, leaving nothing behind but a swamp, void of life.
Finding innovative, economical and environmentally friendly ways to manage large bodies of water has always been a top priority for those who truly care about our lakes. Without proper management, lakes can have poor water quality, become depleted of oxygen and fish will die. Water quality is generally the first thing to suffer. That can be followed by algae saturation, weed overgrowth and deoxygenation of the upper lake zones.
When a lake is in ecological balance, its plants can absorb nutrients and its bacteria can metabolize them. Wind, sun and rain provide enough aeration and photosynthesis to keep the oxygen content of the water at an optimal level. This is a delicate balance that can be easily upset. Water quality testing is the first step to proper lake management. A water quality test will show nutrient levels, algae blooms, oxygen demand, pH, phosphorus and nitrogen content.
Weeds and other organic matter in the lake will grow and then eventually die. The decomposing matter creates a plethora of aerobic bacteria. These bacteria are useful to the lake in the right amounts, but when there are too many, they quickly deplete the lake of oxygen. All of the aerobic digestion will cause the water to emit a foul odor and you may see fish start to die. The overactive aerobic bacteria will cause the bottom of the lake to become completely deprived of oxygen, forcing the lake to depend on photosynthesis, wind and rain for its oxygen. The water quality can quickly deteriorate, exhibiting excessive nutrients, low oxygen and little or no circulation.
You can recognize signs of poor water quality and act quickly if necessary. Weeds and algae are the first thing you will visually notice. If the water turns completely green with algae, it can deplete oxygen over just a few hours and you may get massive fish kill-offs, or even algae kill-offs. When the algae die, it will turn the water brown and you may notice a distinctive smell.
Lake management is a very broad field and there may be no simple answers to your problems. Lake management experts are trained in identifying problems, or even potential problems, and can save you a lot of money in the long run. They are well-versed in increasing oxygen levels, circulation and monitoring aerobic bacterial levels. They are also trained in maintaining or increasing fish populations in your lake. A variety of solutions are available, including fish attractors, that can help your fish population soar. Insect problems, odors, oxygen problems, fish kills and eventual lake death can be avoided if the appropriate lake management program is implemented from the start.
About the Author: Brad Metzler is the owner of Honey Hole Tree Inc., an industry leader in the production and sale of fish attractors like Honey Hole Trees and Turtle Traps. Honey Hole Tree Inc. also consists of Lake and Pond Management Professionals that are dedicated to finding the most economical solutions and strategies for your fish attractant and stocking needs.
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