Runoff of lawn fertilizer into the lake is a major concern of the
lake association. Fertilizers could increase the chance of an imbalance in the lake,
causing the weed population to increase. If this occurs, more weed control
chemicals are needed, which at a large amount may disturb all natural
reproduction of the lake. Please be sure to follow the manufacture's
instructions before using fertilizer or weed control in your yard. If any
spills occur please contact a lake board member so immediate action can be
taken to prevent contamination.
During the general meeting in February, questions were raised concerning the bass parasite found in several fish during the 2004 lake survey. Suggestions brought up by members included the possibility of switching to an alternate game fish population such as Walleye and eliminating the bass population.
Summary of discussions with District Fisheries Biologist Rob Miller (2/24/05) IL Dept. of Natural Resources
Removing the bass will not stop the infestation. Since the parasite has several stages in its life cycle (eggs eaten by crustaceans, larvae in the muscle tissue of bluegill, and then adult tapeworms in the stomach of the bass) all bass can become infected and ultimately die off. Possibly the use of a fish hatchery located further north may prove more resistant to the parasite. However this parasite and others are very common and even a complete kill of all fish will not guarantee against further parasite infestation.
Shifting to another game fish will just shift parasites to another strain. Wild-fish or unauthorized stocking is always a risky situation and can greatly upset the delicate balance of a well maintained lake.
Reduced Bluegill Population:
Reduced bluegill population probably a result of the large bass population. Contributing to the reduced population of small bluegill could be the overuse of copper sulfate for weed control. Copper precipitates out to the bottom where it impacts the invertebrate population, the main food source for small bluegill. However Bluegill can recover quickly.
Crappie Addition:
Crappie would create a second source of food for bass, and could cause an undesirable increase in bluegill population as bass shift to crappie. Crappie would require a food base such as emerald shiners which would increase the risk of undesirable species such as carp being added to the lake. White crappie are more aggressive than black resulting in more turbid conditions. If introduced, black crappie would be recommended. Hardwood pallets as fish beds would be needed for spawning.
Overall:
Changes to the fish
population are not recommended. Good
bass to bluegill ratio exists. Stocking
catfish is recommended since no evidence of catfish spawning.
Drain tile needed for catfish spawn beds.
Unless a specific sport species is desired no changes are recommended.
Vegetation:
Highly recommended is the introduction of emergent aquatic vegetation. Emergents use up nutrients that otherwise would go to weeds and algae. Emergents also provide refuge for invertebrates and small fish.
Schedule of
Up-Coming Activities