We bought property a few years ago that has a 40 acre lake on it here in Missouri. It’s stocked with crappie and bass. Very nice property, but it hasn’t been managed in years! I contacted a lake management company to identify weeds, control them, and manage the water. The quote was outrageous and more than we could afford at the time. We’re just trying to get some direction without breaking the bank and blasting the water with chemicals since we swim, fish, and consume the fish.
With the current situation, I’m sure we’re going to need chemical treatment - but I’d like to be as conservative as we can in terms of exposure.
We’ve got a ton of American Lotus that is taking over! We’ve had Coon Tail and American Pondweed also identified. Now we’ve got a lot of moss, jelly globs, and this other nasty stuff circulating on top (pictured). We’re not trying to totally rid of the lotus as it’s nice habitat for fish. But we’d like to clean it up around the ramp, dock, and usable areas. Plus we want to prevent it from completely taking over in years to come.
Obviously we have weed issues, water imbalances, etc. — where do we start?! What do we do?! Any help would be appreciated! Thanks, Lindy.
Last edited by LindyB; 06/13/2008:18 AM. Reason: added pictures
Welcome to the forum. Looks like a nice place. Since the cost of a lake mgr is more than you want to spend, you should take the time to do a little research here. Check out the forums here. lots of info about plants and fish and as Bob Lusk says " Happy Water" 40 acres of water is alot of water. And as you research you will find that some fish eat vegetation (Grass Carp) and others (Tilapia) eat algae. Some chemicals kill some plants and other chemicals kill other plants. Lots to learn here, if you want to manage some of the waters.
Do not judge me by the politicians in my City, State or Federal Government.
I help manage a 54 acre HOA lake. The budget number I get from most management companies is $ 500.00 an acre to maintain, $ 1000.00 an acre to create some real change. This is a reoccurring, annual commitment. Not bad if you say it fast.We do most things ourselves, save $, and settle for much slower results... Good luck with your journey!
