Carp Solutions update Sharon Torregrosa posted 7 months ago
This update appeared on the Carp Solutions FB page 2 days ago. They seem quite proud of their progress, despite the admitted issue with invasive species of vegetation. It certainly would be nice if they would respond to emails and queries regarding the long term plan and goals, but their only focus seems to be the removal of the carp and the invasive vegetation is someone else's problem.
"Aquatic plants are on the mend and so are native fish – the first sign that carp removal is having a positive effect on lake ecosystems is the return of rooted aquatic plants. We are currently witnessing it in Lake Allegan, MI where we reduced carp biomass by 75%. Two years ago, the lake was practically void of plants, but now major shallow areas are beginning to be covered by expanding patches of vegetation. The hardiest species often recover first (including some invasives, unfortunately, like this Eurasian watermilfoil but over time, more and more species are expected to appear. This will create better habitat for fish, invertebrates, and aquatic birds. Rooted pants also increase water clarity, reduce the severity of algal blooms and may promote storage of atmospheric carbon into lake sediments, much like maintaining plant cover facilitates carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems (regenerative agriculture). We are already seeing a sharp increase in yellow perch abundance and size seen in the fish survey conducted by our partners from Wood in June."--Carp Solutions
We are looking into current water/weed condition of Lake Allegan. Please see the email from the DNR. I encourage any of our members dealing with weeds to please email to Matt Diana (email & phone below). He does not seem to think there is a problem. Thanks for your post. Dave Thompson Lake Allegan Association " There is a weed treatment permit issued for Lake Allegan. We worked with Consumers to get an approved plan on treatment on their bottom lands. You may be aware of the current treatment plan. Mostly it targeted Eurasian milfoil. I am curious what type of weed issues you are observing. Lake Allegan traditionally is relatively weed poor and as a result algal blooms were an issue. With implementation of the TMDL and the carp removal project, the goal was to promote native vegetation growth. This may create issues in coves and side channels where natural weed growth should traditionally have been occurring, but plants were uprooted by carp. Like Mark mentioned, if the growth and vegetation dynamics are changing in the lake, there are methods of control, general through chemical treatment. The plan depends heavily on what types of vegetation or algae are present and attempting to preserve fish habitat while allowing for more recreational access. DNR does not perform weed treatments but can advise lake associations or lakefront owners and help develop a plan. I am the biologist who can coordinate with you so let me know how I can help and what information you need." Matt Diana Fisheries Biologist Michigan Department of Natural Resources 621 N 10th Street Plainwell, MI 49080 269-910-0157 (Cell) dianam@michigan.gov David Thompson commented 6 months ago