Following a visit from Governor Mike DeWine, The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) released information about how residents, business owners, and visitors can find up to date information on the ongoing effort to combat the unprecedented aquatic vegetation growth that has impacted boating on Indian Lake.
"ODNR is working hard to control the vegetation at Indian Lake," said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. "We will provide regular updates through online and in-person channels to ensure that everyone who loves this lake knows the status of improvement efforts."
ODNR staff will participate in Indian Lake Watershed Project (ILWP) and Indian Lake Development Corporation (ILDC) and other community meetings to discuss ongoing action and hear stakeholder feedback. ILWP and ILDC meetings are held monthly and are open to the public.
Interested Ohioans will also be able to see weekly plans, photos and videos, and operational reports of vegetation removal posted on the Indian Lake Aquatic Vegetation Management tab of ODNR's website and on the Indian Lake State Park Facebook page.
ODNR has three dedicated aquatic vegetation harvesters running at Indian Lake during the 2022 season and has contracted with the Indian Lake Watershed Project for additional harvester services that began in early June. ODNR anticipates two additional harvester contracts will be signed in the coming weeks. Aquatic herbicides are also being used to manage the overgrowth, and staff have been added to increase the operation's efficiency.
ODNR is working with Aqua Doc, a lake and pond management company, to determine the current vegetation community, analyze the effectiveness of current methods for vegetation control, and develop a Lake Vegetation Management Plan to address maintaining overall water quality and recreational use of the system.
The feedback and recommendations of stakeholders is invaluable. Please contact ODNR staff by emailing Indian.lake.parks@dnr.ohio.gov.
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables