Stormwater Runoff Issues

The first is undesired weed growth, which is enabled by the high levels of phosphorus and other nutrients in the lake that enter via septic systems, agricultural runoff, and sediment deposition from the many streams that bring water from the surrounding hills into the lake, especially during storm events. Several of the most problematic input streams have been identified. Climate change and high nutrient levels have also made harmful algae blooms an inconvenient and potentially dangerous summertime occurrence in our lake. (Learn more)

Invasive Species

Another area of concern is the continuous threat of invasive species that are brought into the lake on watercraft. That is how zebra mussels arrived about 20 years ago, and  there is a continuous threat of importation of gobi fish, the spiny water flea, and other organisms that could alter the biology of the lake and affect the fish population and water quality.  Invasive weeds are already a problem, especially Eurasian milfoil as well as starry stonewort and curly pondweed, and we worry about the potential invasion of water chestnut as well.

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