AQUATIC WEEDS

HABITAT MANIPULATIONS used in California

The lake or river may be modified to reduce growth of aquatic weeds:

• Line the shoreline with rocks to reduce space available for rooting.

• Use various types of fabrics or plastics to cover the sediments.

• Apply non-toxic light absorbing dyes to reduce light penetration into the water column.

• Reduce the water level during critical stages of plant growth.

• Planktonic algae may be reduced using aeration devices to increase water circulation and prevent anoxic conditions from developing in the deep water layer (hypolimnion).

• Reduce nutrient inputs into the lake using grassy buffer zones around the lake or by reducing fertilizer applications within 20 feet of the lake.

• Eliminate shallow areas either at the time of pond construction, or later by dredging older lakes or ponds.