Aquatic Vegetation Survey
KABEKONA LAKE AQUATIC VEGETATION SURVEY - CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SURVEY
You may be aware by now that Kabekona Lake had an aquatic vegetation survey done this summer. This survey was emailed to KLA members who have submitted their email address and it was posted on the website (kabekonalake.org). Here are some frequently asked questions…and answers.
WHY DID WE DO THIS SURVEY?
The most important reason to do this survey is to methodically and systematically look for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). This survey is specific to plants. The very good news is that no AIS were found! That bears repeating…
NO AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES WERE OBSERVED IN KABEKONA!
The best and least expensive way to deal with invasives is PREVENTION. That is why we have inspectors and the I-LIDS system at the public access. That is why we clean, drain, and dry. That is why we use our STOP SPINY Swedish dish cloths. That is why we remain 100% vigilant. That is why we work together. Kabekona could be just 1 boat away from an AIS introduction.
BUT WHAT IF…
The second most important reason to do a survey like this is for early detection. The fact is that once invasives are found in the lake they are very difficult to eradicate. But if found early and in low numbers, there is hope. We need to accept the fact that in order to stay vigilant we need to consider doing a survey like this approximately every 3 to 5 years.
WHAT ELSE DID WE LEARN FROM THIS SURVEY?
That Kabekona is a healthy lake. A diverse population of healthy native plants shows that a lake is in good health. Let’s consider adopting the term native plants (born and raised in Minnesota) and throw out the term weeds.
WHAT ABOUT A COMPARISON TO OTHER LAKES?
It’s darn near impossible to do a side-by-side comparison. There are just far too many variables. But we do know that starry stonewort was found in Leech Lake this summer and now also found in a stretch of the Mississippi River in Beltrami County between Wolf Lake and Andrusia. We also know that Eurasian watermilfoil is found in Bad Axe and Big Mantrap. Zebra mussels are found in Benedict (connected to Leech Lake), Garfield (veligers), and Long Lake. And faucet snails are found in multiple lakes in Hubbard County.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
With starry stonewort recently detected in our neighbor Leech Lake and other invasives looming nearby, it will be important to continue our monitoring efforts, especially access checks to target high traffic areas such as the public launch.
Native aquatic plants are the good guys. They help maintain water clarity and provide habitat for fish, insects, and water fowl. They reduce nutrient mixing by stabilizing the bottom sediment and can lock up nutrients helping to limit algae growth. They also produce oxygen in the water column, which helps keep the lake healthy. So, we need to protect native aquatic plant beds.
-If a swimming area is necessary, clear only a small area of plants.
-Be careful not to cut or remove large areas of plants. When aquatic plants are uprooted, the lake bottom is disturbed, and the phosphorus in the water column gets used by algae instead of plants.
-Be aware that a DNR permit is needed for removal of aquatic plants, and also for plant control devices such as weed rollers.
-Be aware that almost anything you do on your property and shoreline effects the health of the lake and the aquatic plants. Reduce runoff, consider a shoreline (native plants) buffer strip, reduce your lawn and lawn mowing, and discontinue fertilizer use.
SIT BACK.
ENJOY THE LAKE!
KEEP KABEKONA CLEAN!
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SURVEY