Weed
Harvester: How it works and how you can help.
The weed harvester is a
tool to help control the weeds and algae in the lake. It is not a piece of
equipment that will eliminate the weed and algae problem entirely. There are
some simple things everyone can do to help maximize the production of this
piece of equipment.
1. CLEAN
YOUR SHORES.
As
everyone is aware the first several feet off your shore is considered your
property as a lake side property owner. Taking care of your shore line will not
only help production but will help the lakes weed problem as we all see is
present.
2.
ALLOW OPERATER TO OPERATE.
Although
everyone would like to talk to the operator of the weed harvester, if the
operator was to take a simple 5 minutes to talk to ever resident there would
never be anytime for production.
3.
UNDERSTAND THAT THE HARVESTER CAN NOT GET TO EVERY
SHORE.
Although
the harvester appears to get closer to some shores than others. Realize that
all operations are based on not only depth, but the material on the bottom of
the shore and wind conditions.
4. STAY
OFF DOCKS
The
weed harvester is a dangerous piece of equipment. Operation will not be
permitted around docks if persons are standing on them due to safety concerns.
Every aspect of this equipment is run by hydraulics. Hydraulics have an
enormous amount of force and pressure. It is an unsafe risk
to operate around residents.
5. UNDERSTAND THAT ITS
ALL OF OUR JOB.
If
the harvester worked every dock the amount of time it would take would far
surpass the hours in the day. The coves and bays are the biggest concern and
working the docks neglects the other portions of the lake. Although docks will
be cleaned from time to time, not everyone can or will be hit on any given day.
6. PATIENCE.
No
one enjoys the weeds; the weed harvester is a tool to help control the weed
problem. Remember, with improved water
clarity, we anticipate more weeds.
As
of mid July the lake has not had a blue green bloom. The lake is being worked
on as much as possible. If the harvester was to operate docks every day it
would not be able to keep up on the other portions of the lake. Every resident
has a right to the lake. Cleaning only one shore is not fair to another. By
focusing on the main parts of the lake and allowing the operator to clean
what docks may be the worst. He will be able to have the best chance
to help the community continue to have a healthy lake.
Running
only docks was tested for one day in early July. The operator worked through
lunch working a total of 8.5 hours. That day the 1200 block was the worst. In
that large amount of time he was only able to take care of the docks in the
1200 block. The Dip, Fisherman’s Cove,
or any other part of the lake were not touched. The next day the weeds were
back once again. The time consuming effort was only rewarded for less than 24
hours. As you might be frustrated with the weeds please understand that
everything that can be done is being done.
There
are many variables when operating the harvester. This piece of equipment was designed
to operate in low winds, it is a flat bottom boat with paddles. Running the
harvester in high winds is not only dangerous but can also cause damage to
docks or boats if it were to blow into them. Depth also dictates the areas it
may go. Running this equipment in to shallow of water causes extreme
wear and tear on the equipment. As
the harvester continues to collect algae and weeds, it becomes heavier which
then requires more depth to operate.
Please
consider this an informational tool for the residents. This article is intended
to educate you on the operations of the harvester. Thank
you.