The weed harvester

Not necessarily the model we would purchase

Bonnie Marron was kind enough to send some notes she thought residents would like to see about Tuesday evening's Lake Management meeting.

  Fish stocking will be done by this time next month (date to be determined) and they are stocking 2200 6-8 inch walleye, 2200 8-10 inch channel catfish, and 1500 5-8 inch small mouth bass at a cost of $9,700.00 (the budget was 10K).

  The possible purchase of a weed harvester was discussed. Joe Rush (biologist) explained the program from Wisconsin where we would purchase the used machinery and he stated that they are very satisfied with how the harvesters are working. I mentioned Lake Carroll has one and he said that they cut and removed 140 truckloads at 4,000 lbs each. I think he said Lake Carroll is about 700 acres, so much larger than us. Proper disposal can discussed further. The harvester would have no affect on filamentous algae. He believes the harvester has a place as a management tool. Lastly, he stated that many of the harvesters can cut up to 6 feet below the water and the setting is adjustable. It would cut low enough so as not to inhibit boat motors and skiers/tubers, but not affect the fish.  From the discussion it sounded like our old machine was purchased 25 years ago and only used for a couple of years as the weed issue cleared up. It was then not maintained or properly stored. Theresa did inform Joe that she would find out the type of machine we had in the past and when we had it.