News Release Archives - July 2009
July 6, 2009
Vegetation Important to a Fishery
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is fielding a number of inquiries from lakefront property owners on how to eliminate shoreline weeds.
Scott Elstad, aquatic habitat supervisor, said he understands why lot owners would want to clear vegetation, but he also stresses how important it is to the fishery.
“We discourage controlling vegetation on a mass scale because it hurts the food chain,” Elstad said. “Vegetation provides cover and conceals invertebrates, which in turn provide food for small fish species. If you knock out the base of the food chain, the big fish will disappear.”
When attempting to eliminate aquatic vegetation, Elstad recommends removal of a smaller portion, just enough to get a boat in or out, or clearing out a small area to swim.
A mechanical approach, such as raking out the weeds or using equipment to till down the area, is suggested. However, if chemical herbicides are pursued by the cabin owner, permission must first be garnered from the North Dakota Department of Health, and that requires a 28-day notice.
“Several chemicals are available for control, but that can get expensive,” Elstad said. “The area will have to be chemically treated 2-3 times a year every year, because plants will invade again. You also have to be aware of other issues with chemicals, such as consequences with farming practices or recreational activities.”
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