Despite recent rains, it will take more downpours for Five Island Lake to make its way through the drought. In the meantime, various plants have emerged along the shoreline including cottonwoods and maple trees growing anywhere from a foot to 4’ high. So, what can be done about the trees and other plants growing on the receded shoreline?
It seemed appropriate to visit with an expert. And in Iowa that is personnel from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Mike Hawkins, Fisheries Biologist at the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery provided the following information about what to do regarding the plant growth appearing in the lake bed that is visible because of the low water level.
“ Even though these dry periods can be frustrating for lake users, the lower water has some real benefits to lake ecology and health. When the lake bottom dries out a number of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants germinate and grow. Plants like cattail, bulrush, and several species of sedges must have a dry period for their seeds to germinate. These plants not only take up nutrients that would otherwise go towards growing algae, they protect the shoreline from wind and waves. All of these plants provide nursery areas for fish and aquatic invertebrates.
There will be some terrestrial vegetation and trees that also grow during a dry period, but that is natural and these species won't persist once the water returns. Lakeshore residents with a valid dock permit are allowed to hand pull, hand rake, mechanically cut aquatic plants in a 20 ft radius around their dock and hoist if the plants are interfering with navigation. Lakeshore residents are not allowed to disturb the lake bed.”
This is valuable information. The normal inclination when a weed ( any plant growing where it is not wanted) appears in a landscape is to get rid of it so that it does not spread. That does not apply to a lake’s shoreline. As Hawkins points out, the cattail, bulrush and sedge species filter nutrients from entering the water and protect the shoreline from erosion.
Hawkins was adamant about anyone using chemicals to reduce the new plant growth. “Private landowners applying pesticides to public land or public waters is strictly prohibited. “
Having a dwelling on the lake comes with a unique responsibility. The shoreline, lawn areas, timber areas and rip-rap cannot be neglected. These are related to the health of the lake and need to be observed to make sure that these do not become contributors to erosion, algae blooms and the clarity of the water. It includes abiding by IDNR regulations and becoming familiar with their website which addresses a variety of lake water concerns and offers solutions.
If pulling or raking the shoreline is not something that can be done it is ok. As Hawkins stated, when the water returns, “these species won’t persist”.
Submitted by Diane Weiland
Previous question’s answer: There are 17 lakes in Palo Alto, Emmet and Clay Counties. This does not include the Iowa Great Lakes.
Question: What is the width of Five Island Lake?
Comments