The Long Lake Preservation Association
received a DNR permit to harvest 6.5 acres of weeds that
entangle boat propellers and prevent swimming in several areas
on Long Lake in the town of Osceola. The areas selected for
harvesting were high traffic areas with an extensive weed
problem near piers. The controlled collection of the weeds
through harvesting will prevent the undesired cutting and
fragmentation by propellers that would spread evasive weeds
through out the lake. The Association contracted with Midwest
Aquatics to complete the work.
The mechanical harvester is a large floating
machine which both cut and collects aquatic plants. Cut plants
are removed from the water by a conveyor belt system and stored
on the harvester until disposal. The collected weeds are then
removed from the Harvester onto a shore conveyer belt that lifts
the cut plants into a waiting dump truck. The harvested weeds
were disposed of on land in a pre-approved area.
The permit approved by the DNR restricted
harvesting to six specific navigation zones and only to a depth
of two feet below the surface of the lake with a maximum 50 foot
wide area parallel to the shoreline.
The harvesting completed this year is a test
and will now be studied to see if it should be continued in the
future. Its future will also be dependent on adequate funding
through memberships and outside donations. To continue with
harvesting in the future, boaters, fisherman and others with an
interest in Long Lake should consider joining the Long Lake
Preservation Association. You can learn more and obtain a
membership form by going to our web-site at
www.longlakepreservation.org or calling Tom Hinchliffe at
920-533-8725.
The Long Lake Preservation Association was
organized in 2007 to enhance, preserve and protect the quality
of Long and Tittle lakes including the north and south channels
for future generations through effective environmental and
education policies. The association is funded by its members,
additional donations, and the proceeds from the Lake-2-Lake 10K
Trail Run/Hike that is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Kettle
Moraine and the Dundee Long Lake Lions Club.
