Geist Lake Coalition to Tackle Out-of-Control Vegetation in Geist Reservoir

Brian Hall, president of the Geist Lake Coalition, shows an example of the invasive algae growing in several coves around Geist Reservoir.

Many Geist residents are wondering how the excessive weed growth within Geist can be controlled. You may have thought about the possibility of using chemicals, either aquatic herbicides or algaecides, to control the weeds. But first, there are some questions worth addressing: Do you know whether the use of chemicals in this body of water will be safe to you and to the environment? Are you using approved chemicals? Have you obtained a permit?

Although the weeds are invasive and annoying, the ideal situation is to maintain some native species of vegetation to provide habitat, shelter, and oxygen for fish and other organisms, plus positively provide nutrient competition for the blue-green algae. After all, these plants provide the base of the aquatic food chain. What’s more, the larger plants in a body of water also stabilize the sediments that would otherwise be erodible.

Unfortunately, there are situations in which invasive species of aquatic plants such as Eurasian milfoil can gain a foothold in a body of water. These plants continue to grow and form a canopy over the surface of the water. This canopy of vegetation will eventually extend, shade out, and kill the native species that are growing below it.

“Ultimately, the Eurasian milfoil can take over a body of water up to 10’ deep, making it challenging to swim, fish, or conduct just about any other recreational activity,” says Brian Hall, president and founding board member of Geist Lake Coalition. He adds, “Removing heavy sediment and nutrient loads that are exacerbating the situation by literally feeding the problem, is also of concern. Dredging in key areas of the reservoir is currently under study; and in partnership with key stakeholders, a dredging project is likely in the near future.”

If you insist on removing the milfoil manually, you should pull up by the roots, keeping the plant intact as you dispose of it. The idea is to avoid breaking off pieces that can float off and reseed elsewhere.

Algae growth is evident from Google map photos, highlighting the need for a lake-wide treatment strategy.

Excessive weed control and improper use of herbicides can destroy valuable habitat by releasing nutrients into the water which, in turn, can stimulate the growth of algal blooms (rapid accumulation of microscopic algae). These algal blooms will cause water to turn an unsightly green. Once they die off or “crash,” they can deplete the water of oxygen and cause a subsequent fish kill.

Worse yet is when algal blooms become toxic, posing a threat to our health. Algae can be controlled using copper compounds, particularly copper sulfate, which is probably the most widely used of the algaecides or herbicides in bodies of water. Herbicides must be used wisely in the environment to prevent adverse effects to the organisms that live in it.

Typically, Citizens Water will treat with an algaecide to avoid foul taste and smell in our water supply as a result of high algae growth. However, they don’t normally treat for the invasive Eurasian milfoil.

If you are unsure about the safety and impact of a particular product, you should visit www.in.gov/dnr to learn more.

Geist Lake Coalition Kicks Off Pilot Program to Reduce Eurasian Milfoil

The best remedy for algal blooms is a worthy watershed management program. Fortunately, the Geist Lake Coalition along with Geist/Fall Creek Watershed Alliance has invested heavily in a watershed management plan.

Hall explains, “We are currently studying and implementing programs that were a result of this study, and we need your help as we get these programs off the ground. Whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, we need your help!”

Invasive species such as Eurasian milfoil should be controlled when new patches of growth appear in the water. Established infestations should also be managed. This is where the Geist Lake Coalition has focused its efforts and where residents and homeowners associations have turned their attention. Herbicides can be used selectively to remove milfoil from stands of native aquatic plant species, leaving the native species to function in their normal roles as producers of habitat, shelter, and oxygen.

The Geist Lake Coalition (GLC) has applied for and successfully received a L.A.R.E. (Lake River Enhancement) grant for a pilot program to treat Eurasian milfoil on Geist. The biggest challenge for this organization is trying to match federal dollars with a dollar-to-dollar match from the GLC.

“We need your help to fund our match and the ability to fund our own efforts beyond the grant money available through LARE,” says Hall. “The more funds we can collect from homeowners and associations, the more areas we can treat within the reservoir. The contributions you have consistently made toward our fireworks display have mostly funded our programs to date; but with the major effort of late, we have quickly outstripped those funds! Whether it’s financial support for our annual 4th of July celebration or water quality, it’s the same set of pockets. Please consider a tax-deductible donation (we are a 501c3) to the Geist Lake Coalition.”

For further questions, contact Brian Hall (GeistCoalition@aol.com).

Comments 5

  1. Kristine Hunt says:

    I'm glad the Coalition is doing something to address this problem. I've lived on Geist since 1978 until recently. My home on Geist is now for sale. What can I tell a potential buyer when the area in my cove will be treated? When and where has the process started?__Also,how much was the grant from L.A.R.E. and what needs to be raised by property owners to get this problem resolved? __And has it been considered that boats being launched into our lake have been properly cleaned or receive a cleaning at the point of launch before entering the lake?

  2. Bob Taylor says:

    Try Navigate pellets to control these weeds.
    Available on the internet and FDA approved.

  3. Ron Reehling says:

    I learned today (fron ASAP) that the coalition is supposed to treat my lakefront area this week. Good! My area is nearly unuseable due to the weeds. I contracted with ASAP because the coalition has not evidenced any material progress. It's good to learn the coalition has involved the federal government grant route. What about the Water Company? State of Indiana? Fishers? Lawrence? A sustained program must be initiated including Geist Property owners financial Commitment in the form of annual Dues/Assessments if property values and potable water are to be protected The time for action is NOW!

  4. Carol McGuire says:

    Have you considered raising the ramp fees and asking the HOA to increase their dues to help fund this project?

  5. Ron Reehling says:

    Since the treatment of July 12 I have noticed a degree of improvemt via a reduction of the quantity of millfoil. However there remains a substantial crop extending off our dock for 100 feet, more or less. Algea is also present as before the treatment. Thanks for your help. I frmly believe that the Association needs to take ownership of this problem. All olt owners need to be financially involved in lake maintenance via annual dues to the Association.

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