We Welcome Ross Dion to Our Charlotte Region Team

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Johnny Foster

Our company has been experiencing rapid growth in the Charlotte region. Therefore, we are delighted to welcome Ross Dion to our team as an Assistant Account Manager. He will be working with Bryan Wallace servicing our Preventive Maintenance (Year-round) as well as our Corrective Maintenance (As needed) clients. Ross is looking forward to diverse responsibilities with aquatic vegetation management, fishery enhancement, stormwater device management, aesthetics enhancement and learning about fountain and aeration system installation and repairs.

Ross worked with us last summer while attending Virginia Tech University and is excited to be graduating from there with a Bachelor of Science degree (Magna cum laude) in Fishery Science this month. Born and raised in Cary, NC, Ross always had an intense interest in sport fishing as well as spending time with family and Virginia Tech football.            .

We were very happy to get Ross because we know he is smart, dependable, friendly and anxious to learn and become an important member of our team. Join us in welcoming Ross!

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Durham, North Carolina Pond Clinic a Huge Success

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Johnny Foster
Shocking boat on private pond

Sampling the fish population with electro-fishing always draws a crowd

“Mitchell and Harry did an awesome job presenting to the group and doing the demonstration!” So said Sarah Miller, one of the speakers representing SePRO Corporation, at the very popular Annual Pond Workshop/Clinic presented by the Durham County Soil & Water Conservation District. Mitchell Morton and Harry Carroll, from Foster Lake & Pond Management, conducted a demonstration of electro-fishing, shocking boat operations and using the sampling data to determine lake and pond fishery improvement strategies. The event, one of many Foster Lake & Pond Management has participated in, was very well attended with 77 registered visitors.

This pond clinic was held on Saturday April 28, 2012. This day of information and fun began with an early morning fishing tournament on the lake that is part of H.G. Thacker’s property. Although many types of baits and tackle were used, the winner caught a 2 pound 9 ounce largemouth bass with a small spinning rod and reel using a live worm dangled below a bobber. After an introduction by Eddie Culberson, the Director of the Durham SWCD, workshops began. Aquatic plant identification, pesticide safety and pond fishing enhancement were discussed before a delicious lunch that included catfish, tilapia, slaw, potatoes and hushpuppies.

The electro-shocking demonstration began as soon as lunch was over. The sampling determined the fish population consisted of stunted largemouth bass, some very large bluegill, shellcracker (redear) and crappie. The largest bass was 6 pounds 9 ounces. Mitchell and Harry discussed the importance of knowing the specifics of the fish population and the usefulness of electro-fishing as one method of sampling. They also discussed fish identification, harvesting and stocking strategies, relative fish weight and lake or pond carrying capacity.

The crowd broke up after a second round of shocking filled the boat live well and the fish were measured, weighed and released. A strategy for improving the fishing in the lake was discussed with Mr. Thacker, the property owner. Judging from the comments as the visitors were leaving, everyone learned something that will help them increase the enjoyment they get from their lake or pond. After all, that is why we are in business!

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Aeration Choices for Lakes and Ponds

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Johnny Foster

 

Compressed air aeration system for lake or pond

Diffuser pond aeration systems are usually the least expensive

I’ve never seen a lake or pond that did not benefit enormously from aeration. In fact, aeration is the one expense that can make the most improvement in the appearance and productivity of a lake or pond. However, property owners are confused about which type of aeration is most suitable and cost-effective for their situation. This summary provides some basics to help you decide which system you prefer. More detailed information will be provided in additional articles about specific systems.

Dissolved oxygen is critical for plant and animal respiration and problems develop when it is limited. Oxygen gets into lakes and ponds through diffusion of air at the water surface and from green plants, through photosynthesis. Diffusion at the water/air interface is greatly increased by moving water, ripples and splashing. Most oxygen supplied by plants comes from microscopic plankton, filamentous algae and submerged rooted plants growing in shallow water.

Lakes and ponds are depleted of oxygen in several ways. No oxygen is produced in water too deep for light penetration. Aquatic plants, including plankton, consume oxygen for respiration at night. Fish and all other aquatic animals are constantly “breathing” oxygen. Multitudes of bacteria probably consume the most oxygen as they digest organic matter such as dead leaves and tree litter, aquatic animal waste, chemicals and even other bacteria.

Another complicating factor is thermal stratification in lakes. Warm water is less dense than cold water and actually “floats” on top of cold water. Very little mixing occurs between layers and deep lake water is often very low in dissolved oxygen. Aquatic life is restricted to the upper few feet of water or it dies. Without oxygen at the bottom, toxic gases and excess nutrients are released that contribute to nuisance algae, odors and surface films. The entire lake is unattractive, unproductive and problems can be expensive to correct.

Aeration Methods

Many methods are being used to aerate lakes and ponds. A few of the most popular and most effective methods are described below. Most of our customers prefer: surface aerators, fountain aerators and compressed air supplied through diffusers. Aquaculture applications include: paddlewheel aerators, direct oxygen diffusers, surface aspirators and venturi air injectors. Other special applications require: pumped waterfalls, underwater circulators, air injected into deep “U” tubes, ozone injection and many other developing technologies. If you have an unusual situation, a different method might be applicable and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Surface aerators: These relatively efficient units use an electric motor suspended beneath a plastic float to push high volumes of lake water a short distance into the air where the water can absorb oxygen. Since the water is pushed only a foot or two into the air, the spray is not as attractive as a fountain. However, much greater volumes of water are circulated improving aeration. In addition to exposing large volumes of water to the air, they increase circulation (increasing oxygen diffusing from the air) and break down surface films. Ugly surface films caused by pollen, dust, algae, cyanobacteria, tree litter and insects are pushed to the shoreline by ripples and quickly sink. The splashing water muffles noise from traffic, neighbors or equipment. However, the spray pattern is not dramatic and “showy” and lights are not appropriate. These units are most often used in shallow lakes and ponds. Some units can be placed in water only 18 inches deep, but they are often used in lakes up to 8 feet deep. Some systems offer optional intake collars that pull deep water to the surface to reduce stratification. A basic one horsepower, double propeller unit that sprays roughly 1,000 gallons per minute 1 – 2 feet high will cost in the neighborhood of $1,000.00.

Fountain aerators: These are “hybrid” devices that provide much of the attractiveness of high-pressure fountains while still circulating large volumes of water through the air where oxygen is absorbed. Recent design improvements provide many spray patterns with high volumes of water being pushed by energy efficient motors with multi-year warranties. Lights add significantly to the cost, but are incredibly attractive. Colored lens are available for lights. Fountain aerators are used when dramatic attractiveness is desired in addition to surface aeration. Like surface aerators, the splashing water sound, surface film reduction and optional deep water intake collars add to their popularity. The general cost of a one-horsepower unit with crown & geyser spray pattern (9 feet high and 24 feet diameter pumping about 500 gallons per minute) without lights is somewhere around $4,000.00. Adding 4 lights would cost about $1,500.00 more. A steel control panel containing all GFCI breakers, timers and controllers is included.

Compressed air diffusers: These systems are incredible. They can provide up to 3 to 5 times more dissolved oxygen than other methods. A one horsepower motor can circulate 8,000 gallons of water per minute. A properly designed system can eliminate thermal stratification, reduce “muck” accumulation on the bottom, improve water clarity, improve fish production and reduce surface film. A one horsepower unit may aerate and destratify a relatively deep 10-acre lake! The important factor is lake depth. Special “synergistic airlift diffusers” create rising columns of bubbles that expand as they rise through the water column. Each bubble gets larger and the column of bubbles spreads out pulling vast quantities of water up with them. Oxygen diffuses from the bubbles into the water and more air enters as the surface water is circulated. The surface boil of bubbles (only evidence of aeration in operation) may spread out as much as 100 feet. An on-shore compressor (in a fan-cooled cabinet) provides air to the diffusers via special plastic tubing. Although more efficient in deep water, smaller multiple diffuser units can be used in shallow water. Most systems we install cost $1,200.00 – 3,500.00.

Obviously, electricity must be provided for each of these aeration systems. Usually, a meter base or junction box needs to be provided near the shore of the lake or pond. Often motors up to one horsepower can use 120-volt supply. Larger units must have (and smaller units can use) 240-volt power supply. The cable must be sized according to the amperage of the motor and length of the cable. Ground fault protection must be provided because of the proximity of water.

These cost estimates are very rough. Desired options, motor size, cable length, choice of lights and the shape and depth of your lake or pond will determine your cost. Here are some questions you must be able to answer.

  1. Prioritize your objectives. Rank the following in importance to you: a.) aeration efficiency, b.) dramatic (showy) appearance, c.) initial cost, d.) destratifying, e.) algae control, f.) water quality improvement, g.) muffling extraneous sounds, h.) lights, i.) operating cost, j.) odor reduction, k.) natural (discrete) appearance.
  2. Determine your power supply needs. Electricity needs to be supplied as close to the shoreline as possible. Do you have (or can you get) 120-volt supply or 240-volt supply or both. Would you prefer to supply an electrician or do you want us to supply one?
  3. If you choose a fountain aerator, do you want lights? How many? What color?
  4. How much electrical cable will you need? What is the distance from your existing, or anticipated, power supply to the location of the aeration unit motor?
  5. Provide a rough sketch of your lake or pond showing shape, dimensions and depths.

Although somewhat complex, choosing an aeration system is by far the best thing you can do for your lake or pond. After installation water conditions will continue to improve each year. All of these systems are easily installed and we provide custom installation. Your lake will be much more attractive, more fish will grow faster and the life of the lake will be extended. You can easily pay for the aeration system with lowered maintenance costs year after year. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide more information or answer your questions.

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Giant Catfish Proves You Need to Contact Us for Stocking Your Lake or Pond

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Johnny Foster
Thomas' flathead catfish

This flathead catfish is an example of why we recommend only channel catfish for stocking lakes and ponds in North Carolina

As a general rule you should never stock wild fish into your lake or pond. Not only could they introduce parasites or diseases, they may not be the species you think. This is a flathead catfish, which gets much larger than the channel catfish we sell for stocking ponds. The bait used to catch it was a large piece of cut bait (fish) easily 7 inches long. You can imagine the volume of fish a large “trash” fish like this could eat. It would make establishing a stable balance of predators and prey very difficult.

Thomas, one of our Account Managers, and his friend Josh caught this fish at night in the Cape Fear River of North Carolina last weekend. They attached several lines baited with live fish to branches of trees along the shoreline of the river. Thomas said it was a struggle to pull the 50 pound fish into the boat, but it was worth the effort.

We sometimes find species of catfish other than channel catfish in electro-fishing sampling of clients’ lakes and ponds. We try to remove all that we can because they cause nothing but trouble. We recommend channel catfish because they will usually not reproduce in lakes and ponds unless nesting cavities are provided. They generally feed up in the water column and do not make the water muddy like bullhead catfish. Their survival is generally good because they have the hard spines on the sides of their heads that deters some predator fish.

Catfish aren’t necessary in a balanced fish population, but are often cosidered a bonus. They are fun to catch, add diversity and are very good to eat.  You should be aware, however, that channel catfish become predators of small fish once they get large, roughly 3 pounds or more. Therefore, in most cases we recommend they be harvested once they reach about a pound each. But, I have caught and eaten 17 pound channel catfish raised in my half acre pond on fish food. They make a great fish stew.

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Our Favorite Automatic Fish Feeder

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Johnny Foster

Our fish feeders are very easy to install

Roughly one pound of fish weight gain can be expected for each 2 pounds of fish food fed. Fish feed is the easiest, most dramatic way to increase fish growth in lakes and ponds. However, some people can’t feed their fish regularly. Perhaps they live too far from the lake or pond. Perhaps they just don’t have the time. Fortunately, automatic fish feeders have improved in quality and declined in price.

The fish feeders we sell, Texas Hunter Brand, are really easy to set up and operate. Most people are like me and prefer the solar powered option. Therefore, the solar panel should be mounted on the south side of the feeder so it gets maximum sun exposure. Each of the 4 sides of the Texas Hunter feeder contains a port so the wires from the solar panel can enter the steel cabinet without drilling. The wires are connected to the battery that operates the timer and motor controls.

The feeder needs to be level or directed slightly upward so the feed is broadcast over the water surface and not onto the shoreline. Unlike many feeders, Texas Hunters allow the feed slinger to rev up and gain speed before dispensing feed pellets. Then, the supply of feed is stopped before the slinger starts to slow down. Virtually all of the feed makes it to the water surface and not on the shoreline.

Texas Hunter feeders have telescoping legs that make leveling very easy. These fish feeders are also very easy to secure to the shoreline, while still being easy to move when necessary. Metal stakes, visible in the photograph before being hammered into the ground, are inserted through holes in feet at the bottom of the telescopic legs. If the feeder needs to be adjusted, just use a hammer to pull the stakes. Then, drive them down again after the feeder is moved.  We are happy to set them up for you, but the only tool needed is a claw hammer!

Future articles will provide more information about feeding fish. Keep checking back If you want to know how to train fish to accept feed, what type of feed to use, how much to feed or want to ask specific questions.

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Why Do We Limit Ourselves to North Carolina

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Johnny Foster
Map of North Carolina

We do North Carolina best!

For almost 30 years we have been managing North Carolina lakes, ponds and stormwater devices (often called stormwater BMPs for Best Management Practices). You may say that limits our customer base, but there are hundreds of thousands of lakes and ponds in North Carolina. Our effectiveness will be diminished if we spread ourselves too thin. We know we can cover the state while keeping driving and travel expenses reasonable.

To be honest we do routinely service southern Virginia and northern South Carolina. The area of South Carolina near Charlotte is particularly important to us. Since we are the only lake management company in North Carolina providing the full range of products and services (vegetation management, fish, fountains, dredging, stormwater system inspections, etc.), we go where we are wanted.

Most importantly, however, we know we can do North Carolina better than anyone else. Since 1983 we have been meeting people and making connections. Think about it. Who else knows more about North Carolina lakes and ponds! Our familiarity is hugely important.

We know the specifics about North Carolina:

Soils                                  Rainfall                              Geography

Suppliers                        Contractors                      Population

Plants                               Cultures                             Government

Regulations                    Growth                               Researchers

Schools                             Transportation              Aquifers

Economics                       Labor force                      Agriculture

River systems                 Climate                              Watersheds

Habitats                           Weather                            Wildlife

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Ugly Algae is Early This Year

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Johnny Foster
Nuisance algae problem

This lake is covered with ugly filamentous algae

Filamentous algae: Blame the warm winter for the early problems with filamentous algae. We have been managing algae problems all winter in our Preventive Service (year-round) contracts. We have been treating lakes and ponds for our Corrective Service (as needed) customers too. Our phones have also been lit up with questions and orders for treatment products. We understand what is going on and we are ready to help.

Algae growth habits: Filamentous algae is definitely our number one nuisance aquatic vegetation problem in North Carolina. The algae starts growing on the lake or pond bottom in shallow water. More sunlight gets to the bottom in shallow water and the water warms more quickly. As gasses are produced by the filamentous algae, bubbles become entrapped in the mats. The mats float to the lake surface only to be exposed to even warmer water and more intense sunlight. When you combine unusually warm water, nutrients and sunlight you are going to get algae growth. This early growth will frequently reach nuisance levels since the water is still too cold for many of the natural controls. Depending upon the species of algae present, the characteristics of your lake or pond, (and other factors we can’t always identify) the filamentous algae may or may not continue to grow at nuisance levels after the water warms in the summer.

Sterile grass carp: We stock a lot of sterile grass carp, which are fish that eat vegetation. However, they don’t feed much until the water temperature gets over 70 degrees F. By that time the algae can be too extensive for them to provide control. Grass carp have been reported to eat 3 times their weight per day in warm water. But, by the time the water gets warm other plants are growing that have higher food value and are preferred by the grass carp. Those other plants compete for the nutrients and sunlight needed by the algae. But, during the winter those other plants are dormant.

Dip net removal: Small amounts of filamentous algae can be effectively controlled by dipping the algae out of the water. We have some very nice, inexpensive dip nets for sale that have telescopic handles. The nets are made from strong aircraft aluminum. The handle can extend out to get algae off the pond bottom or mats floating near but not against the shoreline. These dip nets are also great for picking up trash along the shoreline. See our “Products” section on our web site: www.FosterLake.com to order a dip net.

Algaecides: Managing early season filamentous algae often requires chemical algaecides. Most algaecides either contain copper or peroxcide and can be either liquid or granular. We usually recommend granular algaecides when the algae is growing on the bottom. Liquid formulations are usually more cost effective for floating mats.

Lake colorants (dyes): Another trick that can be effective is applying a lake colorant. These blue dyes are designed to filter out the wave lengths of sunlight that contribute to algae growth. If applied early they may limit growth of filamentous algae on the bottom in water over about 4 feet deep. Normal application rates are 1 gallon per acre for the concentrates and 1 quart per acre for the super concentrates. Usually, about half that much needs to be added each additional month to maintain the level of shading pigment.

Bacteria concentrates: We also use, and have available for sale, bacteria concentrates that can compete with algae for the available nutrients. The bacteria populations bloom after application and can also help breakdown organic “muck”, particularly in aerated lakes and ponds. There is evidence also that these bacteria produce enzymes that directly inhibit the growth of filamentous algae.

Barley straw: We started experimenting with using barley straw to clarify ponds with nuisance algae problems about 10 years ago. Barley straw (other types of straw has not been shown to be effective) has been used for decades in Europe. With the growth of  the Internet  more information became available and publicized. At that time barley was hard to find and most was grown in the north central United States. A small agricultural area in central North Carolina still used barley as a winter cover crop, a practice that was much more popular in the old days. So, we bought some and started “playing” with it. We found that 3 or 4 bales (about 60 pounds each) of barley straw per acre did indeed seem to inhibit filamentous algae growth.  We tried breaking the bales and scattering the straw. We put some in plastic mesh tubes and anchored them along pond shorelines. However, the most cost effective technique was to toss the whole bales in the water. After about a week the bale would become water-logged and settle in the water until just the surface of the bale was exposed above the water surface. We preferred to let the bales drift with the wind because the mats of filamentous algae would also drift and be in contact with the straw bale. The barley decomposes after about 6 months and needs to be replaced. We don’t use barley straw much anymore. It is somewhat hard to find and is somewhat expensive to store, transport and apply. If you want to know more about using barley straw, simply contact me: Johnny@FosterLake.com, let me know and I will provide a more detailed article.

 Beneficial plants: I think floating plant rafts are going to be the next big thing in filamentous algae management. We have been “playing” with them for 3 or 4 years now and I am very impressed. Attractive plants are easily started and grown on floating rafts. Often plants are very difficult to get established along shorelines because water levels are fluctuating and lots of animals are eating them and tearing them up. Floating rafts are much easier to establish. Consider that plants grown on a raft must obtain all their nutrients from the water. Shoreline plants get most of their nutrients from the soil. Removing the nutrients from the water simply has to inhibit algae growth. Furthermore, the dead foliage from the plants grown on rafts can be removed during the winter to eliminate that biomass, which otherwise will decompose and return nutrients to the pond system. I will certainly be writing more about the islands.

Summary: I realize this is a lengthy article and I’ve only scratched the surface of managing nuisance filamentous algae. You can see we have a lot of tools in our tool box. Algae management is complex. But, since it is such an important lake and pond management issue we have to be experts. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for help. The ways we can help in order of effectiveness include:

  1. We can provide a free assessment, if your lake or pond is in North Carolina, and give you a proposal to correct your initial problem and make sure it is routinely managed with our Preventive Service. You simply enjoy your lake, pond or stromwater device.
  2. We can address your initial filamentous algae problem and provide cost effective control. You will know the work will be performed by educated, experienced, friendly and professional experts. We will also advise you about what you can do to diminish future problems with the algae.
  3. We can explain how you can manage the filamentous algae yourself and provide the necessary products to do it properly.

 

Give us a call at: 919-772-8548 or 704-344-9800 or toll free: 1-888-LAKEMGT (1-888-525-3648)

Or email us at: info@FosterLake.com

Remember: We do North Carolina best!

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Lakes and Ponds Soothe the Soul

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Johnny Foster

 

Bannister pond

Relax along the shoreline of a nice lake and let your troubles drift away.

My favorite magazine is “Pond Boss” edited by my ole friend Bob Lusk, who owns a lake management company in Texas. (Learn more at: www.PondBoss.com.) The recent issue (January/February 2012) had a great article entitled “Drowning Worms”, written by Beth Lahaie. You really need to read the article, but I love the concept. Simply stated it is: relaxing on the shore of a lake or pond is one fantastic way to put troubles in perspective and cheer up.

I’ve always been lucky enough to have had opportunities to relax along lake and pond shorelines. (The ocean shoreline is just as good!) I grew up with access to ponds and have worked with ponds since graduating from college in 1974. For as long as I can remember I’ve recognized the exceptionally good feeling I get along a shoreline. There is something primal about being on or very near water. The ebb and flow of the lapping waves along with the swishing sounds are therapeutic.

I don’t ever take the enjoyment I feel around water for granted. In fact I often think about how a childhood friend and I used to fish and hang out around lakes and ponds talking about how it couldn’t get any better.  Now, I wonder if he still gets to enjoy it often. I hope so because I love it just as much or more now.

I sincerely love the work I do. I get to study and experience lakes and ponds almost every day. It is a real joy to deal with our customers and clients because they all love their lakes and ponds. People want to hear what we have to say and are in a good mood when talking about their ponds. Our company mission is:” To enjoy helping North Carolina property owners enjoy their lakes and ponds”.

We have had some exceptionally nice winter weather in North Carolina this year and spring is just around the corner. Do yourself a favor and go relax along a shoreline for a few hours. Better still, take a young person with you to a shoreline and let them experience the ability of the water to ease troubles. Beth’s Dad called it “Drowning Worms” and she still “gets it”!

 

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Stormwater Management is Hot Topic in North Carolina

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Johnny Foster

This North Carolina stormwater pond is both attractive and effective for fighting pollution.

Stormwater runoff from streets, parking areas, roofs and other impervious surfaces has been identified as the major source of pollution of North Carolina streams and lakes. State and local government agencies now require monthly inspections and maintenance on many new stormwater retention ponds. However, they did not require it when older ponds were built, so they are “grandfathered” and probably not required. Nevertheless, inspectors are supposed to visit each pond at least once per year and they will require problems to be corrected very quickly. That unexpected maintenance can be very expensive and you may have difficulty finding someone to do the work within the given time frame.

Foster Lake & Pond Management has always been very active in inspecting, maintaining and managing stormwater retention ponds and other related devices. We have several certified inspectors and all of our technicians are trained to monitor every potential problem area. Our monitoring and routine maintenance insures that the lakes and ponds are attractive and an asset for property values. Regular inspections also make sure developing conditions are addressed before they become expensive problems. Lakes and ponds need routine maintenance, just like turf and landscaped areas. Otherwise, surface algae, weeds, water quality problems, trash, sediment deposits, mosquitoes, shoreline erosion, muddy water, muskrats and various other problems can develop very quickly and take considerable time to correct. The lakes can quickly become unattractive and may even lead to fish kills.

Our service also makes sure the dams, drain structures, emergency spillways, storm drains and other structures are in good condition and not deteriorating. You can imagine the expense and frustration in having to find someone dependable to assess the problems, propose solutions and get them corrected quickly. We keep you from having to worry about those issues. We are always studying developing information and researching new techniques so we are current on those topics.

Since we have been doing this for 30 years and manage over 600 North Carolina lakes and ponds year –round, we are confident we can provide a very cost – effective service. We are experienced, we know what to look for and we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to correct a problem. With our service property owners don’t have to be knowledgeable about lake management. We can keep the lakes consistently attractive and productive with very little effort or concern by the property owners. We are always available to provide advice or offer suggestions and we will respond to an unexpected problem, like a fish kill, quickly and professionally.

 

 

 

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“Who are those guys messing around the pond?”

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Johnny Foster

Bryan Wallace installing AquaMat fish habitat modules

“Man, what a job!” We often hear that from homeowners and residents of communities owning lakes and stormwater retention ponds we manage. We get to paddle around in kayaks or jon boats fishing (er, I mean sampling), inspecting the shoreline and drain systems while looking for nuisance animal damage. We are quick to say it isn’t all fun. We also have to pick up trash, work on fountains in very cold weather and occasionally pick up dead fish. Don’t let anyone fool you. It is still fun, gratifying and important work.

Every lake and pond is different. Each lake and pond is different at different times of the year. Each problem may have many possible solutions and often a combination of techniques and tools are the best solution. For example, we use an Integrated Pest Management approach to manage aquatic vegetation and nuisance animals. Vegetation management requires the use of biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical tools. Vegetation may be floating, submersed or emergent (rising above the water surface). We use sterile grass carp and tilapia fish as well as beneficial bacteria concentrates for biological control. We use wetland, shoreline and raft plantings for cultural control to reduce erosion and utilize excess nutrients in the water. We use dip nets, rakes, excavators, colorants and gloves to provide mechanical control of vegetation. Chemical control tools include various aquatic herbicides and algaecides. Furthermore, various chemicals are designed for the floating, submersed and emergent plants and algae. Using the wrong tool on an inappropriate plant will not be effective and will be expensive.    

Stormwater runoff from streets, parking areas, roofs and other impervious surfaces has been identified as a major source of pollution of our streams and lakes. Many government agencies now require monthly inspections and maintenance on new stormwater retention ponds. However, they did not require it when older ponds were built, so they are “grandfathered” and probably not required. Nevertheless, inspectors are supposed to visit each pond at least once per year and they will require problems to be corrected very quickly. That unexpected maintenance can be very expensive and you may have difficulty finding someone to do the work within the given time frame.

Foster Lake & Pond Management has always been very active in inspecting, maintaining and managing stormwater retention ponds and other related devices. We have several certified inspectors and all of our technicians are trained to monitor every potential problem area. Our monitoring and routine maintenance insures that the lakes and ponds are attractive and an asset for property values. Regular inspections also make sure developing conditions are addressed before they become expensive problems. Lakes and ponds need routine maintenance, just like turf and landscaped areas. Otherwise, surface algae, weeds, water quality problems, trash, sediment deposits, mosquitoes, shoreline erosion, muddy water, muskrats and various other problems can develop very quickly and take considerable time to correct. The lakes can quickly become unattractive and may even lead to fish kills.

Our service also makes sure the dams, drain structures, emergency spillways, storm drains and other structures are in good condition and not deteriorating. You can imagine the expense and frustration in having to find someone dependable to assess the problems, propose a solution and get it corrected quickly. We keep you from having to worry about those issues. We are always studying developing information and researching new techniques so we are current on those topics.

Since we have been doing this for 30 years and manage over 600 lakes and ponds year –round, we are confident we can provide a very cost – effective service. We are experienced, we know what to look for and we don’t have to reinvent the wheel to correct a problem. With our service property owners don’t have to be knowledgeable about lake management. We can keep the lakes consistently attractive and productive with very little effort or concern by the property owners.

After each visit we provide a report that includes our observations, activities and recommendations. This very valuable report is archived so you can always know what we saw, what was done and why it was done. Our recommendations may include things that need to be done to prevent future problems or things that can improve the attractiveness or productivity of your lake or pond. Our clients appreciate that we are recognizing developing conditions and recommending corrections before they become expensive problems. We are always available to provide advice or offer suggestions and we will respond to an unexpected problem, like a fish kill, quickly and professionally.

 

 

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