Although it's easy for people to assume that lake cleanup and restoration are impossible, in reality they can be very successful. MPR news recently examined the outcomes and process of two Minnesota water cleanup projects. One was conducted in northeastern Minnesota's farmland, and the other was done in the town of First Fulda in the south. The water quality in the U.S.'s northern lakes is usually clean and clear, but the water from the south has a pea-soupy taste due to the presence of dead bullheads as well as excess nutrients. First Fulda Lake was saved in southwest Minnesota by a community effort.
The management of nutrients in a lake is one of the key components to a successful restoration. This means addressing the nutrient loading and other issues in the waterbody. The increased human population within the watershed has caused an increase in nutrients and sediment to enter lakes. This has made it more difficult to restore them. A significant source of nutrient loads is the increased volume of water flowing through the watershed. This water erodes the soils and transports the nutrients.
Waterbodies can become more polluted in the fall and summer. The aquatic ecosystem is affected by these impurities. Eutrophication is caused by an increase in nitrogen levels. Low oxygen levels can cause fish death and make it a breeding ground for malaria-hosting moths. Beneficial bacteria can't also be degraded by organic sediments. These changes can have a negative impact on water quality and ecosystem function.
There are many types of lake restoration techniques. Each type of lake restoration method has its unique benefits, but they all tend to share the same goals. Although chemical treatments are the most common choice to restore a lake, they have a limited range of applications and can often be detrimental to the ecosystem. Hydro-raking can also be used to remove deeply-rooted aquatic weeds. The complete excavation includes the draining and replanting all native species.
The DNR in Iowa has established a lake restoration program. It focuses on the maintenance and restoration of shallow lakes. The lakes are managed using a triangular approach that includes monitoring, assessment, restoration, and rehabilitation. Fish surveys are used to monitor the presence and absence of migratory waterfowl or ducks in the lake. Another important component to a healthy lake restoration is keeping an eye on the surroundings.
There are many types of lake restoration methods. These methods aim to restore water bodies to their original condition to make them habitable for fish and plants. These techniques can be used both indoors and out. They employ methods like improved wastewater treatment that reduces the external nutrients. They also use sediment removal techniques to stop groundwater quality from deteriorating. This is not an easy solution to the problems of the lake.
Iowa's DNR has developed a lake restoration plan that focuses on maintaining and rebuilding shallow lakes. This lake restoration program follows a triangular approach with monitoring, assessment and restoration. The monitoring efforts include fish surveys and a note on the presence or absence migratory ducks and waterfowl in the lake. Healthy lake restoration also requires that you keep an eye on surrounding areas.
