Lake Country Conservationists offers safe, effective, and affordable solutions to excessive aquatic plant growth and nuisance algae blooms. Water is one of our most precious and valuable resources and having a property with private pond or lake access not only provides recreational and aesthetic pleasures, but also increases land values. The unwanted infestation of aquatic weeds or buildup of algae can decrease the aesthetic appeal of the water as well as the surrounding property. It can interfere with recreational activities and can be detrimental to aquatic life. Decomposing organic matter can cause foul tastes and odors, as well as deplete dissolved oxygen and alter the pH of the water. Heavy weed growth can provide a resort for stagnated water and mosquitoes.

Lake Country Conservationists can develop a management program that provides year round control of all your aquatic vegetation problems. We use only registered, EPA and WI DNR approved aquatic chemicals which are safe for the environment, humans, animals, and fish. Our staff are certified and licensed in the state of Wisconsin to apply algaecides and aquatic herbicides.

Common types of Nuisance Algae and Weeds:

• Curlyleaf Pondweed
• Eurasian watermilfoil
• Duckweed and Watermeal
• Filamentous Algae
• Cattails
• Sago Pondweed
• Elodea
• And more!

Services Offered to Control Nuisance Algae and Weeds:

• Algaecide and Herbicide applications
• Manual Removal
• Natural Management Options
• Long Term Management Plans

To determine what algae or aquatic plant species are in your pond and to develop a personalized management plan contact us to set up an onsite consultation! We will lay out your options to get your pond or lake healthy and looking good.

Lake vegetation surveys are a common component of long-term lake management plans and are important in detecting nuisance and invasive species. We are able to determine the best survey method to perform, whether it be an AVAS survey or a Point Intercept survey.

An AVAS (Aquatic Vegetation Assessment Sites) survey samples the aquatic plant community throughout the littoral zone of the lake. The presence and density of a species is rated to describe its relative percent cover to other species, and sampling transects are marked using differential GPS technology.

A Point Intercept Survey documents the overall species diversity throughout the lake on a grid of waypoints. Plants are identified at each sampling point and the dominant species is recorded to create a species distribution map. This large number of discrete observations creates a profile on lake-wide species abundance.

Lake mapping is used to determine what’s below the surface in your lake. This is an important tool for us as pond and lake managers. Gathering baseline data such as lake depth and plant coverage gives our staff more information to better plan for proper management. Using specialized equipment we can determine sediment structure, plant community type and density, as well as overall depth and contour of a waterbody. If you are considering improvements to fish population and habitat or installation of an aeration system we highly recommend this service. For more information on lake mapping, please contact us to schedule an onsite visitation.

Wisconsin has some of the best waters in the country for fishing and recreational enjoyment, but the ponds and lakes here don't always have perfect, healthy fisheries. Aquatic ecosystems don't always keep themselves in balance. Whether you are looking to create a backyard fishing paradise or just improve the overall aquatic ecosystem of your pond or lake, managing the fish population and improving habitat are important considerations.

Fishery Management Services:

• Fish Stocking (Coming Soon!)
• Supplemental Fish Feeding Systems
• Undesirable Fish Species Control
• Natural Habitat Improvements
• Artificial Structure Installation

The condition of a shoreline can have a tremendous impact to the health of any body of water. A common practice is to have well-manicured lawns right up to the water’s edge but this can lead to increased algae blooms, erosion, create easier access for nuisance wildlife, and can often be a missed opportunity to create a naturally aesthetic landscape. On the other end of the spectrum your pond or lake may be completely surrounded by invasive or nuisance brush. This can result in debris entering your pond creating a large nutrient load leading to increased algae blooms and can create excess shade which restricts desirable plant growth. Lake Country Conservationists provide complete shoreline restoration services. A healthy and stable shoreline is an important buffer and can also reduce long term management costs.

Services Offered:

• Native Plant Installation
• Invasive Plant Species Removal
• Nuisance Animal Removal

If you are looking for alternative forms of management other than just the standard herbicide or algaecide application a lot of other companies offer, Lake Country Conservationists offers a variety of other services for you to consider. Choosing a more natural route of management can be safer for humans, animals, and the environment.

Services for Natural Management:

• Beneficial Bacteria and Enzyme Application
• Organic Pond Dye
• Shoreline Restoration
• Aeration
• Water Circulators

Bacteria and Enzymes

The addition of natural bacteria and enzymes helps to prevent excess nutrients in your pond. These are designed to consume the nutrients in the water that cause pond problems. Bacteria and enzyme products are natural, eco-friendly, and are safe to use. Freshwater suffering from excess nutrients can result in algae blooms, displeasing odor, and poor water quality. Bacteria and Enzymes work to consume excess nutrients and bacteria by breaking down organic matter. Lake Country Conservationists not only offers these services as part of routine visits to your pond and lake but can supply these products and develop an application and maintenance plan for the do-it-yourself homeowners.

Pond Dye

Organic Pond dye is a great natural way to reduce algae growth and enjoy a prettier pond, without hurting any plants or fish living in the water. These non-toxic dyes work by limiting the sunlight that reaches the submerged weeds within your pond or lake, reducing the opportunity for photosynthesis and result in decreased plant growth. Lake Country Conservationists offers a variety of colors to try and can work with you to achieve the desired look.

Aeration is the process of adding oxygen to water. Oxygen is a vital addition to any pond or small lake for many reasons. Lake Country Conservationists has different options for increasing the oxygen availability in your pond or lake including aerations systems for bottom up aeration or fountains for surface aeration.

Adding an aeration system not only improves the ecosystem creating a healthy environment for fish but it also can reduce the need for herbicide and algaecide treatments. We offer customizable systems to fit all sizes of waterbodies or can provide systems for the do-it-yourself homeowners.

Other benefits to adding an aeration system:

• Cost-effective long-term management
• Helps aerobic bacteria to survive and be effective
• Facilitates the decomposition process of organic matter
• Reduces algae and weeds
• Reduces foul odors
• Decrease insect larvae growth

Fountains are not only a decorative addition but can also be an effective form of aeration. Fountains aerate by pumping water into the air, creating small droplets that collect oxygen from the atmosphere and fall back into the water. This surface aeration will help reduce the top layer of weeds and algae. Contact us for more information about the different sizes and types of fountains we have to offer.

If you are interested in taking on any challenges yourself Lake Country Conservationists offers many services for do-it-yourself management. We can design a custom management plan for you to tackle yourself while providing the necessary products and equipment. Contact us for more information and to set up a consultation.

Products offered for DIY Management

• Bacteria and Enzymes
• Pond Dye
• Herbicides and Algaecides with application instructions
• Aeration Systems
• And more

Many local municipalities or counties require Best Management Practices inspections (BMP’s) for stormwater ponds. Lake Country Conservations is not only trained to complete these on your behalf but can also complete any needed maintenance. Stormwater ponds are designed to filter pollutions from runoff and prevent these pollutions from entering groundwater. Ponds must be functioning properly to meet required standards and these inspections can help identify any needed maintenance. If you need a BMP inspection contact us to find out how we can help.