MitchellLakeProjectStatus
Project Background
Mitchell Lake is surrounded by
residential communities and parkland.
The lake is accessible through a public lake access and extensively
fished year-round by residents and other citizens. Mitchell Lake is an important water body with
nearly five miles of shoreline.
Infestations of Eurasian water milfoil and curly leaf pondweed
contribute to impairment of water quality and recreational use. Serious algal blooms occur throughout the
summer, particularly in later months.
The Mitchell Lake Use
Attainability Analysis recommended a multi-year approach to alum treatments to
manage phosphorus and reduce algal blooms, and herbicide and other treatments
to control invasive aquatic plants.
Implementation is expected to extend over the next decade with
monitoring and reporting of success.
Current Project Status
A survey of the
aquatic plants was completed on July 17th. The Eurasian Milfoil density observed was
very low and does not justify harvesting.
The survey did reveal three aresa of the lake
that are no longer navigable due to Coontail and
Northern Milfoil. A permit has been
submitted to the DNR to allow a 15’ navigational channel to be harvested in
these areas. This navigational
harvesting is expected to occur in early August. The Engineer continues to work with Citizen
Advisors and residents to monitor the progress of weed growth. This engages the community to provide useful
information while minimizing District costs. The quantity of weeds harvested in
May and June is being obtained from the harvester and will be reported to
Managers.