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| Fulda Lakes' Project Update |
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February 24, 2010 |
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| By Jan Voit, Heron Lake Watershed District Administrator | |
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The Fulda Lakes have long been a source of pride for the community and area citizens. Many locals can remember or have heard stories about the quality of the lakes years ago. But over time, development and land use changes have impacted the quality of the two Fulda lakes. These once quality fishing and water recreation lakes in Murray County, they eventually fell victim to murky, algae-filled water with few quality game fish. A joint effort by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Heron Lake Watershed District (HLWD), local citizens, and an impressive list of other agencies and organizations that resulted in a multi-pronged project is credited for the recent turn around in the lakes' quality. DNR Windom Assistant Fisheries Supervisor Brian Schultz said the project has been successful “due to the outstanding cooperation and support of many different players. Good things happen when people play ball together.” Late last fall, aquatic vegetation and much cleaner water could be seen in the lake again - a sure sign that things are on track for a much brighter future. “Aquatic vegetation is the key to a lake's over-all health,” Schultz said, “Without it, you end up with dirty water, poor fish and wildlife habitat, and minimal recreational value.” A major component of the Fulda Lake project involved the construction of a new variable-crest water control structure that allowed for the lakes' water level to be lowered. Lowering the water level provided the opportunity for the DNR to apply a fish toxicant (rotenone) to the lake to remove problem fish such as carp and black bullhead that stir up lake bottom sediment and create cloudy water that that hinders aquatic plant growth. An electric fish barrier was also installed in a culvert beneath Highway 59 to prevent carp and black bullhead from re-entering the lake. To replace the fish that were eradicated, the DNR stocked the lake with walleye, bluegill and largemouth bass last spring. Additional species will be stocked next spring. Anglers are urged to practice catch and release for the next couple of years so that the brood stock can reproduce. “Everything is right on target for Fulda Lake to become something really special again,” Schultz said. In mid-January the Fulda Lake aeration system was turned onto protect the fish population through the winter months. Deep snow and thick ice have been problematic this winter on some area lakes; however, oxygen levels on the Fulda lakes have held up well as of February 3rd with oxygen readings still at 7.2 ppm. Oxygen levels in area lakes can be viewed at the following DNR Windom link. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/areas/fisheries/windom/lakes/aeration.html The HLWD has also completed several shoreline restorations along the lakes. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, native grasses and flowers are used to decrease shoreline erosion and filter pollutants before they enter the water. The HLWD currently has money available for shoreline restoration and rain garden projects. If you are interested, please contact the watershed office at 507-793-2462. |
©Fulda Free Press 2010