Aquatic Plant Workshop Set For Waterfront Property Owners
Posted
Tim Robertson-trobertson@timesuniononline.com
ELKHART - Local residents are invited to a free workshop on plant management on local waterways April 18.
The workshop will be at Willowdale Park Pavilion, 1320 Olive St., Elkhart. The workshop is sponsored by the St. Joseph River Basin Commission. According to an SJRBC press release, the focus of the workshop is "Aquatic Vegetation Control: Balancing Habitat and Nuisance."According to the release, plant growth management in local waterways can be a challenge. Plants are a necessary part of the habitat of fish and the insects they feed on, but an explosion of plant growth can be a nuisance for those seeking to use the lakes, rivers and streams for recreation like swimming or boating. Eliminating plants will clear the water for these activities, but can result in severe impact to a good fisheries environment.
According to the SJRBC, plant growth in local waterways over the past few years has prompted the hosting of the workshop in collaboration with the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation.
The workshop will focus on topics that help protect the habitat, but allow enjoyment of the St. Joseph River and its tributaries for other purposes as well. Topics include:
n Why Control Aquatic Vegetation?
n Causes of Aquatic Plant Growth.
n Methods of Controlling Aquatic Vegetation; Choosing the Right Mix for the Situation.
n Using Herbicides in an Aquatic Environment; The Herbicide Registration Process and Allowable Uses.
Property owners along local bodies of water, including those not in the St. Joseph River Basin, are invited to attend the half-day workshop. The information presented is aimed at helping property owners make the right decisions in managing aquatic vegetation near their waterfront property.
The workshop is free, but space is limited. Pre-registration is necessary. Register and see a detailed workshop agenda at www.sjrbc.com For more information, contact Karen Mackowiak at 574-287-1829, or e-mail at kmackowiak@macog.com
