PHILLIPS CHAIN O'LAKES ASSOC: Phillips Drawdown Monitoring

The Phillips Chain O'Lakes Association is sponsoring a project to control Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) through drawdown of the water levels in the Chain. The effectiveness of a winter water level draw down on controlling EWM will be evaluated.

Project activities/goals include: 1) Restoration of native vegetation species by inhibiting the growth and spread of EWM to the greatest degree possible and practical; 2) Monitor and measure the effectiveness of the drawdown by conducting 4 point intercept aquatic plant surveys (1 pre 2008 and 3 post (2009, 2010, 2011)); 3) Install leased aerators to maintain the oxygen levels in areas to minimize or prevent winter fish kill that could occur as a result of drawdown; 4) Educate the local community and lake residents about the reasons for the planned drawdown making sure lake association members are informed about this project; 5) Monitor Milfoil weevil presence; 6) Monitor emergent plant growth response to drawdown.

Project deliverables include a final report including: a summary of public acceptance of drawdown and were educational programs and sessions worthwhile; the effectiveness or aerators including results of dissolved oxygen readings; a summary of emergent plant bed response; a summary of weevil abundance; provide hard copy of point intercept data in proper spreadsheet format. The department will evaluate the data and provide summary reports.

Specific conditions: WDNR will be provided electronic and hard copies of all data and or reports/plans generated as a result of this project.

Activities

• Control Invasive Species

People/Organizations Involved

• Phillips Chain Of Lakes Association