The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding land owners now is the time to begin their late summer aquatic plant control efforts. Healthy ponds need aquatic plants, but if allowed to grow uncontrolled, they can lead to serious problems for fish. DNR staff note herbicides are still an option for vegetation management but are not as effective with the growing season wrapping up in August. They recommend using pond rakes or cutters. While these may be more labor intensive, they are helpful when creating finishing lanes or swimming areas and remove plant debris from the water. Rakes tear the plants from the bottom and cutters separate plants from their roots, allowing them to float to the surface. State law prohibits the transportation of aquatic vegetation. Plants should either be left on shore to dry or ground into compost for use on property. More information from the DNR on aquatic vegetation management can be found on the agency’s website included below.
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