The meeting delved into the details of the fanwort infestation, highlighting its exponential growth and the resulting decline in native species. The commission is particularly concerned about the impact on the lake’s biodiversity, with fanwort outcompeting native plants and altering the ecosystem. Pre-treatment surveys are conducted annually to assess the early season conditions, and independent surveys later in the year evaluate the impact of management strategies. The commission is aware that fanwort’s increasing biomass during the summer complicates treatment planning, as treating at peak biomass can lead to adverse effects such as dissolved oxygen depletion.

In response, there is a proposal to implement a whole-lake flumioxazin treatment, a systemic herbicide seen as necessary for controlling fanwort effectively. The treatment plan involves applying flumioxazin in multiple applications from late April through July, maintaining certain concentration levels to ensure the herbicide’s efficacy. This approach is informed by historical data and collaborative efforts with other groups to refine treatment strategies. The commission emphasized the importance of this plan, understanding that fanwort has been increasingly challenging to manage due to poor drawdown conditions over recent years.

While chemical treatments are the primary strategy, the idea of hand removal of invasive species was discussed as a supplementary measure. However, hand pulling is labor-intensive and unlikely to be effective against a widespread infestation like fanwort. Consequently, the commission is focusing on herbicide treatments, which are reviewed to ensure they do not harm fish or other aquatic animals.

Alongside the focus on fanwort, the meeting also addressed the use of flone, another aquatic herbicide, for controlling invasive species. Flone is noted for its safety in portable drinking water reservoirs, with expected peak levels in the lake below the EPA’s maximum contaminant level. The herbicide has a long track record of effectiveness, and concerns about herbicide resistance, particularly with hydrilla, were raised. The commission discussed past treatment successes in Hickory Hills and the challenges of maintaining herbicide concentration due to natural lake refill. The ecological impacts of removing invasive plants, such as potential increases in algal blooms due to changes in nutrient dynamics, were also considered.

In addition to chemical treatments, the commission explored broader conservation efforts in the region. A detailed report highlighted plant species abundance and water quality, with ongoing management initiatives aimed at improving lake health. The report noted that Little Hickory Lake exhibited significant plant cover, raising concerns about non-native species like brittle niad, which requires monitoring and management. Water level management efforts, such as drawdown schedules and erosion control measures, were discussed as crucial strategies for mitigating weed growth and improving swimming areas.

Community outreach and continued monitoring of water quality and invasive species were identified as priorities for the coming years. The commission plans to maintain contracts for water quality monitoring and stormwater assessments, with a focus on gathering more comprehensive data. These efforts aim to address the challenges posed by invasive species like brittle niad and purple loosestrife, alongside ongoing erosion control and algae management.