1/13/2026
Why not use herbicides for submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) management? Properly used, herbicides are excellent in controlling unwanted SAV. However, their unwanted effects typically limit their use to spot area control. Unwanted effects include:
1. Aquatic Ecosystem Disruption through effects on non-target organisms like fish, amphibians, insects, and plankton
2. Biodiversity Loss that can cascade through the entire ecosystem
3. Algae Blooms
4. (Toxic) Residue Accumulation in lake sediment that may be released when the sediment is disturbed
5. Muck Accumulation unless the killed vegetation debris are removed
6. Resistance Development in the target vegetation
7. Long-Term Ecological and Health Effects, the full extent of which are not fully known.
Judicious and controlled use of triploid, non-reproducing, grass-eating carp is the most biologically sound modality for SAV management. The 2012 Lakes Management Plan (see: https://www.lowa.org/getmedia/05e65b01-68df-454d-974c-0ecb916597ba/Lake_Mgmnt_Plan_Final_Oct2012.aspx) and the follow-on Lakes Management Implementation Plan recommended, for the Main Lake, 5% to 10% SAV surface area coverage in recognition of its mixed use (water sports and fishing) nature.
Julie Wilson
Happy to live in LOW!
We’d like to offer our thanks to all those who have made Christmas season 2025 ‘merry and bright’:
*Folks who decorated their homes with lights, characters, flags or wreaths,
*The Garden Club for the beautiful Clubhouse decorations,
*The fire department who brought Santa to our neighborhoods,
*The Fareways and Clubhouse staffs who greeted us with ‘jingle and jangle’ smiles,
*The Equestrian Staff that gave such fun, wonderful pony rides!
*The conscientious workers who plowed our roads,
*The many workers who clean our community areas, compact our trash, and keep our common properties looking neat and lovely,
*The LOWA Staff in the Holcomb building, the Maintenance Shop, the Lake Currents creators, and all other behind the scene workers that are Santa’s elves all year.
We had company from out of town. It was a joy, and with much pride, to take them around our community. There were smiles galore and good cheer everywhere we went! Thanks to you to for making Lake of the Woods such a special place to call home!
Helen and Charles Brewer