Written by industry expert Marc Bellaud, President

Is it alarmist to refer to nutrient loading as a growing dilemma that is threatening our waterways? Not if you work in the lake and pond management industry or have a passion for preserving our aquatic resources. As an Aquatic Biologist who has managed water resources for more than 25 years, I firmly believe nutrient loading is a rising crisis that needs to be dealt with on a national and global scale.

Almost daily, we see news headlines broadcasting dangerous cyanobacteria blooms, red tides, dead zones and algal toxins that degrade water quality, spur massive fish kills and threaten human health. These Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are fueled by nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which enter waterways through stormwater runoff that emerges from livestock facilities, agricultural farms, urban developments, and incidents of excess wastewater discharge.

Written by industry expert Shannon Junior, Aquatic Ecologist and Senior Business Development Consultant

One of the most common questions asked by clients is whether the products that we use to control aquatic weeds and algae in their waterbodies are “safe.” These concerns have become considerably more widespread in light of the recent controversies surrounding the herbicide glyphosate. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation that is circulating, making it difficult to discern the difference between public outcry and peer-reviewed scientific data.

With increased travel and recreation each summer comes the rise of invasive species. Invasive species are plants and wildlife that were introduced to an area that is outside of their natural range of dispersal. Though these invaders are not inherently bad, the general lack of natural competition or predators in our lakes, ponds and wetlands can lead to major outbreaks that dominate quickly and may be very hard to control. As a result, native species can suffer.

Written by Noel Browning, Aquatic Biologist

Have you ever wondered what the bottom of a waterbody truly looks like? With the proper training, equipment and access to modern technology, the accurate mapping of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs is a reality. Uncovering the mystery of ‘what lies below’ is an essential part of quality baseline data and an important tool in effective management. The true volume, depths, and contours of a waterbody is invaluable data that helps inform many freshwater management approaches. Here are the top five ways that professional lake mapping data can be utilized to help improve your freshwater management strategy:

Frontline workers, including healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and other essential employees, have served their communities selflessly during the coronavirus pandemic. To recognize their exceptional efforts in this time of need, SOLitude Lake Management has helped launch the Hometown Heroes program.

Through this new program, SOLitude's team of freshwater management professionals delivered care packages to deserving healthcare, childcare, senior living, and military organizations in their local communities across Florida, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Colorado and Arizona. Each package contained handwritten notes, entertainment and restaurant gift cards, snacks, branded gear and additional goodies. Team members also delivered catered meals to clients and valued partner organizations. In collaboration with SOLitude's parent company, Rentokil, colleagues were able to impact more than 8,100 individuals throughout the nation.

SOLitude Lake Management has been named one of the 50 fastest growing companies in the Commonwealth by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. SOLitude was ranked 10th out of 50 companies recognized in 2020. 

SOLitude is an industry-leading environmental firm dedicated to providing sustainable solutions rooted in technological and scientific research and innovation. SOLitude has always focused on preserving the natural ecological balance of our freshwater ecosystems while providing clients with premium value and expertise in lake, stormwater pond, wetland and fisheries management.

Written by Robbin Huffines, Director of Erosion Control Services

A premier sporting community in the heart of South Carolina Lowcountry offers the perfect backdrop for nature lovers seeking authentic experiences on and near the water. Outdoorsmen and women who reside in this community enjoy front row access to 3,500 acres of huntlands, fresh and saltwater fishing impoundments, and miles of unspoiled marshes.

The vibrant activity around these wildlife areas includes crabbing and oystering, boating and kayaking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, and hiking. The area is also home to an array of unique wildlife, including southern fox squirrels, American alligators, chukar, pheasant, deer, river otters, bottlenose dolphin, and many other treasured species.

Due to the positioning of this time-honored community along the East coast, wind and rain have caused the banks along certain fishing impoundments to erode over time, creating drop offs ranging from 18 in to 4 ft. The community considered a number of solutions, including bulkheads and rip-rap, but had concerns that such options would detract from the natural landscape for which the community is known.

Through SOLitude’s corporate volunteering and community outreach program, The SOLution, the company has named Aquatic Specialist Robert Finnick of SOLitude’s North Florida team as Volunteer of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2020. Robert participated in an array of volunteer events from January through March.

As an active member of The SOLution program, Robert plays an important role in identifying volunteering efforts for SOLitude’s Jacksonville, FL, office. Most notably, in March, Robert helped assist with a controlled burn event hosted by the North American Sarracenia Conservancy, an organization with which he regularly volunteers. He mobilized several colleagues to spend a full day as volunteer firewatchers to ensure flames did not jump the firebreak. They also helped start "back burns,” which serve a critically important role in the controlled burn process by removing fuel from the downwind portion of targeted burn areas. Likewise, Robert and his colleagues used their knowledge of rare and endangered species, including carnivorous plants and native orchids, to ensure several acres of biologically sensitive land remained protected throughout the process. In total, the group generated 49 total volunteer hours through this event.

1. What led you to pursue a career in freshwater management?

I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. As the youngest of six siblings (of which four were older sisters!), I had a deep love for Mother Earth and knew from an early age that I wanted to work outdoors. In 1979, I entered the University of Wisconsin, Stephen’s Point. 

During the first few weeks of Forestry classes, listening to my instructors preach about the loss of the nation’s farming lands to multiplying shopping malls, I determined that my influence and education should reflect a homage to my professorial rantings. So, I graduated in 1983 with dual Bachelor of Science Degrees in Soil Science and Natural Resource Management.

Though coronavirus currently dominates news headlines, another dangerous threat is growing. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) become more abundant in our community lakes, ponds and drinking water reservoirs each year as temperatures rise over the spring and summer. In addition to causing skin rashes, liver and kidney damage, nervous system problems, and respiratory complications, the toxins produced by these blooms have suspected links to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Livestock and pets can also die after ingesting or becoming exposed to algal toxins. 

HABs can occur naturally, but have been a problem for decades due to the negative environmental impacts associated with urban development, mass agriculture and pollution. To help keep your community waterbodies safe and available for enjoyment during this time of social distancing, SOLitude recommends the following sustainable tips: