Lake & Pond Maintenance Planning

The first step in building your plan is to identify your goals and establish a budget. This may require engaging with community residents, board members, local citizens, or other stakeholders to understand their concerns and expectations, whether they involve improving stormwater functionality, enhancing aesthetics, or providing swimming access for the public. Cross-collaboration will help ensure that your plan fulfills a variety of needs.

Consulting with a local aquatic expert is essential to identify any visual issues that may be present such as weeds, algae, invasive species, erosion, or stormwater infrastructure problems. An expert’s insight will help you understand the extent of these issues and determine the appropriate course of action.

To establish a baseline from which to build your program, aquatic experts will conduct a scientific evaluation of your waterbody. This may involve several key procedures, including water quality testing and lake mapping. Water quality testing helps you understand the current state of health, while lake mapping provides information about depth levels and the rate of sedimentation.

Based on the data collected during the scientific evaluation, your aquatic expert will recommend the appropriate management solutions to address the identified issues. For example, if water quality tests reveal low dissolved oxygen levels, your expert may suggest installing aeration systems to improve oxygenation. This step ensures that your lake management plan is tailored to your unique waterbody and will help you meet your specific goals.

Budgeting, permitting, and seasonal timing are essential considerations when prioritizing lake management services. For instance, immediate treatment may be necessary for algae infestations during peak summer months, and proactive measures like aeration can be installed concurrently. On the other hand, larger services like hydro-raking may be a project that is desired for completion during the off-season. If funding is tight, consider completing projects in phases when possible and budgeting ahead for one-time solutions. Your aquatic expert will help you check if any permits are required and collaborate with regulatory agencies to obtain the necessary approvals at the correct time – something particularly important in northern states.

Once you and your lake management partner have discussed and built your lake management plan, it’s time to get started! Your aquatic expert will guide you through the implementation phase and ensure smooth execution. You’ll also gain access to SOLitude’s Customer Portal to stay up-to-date with program results and invoices, and maintain communication with your local aquatic experts.