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WEEDS WORK WONDERS FOR SOME FISH AND FOWL
(BOATERS NOT TOO EXCITED ABOUT CHANGE)
by
Steve McCadams
www.stevemccadams.com
(Part two of a two-part story on the return of aquatic
weeds to Kentucky Lake) for part one...click
here
What kind of weeds are
out there and will they stay? Pleasure boaters and some lakefront property
owners are not too thrilled about the return of the lush vegetation in the
shallow bays and flats of Kentucky Lake.
On the other side are some anglers who would like to see the bass fishery
return. Both anglers and biologists feel the additional habitat was
partly responsible for the surge in success back in the late 80's and
early 90's.
Some waterfowlers benefit too as the early season species of gadwall and
widgeon partake of the morsels found in the grassbeds. Other species like
coots and shorebirds thrive in it as well. Great blue herons have no
trouble stalking the clear pockets and spearing their prey.
Yet the thought of thick, slimy strings of wet vines around the intake of
jet skis and outboard props can sometimes be a challenge to navigation.
Boat ramps, marinas, private docks, and swimming holes don't mix too well
with the encroachment of floating carpets of salad.
" TVA has not done any herbicide treatments on Kentucky Reservoir in
several years and has no plans to do any treatments," said the agency's
aquatic biologist David Webb, who is based in Muscle Shoals, AL. "TVA will
provide identification of problem plants and provide documents that detail
methods for removing aquatic plants with hand tools or other mechanical
methods."
"We can also provide the homeowner contacts with the Tennessee Department
of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) if they desire to obtain a permit
that will allow the application of herbicides to public waters (i.e.,
Kentucky Reservoir). In my discussions with homeowners, I also generally
provide them information about the life cycle of the various plants and
discuss that plant populations undergo cycles of expansion and decline."
Webb indicated the plants now making an appearance along the shores of
Kentucky Lake are likely spiny leaf and southern naiad, along with
pondweed mixed in. He suspected that if any Eurasian water milfoil was
present, it would likely be growing in the slightly deeper areas where
water remained even during the winter draw down as opposed to mudflats
that are exposed during the winter months.
Local bass anglers have been finding a few small fish using the grassbeds
lately. Several bluegill are also partaking of the various food sources
found there. With the expanding grass beds there's normally an increase in
size of species such as bluegill too.
Although some are welcoming the return of weeds with open arms, there are
those who just as soon control the spread in certain areas.
" If a homeowner wants to treat aquatic plants in the vicinity of their
dock, they must obtain a permit from TDEC. The easiest permit to obtain is
the general permit that costs $250 and is good for one year. Up to ten
acres can be treated under each general permit; it restricts treatment to
within 100 feet of docks but allows boat access lanes to be treated in
some instances; only contact herbicides (kills only the portion of the
plant that is exposed to the herbicide) can be used; applications must be
done by an applicator licensed by the Tennessee Department of
Agriculture," said Webb.
If someone desires to treat larger areas, use a systemic herbicide (one
that kills the roots and underground structures), or use a copper based
herbicide, an individual permit is required. The individual permit also
is subject to public comment.
The future of aquatic weeds on Kentucky Lake is uncertain as to how long
they'll remain or how far they will expand.
Over the years, the reservoir has seen many changes. Droughts will come
and go. When droughts dominate it means clear water, which in turn, allows
more growth of various aquatic plants.
Generally speaking, crappie anglers on Kentucky Lake have thrived best in
the years when stained water was present. White crappie especially prefer
dingy water color while black crappie seem to thrive in clear conditions.
Smallmouth bass have increased somewhat which is likely the result of
clear water across the reservoir where dingy conditions once prevailed.
Whether you like the weeds or not, there's no doubt they're returning
fast. Adapting to change can be a challenge but this is a reservoir where
change seems to be the only thing that's constant.
Steve McCadams
is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing
area and host of The Outdoor Channel's television series IN-PURSUIT. |
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