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(Following is the 2004 summary text.) This document addresses the need for aquatic plant management in the Chapman Lakes, Kosciusko County, Indiana, and addresses those needs in the subsequent five years from the date of this plan. Big Chapman Lake and Little Chapman Lake are natural lakes located approximately 5 miles northeast of Warsaw, Indiana in the northern half of Kosciusko County. Together the lakes have an area of 638 acres (258 ha).This plan was funded by the Chapman Lakes Conservation Association, Inc., and, in part, by an Indiana Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program grant. Technical information was provided under contract with J. F. New and Associates, Inc., Walkerton, Indiana, and Weed Patrol, Inc., Elkhart, Indiana. (NOTE: Plan is updated annually in the fall.)
Previous studies, conducted by the Chapman Lakes Conservation Association, Inc., also in conjunction with grants from the LARE program, have revealed the advancing presence of exotic and invasive aquatic plant species, as well as increased nuisance of some natural species. Projects have been and are now underway at the Chapman Lakes to reduce the watershed drain phosphorus inflow that can contribute to an overgrowth of aquatic plants in the lakes. Managed control of exotic and invasive species, as well as any overgrowth of other species to promote a more natural lake environment, is needed. Previous studies and surveys have also indicated programs to better educate lakeside residents and lake users on the benefits of native aquatic plants would be beneficial.
Costs described in this report can vary greatly as influenced by competitive bidding, inflationary trends, and chemical effectiveness. This management plan assumes coordinated projects undertaken by either the Chapman Lakes Conservation Association, Inc., or Chapman Lakes Foundation, Inc., as sponsor. Small area projects undertaken by private or residential groups are not projected in this plan.
It is important to note this plan is two-pronged in that there are two separate and distinct issues involving aquatic plant management for Chapman Lakes and channels:
1. Control or eradication over two years of the exotic and invasive species Eurasian water milfoil and curlyleaf pond weed that can qualify for financial competitive grant assistance from the Lakes and River Enhancement program (LARE) if funds are available.
2. Management and reduction in areas of an overgrowth of native vegetation, particularly eel grass, over a five-year span. This must be financed entirely from local funds. (Note: Channels can only be treated using private funding.)
While control of exotic and invasive species can qualify for LARE funding assistance, these efforts depend upon the availability of program funds and grant approval in competition with others in Indiana. The costs of other aquatic plant issues, including overgrowth of native species, depend entirely upon the ability of the Chapman Lakes community to raise funds for those projects.
Treatment of Eurasian water milfoil requires it be treated exclusively in a single year. No other treatments can be undertaken simultaneously. Eradication of this invasive milfoil and curlyleaf pond weed could make such a dramatic visible change in the overabundance of aquatic plants in the lakes that it may be possible to revise downward and delay reduction of native plant overgrowth.
This plan proposes:
· Treatment to eliminate or control Eurasian water milfoil.
· Treatment to eliminate or control curlyleaf pond weed.
· Treatment and management of native plant overgrowth in lakes and channels, including eel grass.
· Treatment of algae in problem areas.
· Ongoing annual surveys of lake vegetation.
· Education, as nearly as practical, of property owners and the general public in aquatic plant issues.
The cost summary (CLICK HERE) presumes the maximum dosage. In the three years following initial treatment, cost for exotic and invasive species (Eurasian milfoil and curlyleaf pond weed) is included in "Other Costs" in 2009 when the LARE spot treatment limit has been reached. Spot treatment, however, may not be needed. It is important to remember chemical treatment is much like taking medicine; there are possible side effects and consequences that must be considered. There is also study evidence elsewhere that long-term use of herbicides can have a negative ecological impact on a lake.
This plan specifically recommends the following actions, beginning with the 2005 fiscal year.
® Plant surveys and water quality testing will be undertaken in each year; treatment program changes every year!
1. 2005--Treat both Chapman Lakes and channels, as necessary, with floridone to remove or control Eurasian water milfoil infestation, providing application for LARE grant assistance is approved.
2. 2005--Begin selections for 2006: Severely impacted shoreline and channel areas where treatment of overgrowth of native aquatic plants is necessary, and, undertake enrollment of property owners who will participate.
3. 2006--Spot treat both Chapman Lakes and channels, as necessary, to remove or control recurring Eurasian water milfoil, and initially treat both lakes for curlyleaf pond weed, as LARE approved funding permits.
4. 2006--Implement initial algae treatment in selected areas, as needed and local funds permit.
5. 2006--Implement initial selected shoreline and channel treatment areas for native aquatic plant overgrowth, as approved and local funds permit.
6. 2006--Begin selections for 2007: Severely impacted shoreline and channel areas where treatment of overgrowth of native aquatic plants is necessary, and, undertake enrollment of property owners who will participate, as local funding permits.
7. 2007-- Spot treat both Chapman Lakes and channels, as necessary, to remove or control recurring Eurasian water milfoil and curlyleaf pond weed, as LARE approved funding permits.
8. 2007--Implement continued algae treatment in selected areas, as needed and local funding permits.
9. 2007--Continue to implement selected shoreline and channel treatment areas for native aquatic plant overgrowth, as needed and local funding permits.
10. 2007--Continue selections for 2008: Severely impacted shoreline and channel areas where treatment of overgrowth of native aquatic plants is necessary, and, undertake enrollment of property owners who will participate, as local funding permits.
11. 2008--Spot treat both Chapman Lakes and channels, as necessary, to remove or control recurring Eurasian water milfoil and curlyleaf pond weed, as LARE approved funding permits.
12. 2008--Implement continued algae treatment in selected areas, as needed and local funding permits.
13. 2008--Continue to implement selected shoreline and channel treatment areas of native aquatic plant overgrowth, as local funding permits.
14. 2008--begin selecting for 2009: Severely impacted shoreline and channel areas where treatment of overgrowth of native aquatic plants is necessary, and, undertake enrollment of property owners who will participate, as local funding permits.
15. 2009--Spot treat both Chapman Lakes and channels, as necessary, to remove or control recurring Eurasian water milfoil and curlyleaf pond weed, as local funding permits (local cost).
16. 2009--Implement continued algae treatment in selected areas, as needed and local funding permits.
17. 2009--Continue to implement selected shoreline and channel treatment areas of native aquatic plant overgrowth, as local funding permits.
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