Controlling Pond Plant Growth with Bottom Barriers

Rooted, aquqatic plants are a natural part of the lake ecosystem and comprise a critical component of a healthy lake. They stabilize shorelines, oxygenate water, provide cover and spawning areas for fish, and provide habitat for aquatic invertebrates that are critical for juvenile fish growth. Uncontrolled plant growth, however, quickly can overtake swimming beaches, impede boating access around docks, limit angler success, and may result in an aesthetically unwelcome situation.

When excessive vegetation growth affects the recreational and economic potential of a lake, it may be desirable to directly control rooted aquatic vegetation. Typically this is accomplished through hand removal or the application of herbicides. Bottom barriers, however, provide an alternative method that avoids the environmental, health, social, and economic concerns that can be associated with chemical treatments.