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DNR Encourages Pond Owners To Plan Ahead And Develop Aquatic Plant Management Strategies

Now that spring has officially started, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding pond owners that it is time to start preparing aquatic plant management plans. A healthy pond requires some vegetation, but too much can create fish population imbalances and affect its use. The department recommends two general control approaches: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical methods physically limit plant growth by blanketing, shading, trimming or adjusting water levels. Chemical methods are much less labor intensive but require increased monitoring. Owners can apply dyes to the water to reduce the amount of light that reaches the underwater plants and stunts their growth. They can also utilize Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved herbicides to kill off excess vegetation. Regardless of the method chosen, early control improves the efficacy and ease of plant management. To learn more about aquatic plants, follow the link included with this story on our website.

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www.iowadnr.gov/ponds

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