Lake Management

Lake Management

Habitat in reference to aquatic ecosystems generally refers to overhanging vegetation, aquatic plants, woody debris, rock, substrate, and water depth. The quality and distribution of these structures directly influence the living organisms and the entire lake ecosystem.

Conducting a habitat inventory with a fishery analysis can effectively guide management decisions concerning recreational fishing, boating, fish stocking, and water quality.

Our biologists can assess lake and aquatic ecosystem habitats by several innovative methods, including;

• GPS/GIS mapping
• Aquatic and shoreline vegetative surveys
• SCUBA surveys
• Bottom contour mapping
• Bottom typing using hydroacoustics
• Underwater video

A common recommendation given to many lake managers is the enhancement of structures by both artificial and natural means. EnviroScience can aid in the assessment and application of habitat restoration and enhancement programs.

Habitats can be artificially enhanced by man-made structures that are cost-effective and easy to construct. EnviroScience can assist in the design and installation of these structures as well as facilitate any associated permitting requirements. Examples of these structures include vertical and horizontal log structures and brush piles.

Lakescaping

A common natural restoration activity requires landowners to cease mowing activities near shorelines and allow the growth of a natural buffer. The reseeding of natural vegetation is one simple way to decrease shoreline erosion and provide shade and cover for juvenile fish. EnviroScience can design an aesthetic natural buffer zone using native plants in a process called Lakescaping. Lakescaping is a viable solution for restoring the natural habitat to help many native species of birds, mammals, and fish thrive.

Lake Management

Lake health affects property owners in numerous ways. Poor lake health affects recreation activities, property values, personal health, and aesthetic beauty. Often times lake quality is a direct result of land use and drainage patterns within the watershed. A thorough understanding of the type of activities that affect your lake is a powerful weapon against degradation.

Watershed analysis is the systematic and scientific approach to characterizing and evaluating variables that may directly or indirectly influence lake quality. EnviroScience biologists assess watersheds using GPS and GIS mapping technology, water quality studies, field surveys, land use assessments, and historical research.

Our watershed analysis reports highlight problem areas and summarize current lake status largely by the use of ArcView® GIS mapping software. The resulting information and maps are very beneficial for making accurate management decisions concerning lake quality issues and our reports provide background information for comparison in the future.

Fishery Management

Fishery Evaluations: A Valuable Management Tool

EnviroScience biologists have extensive experience conducting full-scale fishery evaluations from small private ponds to Lake Erie. Our biologists have sampled over 4,000  locations throughout the United States, generating an exceptional knowledge base of the biology and ecology of fish communities. Three factors are needed to sustain a viable fishery in any system:

• Habitat: water quality, cover, plants, depth, substrate
• Food: invertebrates, baitfish, plankton
• Reproduction: adult survival, spawning habitats

Fishery evaluation – fish survey followed by a detailed report containing comprehensive data analysis, imagery generation, and management recommendations where applicable. An analysis of these factors, in combination with abundance and diversity data, is an excellent method of assessing fishery and lake health. Fisheries are sampled using a variety of techniques, including electrofishing, hoop netting, seining, gill netting, Global Positioning System technology, and Geographic Information System software. Oftentimes, several methods are used simultaneously to ensure adequate sampling in all habitats. For example, hoop nets target bottom-dwelling species sometimes missed by electrofishing.

EnviroScience experts analyze the data to assess fish population dynamics and health, which are used to develop best management plans for stabilizing or improving the fishery. Recommendations may include stocking and habitat improvement. Our proactive approach encourages close work and communication with the client, lake association, and other principal stakeholders. Each project is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the lake.

• Nuisance species management – removal of unwanted fish species such as carp, large gizzard shad, etc.
• Fish surveys include the collection of fish for various purposes, such as tissue analysis or consumption advisories.
• Bathymetric surveys using the latest in Global Positioning Systems
• Habitat evaluation and improvement recommendations and design
• Comprehensive water quality sampling and lake diagnostics
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of zooplankton, phytoplankton, and ichthyoplankton