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Old problem, new solution
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Green lakes are hard to ignore. Water is a primary draw for both tourists and retirees, and Chetek's economy will take a serious hit if the quality of its water continues to depreciate.
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It's a problem city residents are banding together to confront.
Like other nearby (or connected) waters, including Menomonie's Tainter and Menomin lakes, the Chetek Chain of Lakes has been grievously green this summer, culminating in thick caps of stenchy blue-green algae in certain bays.
Take a walk down to the fishing pier off the CTH D bridge, and you'll smell what everyone's complaining about. Residents can't open their windows. Experts speculate the air could be toxic. Retirees who waited their whole lives for a lakeside home aren't getting much fun for their money right now, are they?
City organizations, particularly the Chetek Lakes Protection Association, are up to their armpits in algae as they hunt for solutions-funding, studies, anything-to abate the growth. Rejected grant applications, decreasing clarity, fluctuating pH levels-challenges abound.
Through a series of articles on lake conditions this year, I've had time to chat with lake authorities, most of whom agree that the chain (as an ecosystem) is in trouble and in danger of "crashing."
Discussions with Department of Natural Resources officials have yielded several other conclusions, namely (1) there are simply too many bodies of water in this region for our lakes to get much attention; (2) the Chetek chain is naturally rich in phosphorus; (3) climatic factors (lack of rain, etc.) have proven particularly helpful to algae growth this year; and (4) invasive species, not native algae, are the en vogue issue right now.
I've also learned that although well-schooled in fixing immediate problems like invasive species (through chemical warfare), DNR officials are not knowledgeable about the history of the lakes pre-pioneer. The way they learn the lakes is analogous to Western medicine-all science and technology. Well and good, but chemical treatments aren't the only solution.
I've encountered another viewpoint, one I think is valuable enough to disseminate. Former Chetek resident Timm Severud has been cited in several articles throughout the summer (mainly for his knowledge of local history, which is extensive), and he offers this insight:
"I know that the Chetek Chain of Lakes has a 'green problem.' As a child [in the 1960s], I remember good years where the green might come in August if at all. In high school, it was sowing up around the Fourth of July. I understand that it has been going green in late spring now. I have seen how planting and maintaining wild rice beds can clean water downstream and lakes."
The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission might be interested in the project, Severud says. Some Chetek residents are already beginning to grow wild rice to help clean the lakes. To see information on how to do so, visit Purdue University's manual at www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/wildrice.html.
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©The Chetek Alert 2009
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Bruce Peterson |
Sep, 30 2009 |
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Some time in July I was able to speak with a representive of the DNR while visiting The Lakeshore Resort where my wife and I have a camper that we keep year round. I asked him about the quailty of the water as it has become worst year by year.
His response was that the area was over developed and there was several factors that contributing to the quaity of the water.
One was the over fertilzation of the developed shoreline.
Exanple, Lakeshore homes greening their lawns. Golf courses doing the same to keep the lawns pleasing to their patrons. Resulting in overfertlizing that ends up in the the lakes so they will continue to stay or get greener.
Septic tanks and drain fields leaching into the lakes fron detergents from washing machines and dishwashers creating the bluegreen phosphorus deposits on the shorelines.
I'm sorry, the DNR can help by spraying to help the alge bloom but the rest is up to us.
Lets all try to help.
Thank You, Bruce and Connie Peterson
Trempealeau, Wi.
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