indiana lake views spring edition a publication of the...

Indiana Lake ViewsA Publication of the Indiana Lakes Management SocietySpring Edition

2013, Issue 1

4th place photo winner - Sara Peel. Judging was at the 2012 ILMS Conference.

Refresh, Recharge and Remember Why We Love Lakes!by Sara Peel ILMS President

As I sit here writing my final president’s column for the Indiana Lakes Management Society Newsletter, I wondered at the irony of my pledge of loving water in last year’s pre-conference president’s column. This year, we have a true lake patriot – Darby Nelson – joining us at the 25th anniversary Indiana Lakes Management Conference. Darby pledges his love of lakes every time someone reads his book or he talks with them about his effort – For Love of Lakes. Join us at this year’s conference and remind yourself why you love your lake and lakes throughout the state!

The Indiana Lakes Management Society is here to serve you – to provide a venue for your education, enlightenment, and enjoyment. And we couldn’t do it all without out exhibitors and sponsors. ILMS would like to thank our sponsors and exhibitors for their support of the 25th Annual Indiana Lakes Management Conference. Learn more about these businesses and their contributions online at www.indianalakes.org. Interested in supporting ILMS and the Indiana Lakes Management Conference? Visit us online to learn how or contact me via email at [email protected].

Conservation Leader Darby Nelson to Present at ILMS Conference

Darby Nelson, an accomplished leader of conservation efforts, will deliver a plenary speech at the ILMS conference in March.

Darby Nelson, born and raised in Minnesota, is a freelance writer and conservation activist. He received his Ph.D. in aquatic ecology at the University of Minnesota and taught biology and environmental science at Anoka-Ramsey Community College for 35 years. Darby served three terms as a Minnesota state legislator. He did contract writing in environmental science books for McGraw-Hill Publishers for six years. He has written many magazine articles on environmental topics. He has received several awards including the Minnesota Post-Secondary Science Teacher of the Year; Faculty Excellence Award; Golden Chalk Award from students; as well as awards from the Sierra Club, The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and Izaak Walton League. He has served on The Nature Conservancy Board and the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and is now on the boards of Conservation Minnesota and the Freshwater Society. For Love of Lakes is his first book. He will donate royalties from the book to Conservation Minnesota.

To learn more about Nelson’s work, visit his website at www.darbynelson.com.

Indiana Lake Views 2 2013 Issue 1

Indiana Lake ViewsSpring Edition 2013

Issue 1

A quarterly publication of the Indiana Lakes Management Society to promote and encourage the understanding and

comprehensive management of lakes and reservoirs and their watershed ecosystems.

ILMS Board of Directors

Sara Peel, President

Heather Buck, Vice President

Laura Esman, Secretary

Christian Anderson, Treasurer

Chad Appleman, Director

Heather Harwood, Director

Matt Kerkhof, Director

Steve Lee, Director

Sarah Powers, Director

Leslie Raymer, Director

Bridgette Schoner, Director

Elizabeth Tompkins, Director

Please send all articles and items of interest to:

Chadwick ApplemanILMS Marketing Chair

1000 Airport North Office Park, Suite AFort Wayne, Indiana 46825

[email protected]

Sale of Aquatic Invasive Plants Banned

As of August 31, 2012, it is now illegal to sell 28 invasive aquatic plants in Indiana.

The new rule, which was recently approved by the Indiana Natural Resources Commission, also makes offering such plants for gift, barter, exchange or distribution illegal.

The purpose of this rule is to help prevent the introduction and distribution of aquatic invasive plants into Indiana waters and wetlands.

The spread of invasive aquatic plants reduces boating, fishing and other aquatic recreation opportunities. Such plants also negatively impact native aquatic plants and reduce property values around lakes and ponds.

A list of prohibited plants and the exact language of the rule is at http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/20120411-IR-312120050PRA.xml.pdf

Many of these invasive plants have been used in aquariums or water gardens for years. Some are already widely established. The most popular of such plants currently sold include flowering rush, Brazilian elodea (Anacharis), yellow flag iris, parrot feather and yellow floating heart.

Management or eradication of species already in Indiana waters easily exceeds $1 million annually when Department of Natural Resources and lake association costs are combined.

Aquarium and water garden hobbyists can help slow the spread of such species by purchasing non-invasive or native plants. Boaters can remove plants, mud and other debris from their watercraft when they remove them from the water.

The new rule is administered by the DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology in cooperation with the Division of Fish & Wildlife. For information call Eric Fischer, DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator, (317) 234-3883.

Contact Information: Marty Benson; Phone: (317) 233-3853; e-mail: [email protected]

Hygrophilia polysperma, commonly called miramar weed or Indiana swampweed, is on the list of banned aquatic plants in Indiana.


Time Friday, March 22, 2013 9:00am-9:50am Welcome: Sara Peel, ILMS President

Plenary: For Love of Lakes – Darby Nelson Blue-Green Algae in Indiana Legislation and Permitting 10:15am-10:45am How to Identify Blue-green Blooms – Bill

Jones 2013 Indiana Legislative Overview – Falon French, Hoosier Environmental Council

10:45am-11:15am Blue-green Algae Toxins in Northern Indiana Lakes – Nathan Bosch, Grace College

2013 Legislation on Septic Systems and Sewers with Clean Water Impacts – Michael Axsom, Daviees-Martin Joint County Parks & Recreation

11:15am-11:45am Taste and Odor Occurrences Associated with Resident Cyanobacteria in a Central Indiana Drinking Water Supply Reservoir – Nicolas Clercin, IUPUI

Overview of Permitting Requirements for the Army Corps of Engineering – Katie Schill, Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District

Media/Communications/Engagement Dams/Maintenance/Regulation 1:00pm-1:30pm Raising Public Awareness for Your Cause

– Anna Burke, Kosciusko Lakes & Streams Incident and Emergency Action Plans: Purpose, Importance, and Lessons Learned – Aaron J. Fricke, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC

1:30pm-2:00pm How to Move Your Education Efforts into Social Media and Mass Media Venues – Lyn Crighton, TWF – Jill Hoffmann, UWRWA

Dam Maintenance and Dam Contractors – Robert Evans, IN Department of Natural Resources

2:00pm-2:30pm We’re Talking, Are They Listening? – Chris Sanders, Arion Consulting, Inc.

Dam Safety Case Studies – The Usual Suspects to the Bizarre – Sky K. Medors, Lawson-Fisher Associates P.C.

Lake Solutions from Local Lake Leaders

In-Lake Management

3:00pm-3:30pm

Lake Life 101: An Educational Celebration of Lake Living – Kayleen Hart, Steuben County Soil & Water Conservation District

Condition of Indiana Lakes Following the National Lakes Assessment – Stacey Sobat, IN Department of Environmental Management

3:30pm-4:00pm A Brief History of Koontz Lake – John Ullrich, Koontz Lake

Evaluation of a Temporary Harvest Slot Limit on Largemouth Bass in Indiana Natural Lakes – Jed Pearson, IN Department of Natural Resources

4:00pm-4:30pm The Future of Lake Woodland: Jeopardized By Sedimentation – Bridget Borrowdale, Indiana University

Water Quality Restoration: Don’t Forget the Lake – Jake Britton, SePRO

4:30pm-5:00pm Indiana Lake Clarity: Is It Affected By Nutrient Rich Farmland – Larry Lehman, Indiana Lake

Stormwater Best Management Practices and Lake Quality: Micro or Macro – What You Can Use – Brian Neilson, GAI Consultants, Inc.

Time Saturday, March 23, 2013 8:30am-10:00am Limnology 101 – Melissa Clark, Indiana

University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Demystifying Money: Grants and Fundraising – Leslie Raymer, LaGrange County Lakes Council

10:30am-12:00pm (continued) Limnology 101 – Melissa Clark, Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Beneficial Amphibians and Reptiles in Our Lakes – Bruce Kingsbury, Indiana-Purdue University

2013 ILMS Conference Agenda


As many of you know, January and February is Show Time for Go FishIN – talking Fishing in Indiana and promoting upcoming workshops and programs. I’ve been angling for volunteers and reconnecting with friends at Indiana on the Fly, Boy Scout’s University of Scouting, HASTI, and the Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show. Workshop Season kicks off at Indy’s Eagle Creek Park with a March 14 Crew Captain and a March 16 Family Learn to Fish.

Exciting fishing things in 2013:

New Fishing Guide is out in full color: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2347.htm.

Go FishIN in the City – Indiana DNR’s new urban fishing program. We are heavily stocking channel catfish in several city park ponds across the state. Other urban waters will be getting rainbow trout. See where we are bringing fish to the people: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7508.htm.

Two additional Free Fishing Days on April 20 and May 18. Our Free Fishing Weekend (June 1-2) website will be updated soon: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3598.htm.

More Family Learn to Fish workshops – around the state at Go FishIN in the City sites and many of them on Free Fishing Days. These are excellent days to get Hoosier families fishing because Indiana residents do not need a license to fish our public waters. If you would like to host and/or facilitate a Family Learn to Fish, please let me know. You could attend a “How to Get Families Fishing” workshop in Terre Haute in April or one of my family workshops to see how they roll: http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/7548.htm.

Junior Lake Managers in Training

New Question!

Answer from the Last Newsletter

Answer: Sandhill Crane (Grus Canadensis)

Go FishIN

Can you name this migratory bird species that frequents Northern Indiana during late fall and winter? Peak abundance in northern Indiana typically comes in mid-November. They are an omnivorous species that can often be found in sedge meadows associated with wetlands. Loss and degradation of riverine and wetland ecosystems are the most important threats to their populations. For the migratory populations, this is of greatest concern in staging and wintering areas.

Which of the following is NOT true about installing fish attractors in Indiana’s Public Freshwater Lakes?

A. The placement of structures requires a permit from the Division of Water

B. Attractors are required to be primarily constructed with natural materials such as hardwood trees

C. Angers must receive permission from those who installed the attractors in order to fish near them

D. Structures must be placed in deep enough water to ensure they do not create a public safety hazard to boaters

E. Those who install structures must submit a map and GPS coordinates to the Division of Fish and Wildlife upon completion of the installation

Did you know that ILMS now has a Facebook presence? “Like” ILMS and you can read and share the latest happenings related lakes, watersheds, water quality, and habitat conservation across Indiana. If you already have a Facebook account, simply search for Indiana Lakes Management Society, or point your browser to www.facebook.com/indianalakes.

“Like” ILMS’s Facebook


From the Shores of Wawasee ....by Heather Harwood, WACF Executive Director

From the Shores of Wawasee By Heather Harwood, WACF Executive Director

watershed sits up against the continental divide. It’s waters drain north to the great lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and out to the Atlantic. To keep these upland waters clean, the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation (WACF) works toward maintaining good water quality through preservation of wetlands, erosion control projects in the watershed, education outreach and advocacy. The Conservancy works to identify threats to our water and works toward lessening the bad impacts. WACF work includes studies, constructing erosion control and stabilization projects, wetland restoration and mitigation, ag tours on good farming practices, canoe trips down the 10-lake chain and introducing lake topics to the community.

Thus summer WACF plans to continue it’s series: ‘Lake Talk and Eats’. Consider joining us at the WACF Education Center on Wawasee, on the first Saturday morning of June, July and August for a light breakfast, coffee and lake talk. Learn how our lakes were formed and their geology, and invasive species: why they are bad news and how to slow them down, and stresses and benefits to the health of our watershed. July is our annual Water Bug Catch for grandparents, parents and children. Kids are surprised to learn that the type of bug they catch indicates the quality of water. Agriculture Tours with Russell Anderson gets us out on the farm to teach us about ag practices and good land stewardship. The exotic plant species, Starry stonewort (SS) and Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) continue to be problems in our watershed. WACF has partnered with the Syracuse Lake Association (SLA) on a DNR Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) grant for an update on the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Wawasee and Syracuse Lakes. The first Aquatic Management Plan for Wawasee was completed in 2006, focusing on annual control of EWM in areas of high recreational use. SSW had not yet been discovered. Large scale EWM treatments (25-50 acres) were made on Wawasee in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Starry stonewort was first identified in 2009 in a channel off of Johnson Bay. That year, total acreage in Wawasee was estimated at 15 acres and treated for SSW control. In 2011, the IDNR received a grant through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for the control of exotic weeds. Since then, the IDNR has fully funded numerous SSW treatments in both Wawasee and Syracuse Lakes. These treatments have ranged from 11.29 acres to 67.39 acres.

From the Shores of Wawasee By Heather Harwood, WACF Executive Director

watershed sits up against the continental divide. It’s waters drain north to the great lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and out to the Atlantic. To keep these upland waters clean, the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation (WACF) works toward maintaining good water quality through preservation of wetlands, erosion control projects in the watershed, education outreach and advocacy. The Conservancy works to identify threats to our water and works toward lessening the bad impacts. WACF work includes studies, constructing erosion control and stabilization projects, wetland restoration and mitigation, ag tours on good farming practices, canoe trips down the 10-lake chain and introducing lake topics to the community.

Thus summer WACF plans to continue it’s series: ‘Lake Talk and Eats’. Consider joining us at the WACF Education Center on Wawasee, on the first Saturday morning of June, July and August for a light breakfast, coffee and lake talk. Learn how our lakes were formed and their geology, and invasive species: why they are bad news and how to slow them down, and stresses and benefits to the health of our watershed. July is our annual Water Bug Catch for grandparents, parents and children. Kids are surprised to learn that the type of bug they catch indicates the quality of water. Agriculture Tours with Russell Anderson gets us out on the farm to teach us about ag practices and good land stewardship. The exotic plant species, Starry stonewort (SS) and Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) continue to be problems in our watershed. WACF has partnered with the Syracuse Lake Association (SLA) on a DNR Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) grant for an update on the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Wawasee and Syracuse Lakes. The first Aquatic Management Plan for Wawasee was completed in 2006, focusing on annual control of EWM in areas of high recreational use. SSW had not yet been discovered. Large scale EWM treatments (25-50 acres) were made on Wawasee in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Starry stonewort was first identified in 2009 in a channel off of Johnson Bay. That year, total acreage in Wawasee was estimated at 15 acres and treated for SSW control. In 2011, the IDNR received a grant through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for the control of exotic weeds. Since then, the IDNR has fully funded numerous SSW treatments in both Wawasee and Syracuse Lakes. These treatments have ranged from 11.29 acres to 67.39 acres.


However, despite large scale efforts to control SSW, its acreage has increased steadily each year since 2009. The total SSW acreage in Wawasee in the fall of 2012 was estimated at 159 acres. Chemical applications temporarily control SSW, but long term control remains an issue. Multiple applications are needed in the same treatment area throughout the season to keep SSW suppressed. This past fall WACF was installing erosion control projects. As a part of WACF’s ongoing work in the Dillon Creek subwatershed, WACF had the opportunity to partner with The Elkhart River Restoration Association (ERRA) on a Great Lakes Commission (GLC) grant. This substantial grant along with funding from DNR Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) allowed us to complete some substantial erosion control projects. Before photos…..

“Highly Erodible” in the Wawasee Watershed

Dillon Creek - After Dillon Creek – 2 stage ditch

The GLC and LARE grants were awarded to work on erosion in the agricultural areas upstream of our lakes and restore Dillon Creek - a major contributor of sediment to Wawasee. Dillon Creek sediment control project included 2-stage ditches, grade control structures, stream bank stabilization and root wads. After completing projects in Dillon Creek and Village Lake Stream last year, WACF was continued work with the ERRA GLC grant and a new DNR LARE grant at Ritter Branch. Ritter flows into Hindman Lake upstream in the 10-lake chain. The WACF canoe trip travels through Hindman Lake about ½ down the canoe trip trail, and is one of the most pristine lakes in the watershed. WACF feels fortunate to have partners like the DNR, the ERRA and the GLC to help control problems we have in the upper watersheds and will strive to continue to do our part to keep the water we are sending downstream as clean as possible.













From the Shores of Wawasee .... (continued)


Crew Captain Workshops Crew Captain workshops are for adults, for example, educators and youth leaders, to learn about fish biology, Indiana’s aquatic ecosystems, fish management in Indiana, basic angling skills, and angler ethics. Participants will become Crew Captains and can then take this knowledge and these skills to their classrooms and community. Crew Captains also can receive educational materials and fishing equipment to implement programs. No fishing experience is needed and no fishing license is required during Go FishIN workshops. All fishing equipment will be provided. Workshops are free but pre-registration is required. To register, contact Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Education Programs at [email protected], or 317-234-8440. All Crew Captain workshops are 9 am to 4 pm local time.

Thursday, March 14 – Indianapolis, Eagle Creek Park

Saturday, April 6 – Indianapolis, Boy Scout Training Center

Wednesday, April 10 – Fort Wayne, Fox Island County Park

Friday, April 12 – South Bend, St. Patrick’s Park

Thursday, May 16 – Indianapolis, Riverside Park

Thursday, June 13 – Indianapolis, (location TBA)

Project WET Basic 6 Hour Workshops Project WET is an interdisciplinary water education program. Workshops are hands-on and designed to train educators in activities that cover many water related topics. Materials are balanced, non-biased, supplementary and enhance student learning in all subjects and skill areas. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have a broad base of knowledge about the values of water in our lives and our impact on water, both historically and today. Ideas will be shared for ways to use and implement these activities. Participants will receive the brand new Project WET Generation 2.0 Activity Guide and access to the Project WET Online Resource Portal.

Saturday, April 27 – Girl Scouts Program Center, Terre Haute, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm This workshop is free. This workshop is part of the Terre Haute Year of the River: 2013 celebration. To register,

Upcoming Fishing and Water Quality Workshops Offered

contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife Education Programs at [email protected], or 317-234-8440.

Friday, May 24 – Allen County SWCD Office, Fort Wayne, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm To register or for more information, contact Matt Jones with the Allen County Partnership for Water Quality at [email protected], or 260-484-5848 x111.

Saturday, July 27 – Taltree Arboretum and Gardens, Valparaiso, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm This workshop is free. To register, contact Maddie Grimm at [email protected], or 219-462-0025.

Thursday, August 15 – Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, Wolf Lake This workshop is free. To register contact Darci Zolman with the Kosciusko County SWCD at [email protected], or 574-267-7445 x3.

Friday, September 27 – Allen County SWCD Office, Fort Wayne, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm To register or for more information, contact Matt Jones with the Allen County Partnership for Water Quality at [email protected], or 260-484-5848 x111.

September (exact date TBA), St. Joseph County SWCD, Plymouth This workshop is free. To register, contact Rick Glassman with the St. Joseph County SWCD at [email protected], or 574-936-2924

Jim DonahoeOwner/Operator

Syracuse, Indiana 46567574-533-2597

Fax [email protected]

Chemical Weed ControlMechanical Harvesting

Aeration EquipmentFish Stocking

FountainsState Licensed Bonded


The Annual Conference is Almost Here!

Don’t miss the 2013 Indiana Lakes Management Society Annual Conference set to occur Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23 at the Potawatomi Inn located on the grounds of beautiful Pokagon State Park in Angola, Indiana.

The Annual Conference is the best way for lake residents, professionals, non-profit organization members, and agency officials to meet, mix, mingle, and learn from one another. More than 120 people from across the state travel to the Annual Conference each year to learn the latest about lakes management and conservation projects, hear updates on regulations affecting lakes and water quality, and see friends from past conferences. This year’s event features a plenary aimed at reminding us all why we Love Our Lakes delivered by Darby Nelson of For Love of Lakes. Saturday workshops feature grant writing, amphibians along the lakeshore and Limnology 101!

We request that you register in advance by visiting the ILMS website at www.indianalakes.org. If you have registration questions, please contact Sara Peel at [email protected], or 765-337-9100. Lodging is available the Potawatomi Inn; and, reservations can be made by contacting the Potawatomi Inn directly at 877-563-4371, or online at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/potawatomi/.

Be sure to come early or stay late to take advantage of the park, which features a nature center, eleven miles of easy to moderate difficulty hiking trails, and cross country skiing with ski rental offered.

THANK YOU to our 2013 sponsors:

Aquatic Control - Platinum Sponsor

Cygnet Enterprises - Platinum Sponsor

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC - Gold Sponsor

D2 Land & Water - Gold Sponsor

Sediment Removal Services - Gold Sponsor

Aquatic Enhancement & Survey - Silver Sponsor

Aquatic Weed Control - Silver Sponsor

Clarke - Silver Sponsor

Arion Consulting, Inc - Bronze Sponsor

IN Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts - Bronze Sponsor

Davey Resources - Hospitality

Hoosier Aquatic Management, Inc. - Hospitality

THANK YOU to our 2013 exhibitors:

All Things Water

Aquatic Control

Aquatic Weed Control

Clarke

Cygnet Enterprises

Davey Resources

EnviroScience

For Love of Lakes

Hach Hydromet

Hoosier Environmental Council

IN Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts

Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society

SePRO

Shoreline Solutions

Tennant’s Industrial Dredging

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