Lake Mitchell Weed Harvesting Guidelines

Developed by a committee chaired by Board member Alan Anderson, and composed of Association members with residences on cove and main lake shoreline in August of 2009.

The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board (LMIB) will harvest lake weeds, as appropriate and as resources permit, according to the following guidelines:

Areas requiring harvesting: In areas out from docks and boat lifts where a motorboat’s ability to make progress is hindered, mechanical harvesting of weeds (other than Eurasian Milfoil) is the preferred method of removal. A Consultant/limnologist will identify these areas by using knowledge of harvesting history, weed conditions, and a pre-harvest survey. For weeds immediately between and around docks and/or boat lifts, removal and cleanup is considered the responsibility of the dock and/or boat lift owner.

Consultant Responsibilities: Based upon prior Lake Mitchell harvesting experience and current knowledge of weed conditions, the Consultant will determine the extent (in acres) of the weed harvesting required, and make a recommendation to the LMIB.

With LMIB approval, the Consultant will distribute a harvesting bid specification document to potential harvesting contractors.

Weed Harvesting Guidelines will be included in the document that is distributed.

Once bids are received and one is accepted by the LMIB, the Consultant will conduct a pre-harvest survey and provide the Harvesting Contractor with clear maps and specific directions as to where harvesting is to be conducted.

The Consultant will oversee harvesting, and conduct a post-harvest inspection to ensure satisfactory performance by the Harvesting Contractor.

Once satisfactory performance is determined, the Consultant will request payment to the Harvesting Contractor.

The Consultant will also determine the need for any additional follow-up after initial harvesting, identify the appropriate means of treatment (whether subsequent harvesting or chemical treatment), and provide these recommendations to the LMIB.

Note: Our current Consultant is willing to invite a lake lot representative to participate in the post-harvest inspection. A representative will be identified by the LMIB, and it will be incumbent upon the representative to meet the schedule of the Consultant.

Extent of harvesting: For larger coves, harvesting will extend 100 feet out from existing docks. The Consultant will determine the length or extent of this 100 ft wide harvest (a channel parallel with the shoreline) as part of the pre-harvest survey.

The Consultant may identify other areas on the lake that require harvesting, and the same guidelines will apply.

Initial harvesting may be followed by an appropriate chemical treatment and/or additional harvesting, as again determined by the Consultant, and as approved by the LMIB.

The intent of harvesting a 100 ft wide segment that leads to open water is to preclude the need for the additional harvesting of navigation lanes.

For smaller coves not exceeding 5 acres, harvesting needs will also be identified by a Consultant directed pre-harvest survey, and the same guidelines will apply.

The need for any potential follow-up (re-harvesting or chemical treatment), will be determined by the Consultant, in conjunction with the LMIB.

Time and locations of harvesting: Every attempt will be made to have harvesting completed before the 4th of July holiday weekend. Specific areas identified for harvesting, and the harvesting schedule, will be posted on the LMIB web site and/or distributed via email to lake residents.

Control of lily pads: To minimize the expansion of lily pads, a cut along the outer edge will be made at a point determined by the Consultant.