Explanation of treatment process:
Aquatic herbicides and mechanical harvesting are both effective tools for managing Round Lake. Each method serves a different purpose depending on plant growth conditions and target areas. Aquatic herbicides primarily target invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and starry stonewort, as well as nuisance algae. Mechanical harvesting removes excess plant biomass and improves navigation in high-use recreational areas. The overall goal of the lake improvement program is to maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem while supporting recreational use. Complete removal or eradication of aquatic vegetation is neither feasible nor an objective of the program.
Plant management activities are coordinated by the environmental consultant, Progressive Companies. Their scientists conduct GPS-guided aquatic plant surveys to identify invasive and nuisance plant growth. GPS reference points are established along the shoreline and throughout the lake's shallow-water grid to accurately map treatment areas.
After each survey, Progressive scientists develop georeferenced treatment maps and provide them to the licensed herbicide applicator. The applicator schedules the treatments, and as required by law, posts notices along the shoreline of all properties within 100 feet of a treatment area. These notices are typically placed shortly before application and describe any temporary swimming or irrigation restrictions. Properties that do not receive a notice are outside the treatment area and are not subject to these restrictions.
Herbicides are applied using two methods, depending on the target species and site conditions. Surface spray equipment distributes herbicides across the water surface when appropriate, while subsurface injection hoses apply herbicides directly within the water column. Once applied, the herbicides disperse throughout the treatment area to provide effective control of the targeted plants.
Progressive scientists evaluate treatment results during their next monthly survey. Most aquatic herbicides, except for algaecides, may take up to three weeks to achieve full effectiveness because aquatic plants respond more gradually than terrestrial vegetation.
The lake management program is not intended to provide individual shoreline maintenance or "beach grooming" for lakefront properties. If invasive aquatic species or nuisance algae are present within a homeowner's designated swimming area, they will be addressed as part of the program. However, when a swimming area (from the shoreline to the dock) consists primarily of native aquatic vegetation, maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. Homeowners may choose the management approach that best meets their preferences, whether maintaining a more natural shoreline or manually clearing vegetation to improve swimming access.