“What’s going on with all the algae?”

Yes, we’re used to seeing small areas of vegetative growth in our lake. Sporadic blooms of green algae and duckweed along the banks are common during the summer. But this year has been dramatically different. We’re seeing widespread growth that at times has nearly covered the western end of the lake.

Why is this happening? It’s a bit of a perfect storm, which we’ll get to shortly. But the more important question is how to get rid of the overgrowth?

What’s being done?

To address this problem, the LLPOA board has created a new “Health of the Lake Committee,” consisting of Jon Arras, Juli Schaefer, Teri Collins, and Danny Petrow. They’ve been researching the issue, talking to experts, and discussing various options.

In the short term: Lake cleanup days

The most effective way of eliminating the plants without the use of chemicals is to physically remove them. Some of our neighbors have already begun this process, although it’s slow and time consuming. That’s why the committee has scheduled two lake cleanup days: Sunday, August 10 and Saturday, August 16, each beginning at 10 am.

We’re hoping to see a large turnout of people—from both the Lake Lucille and neighboring Aquatic District communities—to pitch in and help restore the lake to its previous appearance. We’ll need volunteers with boats to remove the plants as well as people on the shores to transport and dispose of the residue.

Important: To help the committee plan for what’s needed on those days, please fill out this form to let them know when and how you can help.

Juli Schaefer and Deb O have been cleaning up the lake on their own. But more help is needed! Please join us on the scheduled cleanup days: Sunday, August 10 and Saturday, August 16.

In the long term: Hydro-raking and other possibilities.

The HOTL committee, the LLPOA board, and concerned neighbors from the Aquatic District are exploring several options for fighting this problem going forward. This includes hydro-raking (explained below) and other mechanical procedures, using herbicides, planting native plants along the shoreline, and even stocking the lake with sterile carp. Other than hydro-raking, no other plans have been firmed up yet. And the earliest we’ll be able to take any of these actions is next spring. Obviously, more to come, and all ideas are welcome!

What is hydro-raking? Our lake-restoration contract with Solitude Lake Management is still in effect, and we’re hoping to use the last of the funds to have them do hydro-raking of the lake as soon as possible. This process uses a machine to churn up and collect the vegetative debris, organic sediment, and invasive rooted plants from the bottom of the lake. This process helps improve the lake’s depth.

Solitude applied to the state for a hydro-raking permit in June, but we likely won’t hear about its approval until spring. Unfortunately, we’ve also been told by a close contact at NYSFOLA (the New York State Federation of Lake Associations) that permits can be hard to get from the state now. Fingers crossed.

The perfect storm.

What we’re seeing in our lake is the result of a combination of environmental influences that have made our lake a prime place for unwanted plant growth.

High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Our lake has long been classified as eutrophic, which means it has a high level of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. This encourages plant growth, including algae and invasive species. And it’s one of the main reasons for the brownish tint, or turbidity, we’re used to seeing in the water. This is also why it’s so important not to add to the eutrophication by using fertilizers and other yard-care chemicals that contain nitrogen and phosphorus.

Warmer than normal temperatures. This summer has been notably warmer than usual, thanks in part to a couple heat domes that we’ve endured. The average high temperature in July—85 degrees—was four degrees higher than the historical average of 81 degrees. Warmer weather also encourages plant and algae growth.

The carp issue. Until recently, we’ve also had the problem of too many carp in the lake, which severely limited the growth of healthy aquatic plants and further encouraged algae growth. As part of our restoration efforts, Solitude culled most of the carp over the past few years in an initial effort to rebalance the lake. This has allowed more plant growth in the lake, but, unfortunately, an invasive species called “curly leafed pondweed” has now begun proliferating, leading to the current condition. (This is a lesson in how important it is to maintain a balanced approach to lake care, as isolated actions can turn the balance in a different direction.)

Invasive plants. According to “Diet for a Small Lake,” a book published by NYSFOLA, curly leafed pondweed likes to grow in warm, shallow water. And during the high heat of late spring, it found the perfect environment in the shallower western end of our lake. It has since been slowly migrating eastward. According to NYSFOLA, this pondweed has historically died back by late July, but the warming associated with global climate change has extended its growing season.

A domino effect. Once the pondweed reaches the surface, it provides a great breeding place for green algae, which is the “bubbly” green growth we often see along the banks. It’s not toxic, but it’s very unsightly, especially during a large bloom.

Mingling with the algae along the banks are carpets of duckweed, which is a common lake plant that grows on the water surface and is easily identified by its very small leaves. Because of its “green mat” appearance, duckweed is often mistaken for algae growth. But, in fact, it’s a common water plant that’s good for our lake because it helps absorb the nutrients that algae thrives on.

Important note:

According to NYSFOLA, none of these plants are toxic on their own, which is why we haven’t had to close the lake to swimmers. But keep in mind that a toxic blue-green algae bloom can form at any time, and we’ve sometimes seen this happen in past years during the late summer. So, avoid coming into contact with the plant growth. If you do, wash yourself thoroughly. And don’t let your dogs contact it. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because algae can stick to their fur and cause skin problems.

Curly leafed pondweed is an invasive plant that roots at the bottom of the lake and grows to the top. It’s hard to eradicate.

Green algae is a non-toxic, although unsightly, growth that’s common to our lake in small blooms.

Duck weed is often mistaken for algae, but it’s a common leafy water plant that’s good for our lake.