January, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
Mail & Call List--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ 3
Baseline information 
Lake morphometry --------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Water quality monitoring ------------------------------------------------------------------------4
Shorelands------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Aquatic plants, distribution and management areas-----------------------------------5-7
Use restrictions imposed by aquatic plants ----------------------------------------------7
Past and present aquatic plant management practices -----------------------------7
Alternative methods for aquatic plant control --------------------------------------------8
Mechanical harvesting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------8
Recreational facilities---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
Fisheries, wildlife and waterfowl --------------------------------------------------------------9
Recreational Uses----------------------------------------------------------------------------------9
Local ordinances 9
Goals and Action Items-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------10-12
Appendices
I.Aquatic Plant Management Program
Aquatic Plant Management ProgramII. DNR map
III. Friendship Lake Shoreline Map
IV. Friendship Lake Watershed Land Use
V. Friendship Lake Watershed Wetlands
VI. Friendship Lake Watershed
Archeological & Historical Sites
VII. Friendship Lake Watershed
Section Locations of Endangered or Threatened Resources.
Introduction
Chapter 92 of the Wisconsin State Statutes established the Adams County Land and Water Conservation Committee (LWCC) and the Adams County Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD). The LWCC and LWCD have the responsibility of conserving long-term soil productivity, protecting the quality of related natural resources, enhancing water quality and focusing on several soil erosion problems.
The Friendship Lake District was formed in 1992 to monitor lake water quality and implement best management practices to maintain and improve lake water quality and quantity of Friendship Lake.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is dedicated to the preservation, protection, effective management, and maintenance of Wisconsin’s natural resources. It is responsible for implementing the laws of the state and where applicable, the laws of the federal government that protect and enhance the natural resources of our state.
To achieve the purposes of the Friendship Lake District, Adams LWCC/LWCD and the WDNR, a Lake Management Plan was developed. The plan addresses natural resource issues of the lake and also in the lake’s watershed. The plan is dynamic and revisions will occur annually or as needed to reflect current events and priorities. The Friendship Lake District will gather formal public input on the plan at it’s annual fall meeting. The Friendship Lake District will publicly notify all members of the district and the public of the meeting by placing a notice in the local newspaper, Friendship Reporter. The Friendship Lake District will accept written comments from the member and the public who cannot attend. The plan will utilize best management practices, education, and regulations to improve the natural resources. The plan will incorporate human conveniences in a manner that does not compromise the quality and quantity of the natural resources. All ordinances, policies, and activities associated with the State, County, and Town must receive approval from proper authorities.
The plan consists of goals and action items to address natural resource issues and activities for a five-year period. As one year passes, another year of the plan will be added so the plan will always reflect a five –year period. Scientific studies, community residents, and the general public were inventoried to determine the goals of the plan.
Copies of the Friendship Lake District Lake Management plan will be distributed to the following location: Town of Adams; Town of Preston; Village of Friendship; WDNR in Friendship; Adams County Library; Adams Land and Water Conservation Department; and Friendship Lake
Mail & Call List
NamePhone Number Address Representing
Phone Number Address RepresentingBob Berry 608-339-6805 404 Hillwood Ln Friendship Lake District
608-339-6805 404 Hillwood Ln Friendship Lake DistrictChairman Friendship WI 53934 Commissioner
Friendship WI 53934 CommissionerFran O’Brien 608-339-7296 307 Hillwood Lane Friendship Lake District
608-339-7296 307 Hillwood Lane Friendship Lake DistrictTreasurer Friendship WI 53934 Commissioner
Friendship WI 53934 CommissionerTom Bell 608-339-0481 1117 S. Czech Lane Friendship Lake District
608-339-0481 1117 S. Czech Lane Friendship Lake DistrictSecretary Friendship, WI 53934 Commissioner
Friendship, WI 53934 CommissionerBev Ward 608-339-8212 201 N Cedar St Adams County
608-339-8212 201 N Cedar St Adams CountyGary Hartley 608- 339-7820 1026 County Road M Town of Adams
608- 339-7820 1026 County Road M Town of AdamsJack Allen 608-339-2258 1156 S Czech Ct. Town of Preston
608-339-2258 1156 S Czech Ct. Town of Preston Friendship, WI 53934 CommissionerRessa Evans 608-339-4268 PO Box 287 Adams County Landrevans@co.adams.wi.us Friendship, WI 53934 & Water Conservation
608-339-4268 PO Box 287 Adams County Landrevans@co.adams.wi.us Friendship, WI 53934 & Water ConservationChris Murphy 608-339-4269 PO Box 287 Adams County Land
608-339-4269 PO Box 287 Adams County LandJustine Hasz 715-421-7800 473 Griffith Ave WDNR
715-421-7800 473 Griffith Ave WDNR Buzz Sorge 715-839-3794 1300 W Clairemont Ave WDNR
715-839-3794 1300 W Clairemont Ave WDNRScott Provost715-421-7881 473 Griffith Ave WDNR
715-421-7881 473 Griffith Ave WDNR Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 Water Resource BiologistBASELINE INFORMATION
Lake Morphometry
Friendship Lake is a 115-acre impoundment located in Adams County. The lake is located within the most populace area of Adams County, namely the Village of Friendship and City of Adams. Friendship Lake’s immediate proximity to the population center greatly increases its recreational value. The lake is especially valuable when you consider that central Wisconsin is not as richly blessed as other areas of the state in water resources. Portions of the property around the lake are in the Town of Adams and Town of Preston. Due to its location and easy access, it serves as a major source of recreation for residents and visitors, alike.
The damming of Little Roche-A-Cri creek created Friendship Lake. An individual who provides electricity to the local electric grid currently owns the dam. Friendship Lake is an elongated water body with a maximum depth of 15 feet and an average depth in the 5-8 foot range. Surrounding land is relatively evenly divided between year-round residents and second-homes for people from other parts of Wisconsin and other states. Although located within the most populous area of Adams County, natural beauty abounds with the view of Friendship Mound to the West and the mixed coniferous/deciduous trees and wildlife areas.
Friendship Lake is divided into 2 sections by 11th Avenue, which runs North and South through Adams County. The road crosses the lake at a point locally known as Makovich’s Bridge. This is a popular fishing site as it provides about ¼ mile of shoreline fishing. This section also features a Class I trout stream entering the east end of the lake. The average depth in the East section varies from 1 to 9 feet. An undeveloped access is available and frequently used by smaller boats and canoes.
The West section of the lake varies in depth from 3 to 15 feet. Establishment of the Lake District in 1992 and weed harvesting plan were the next logical steps to fulfill the lakes recreational potential. The Harvesting operation began in 1992. A narrow elongated bay runs along the South end of the lake and is heavily developed with permanent and seasonal homes along its North shore. In spring, the South shore receives very heavy pressure from bank fishermen, until the bay becomes so heavily vegetated that fishing becomes impossible.
Water Quality Monitoring
Since 1994, the Wisconsin Self-Help Monitoring Program has been sampling and monitoring Friendship Lake for water clarity, temperature, total phosphorus and chlorophyll. According to the latest report from the Adams County Land and Water Conservation Dep’t., the 2004-2006 results, Friendship Lake scores as “mesotrophic” in its phosphorus level, and “oligotrophic” in chlorophyll readings, and Secchi disk reading.
Shorelands
As noted, the shores of Friendship Lake are relatively evenly divided between resident and non-resident homes. The Friendship Lake District will encourage shoreline owners to leave buffer zones of undisturbed vegetation on shore and downed or overhanging trees in the water offshore wherever possible, to slow run-off from rain and snow melt and provide wildlife and fish habitat. It will also be the Lake District policy to discourage the use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals in the Friendship Lake watershed area. A significant portion of the South side of the East section of the lake is pasture, woodland and wildlife area. The majority of the East section will remain unharvested because it contains the best habitat for wildlife, waterfowl and furbearers. It also provides excellent spawning and nursery habitat for game fish and pan fish.
A beach and public access (boat launch) are located in the Northwest section of the lake and managed by the Village of Friendship. Public boat access is provided at two additional sites although these are relatively undeveloped at this time. As noted, Makovich’s Bridge provides shoreline access to approximately ¼ mile of bank fishing and is a popular spot throughout the spring and fall months when aquatic vegetation is not so abundant. Shoreline access for bank fishing is also popular off Hillwood Lane where it crosses the elongated bay and the dike on the West end of the lake. A significant amount of ice fishing also occurs during the winter months.
Aquatic Plants, Distribution and Management Areas
“The 1979 and 1992 plant surveys were not quantitative surveys using the same methods as the 2003 plant study. In the 1979 and 1992, Friendship Lake was divided into 14 areas and qualitative assessments of the plant communities were made within each area. Because of the different methods, direct comparisons cannot be made, but some observations can be compared.The number of species recorded in each survey declined between 1979 and 1992 when Myriophyllum spicatum was likely introduced and increased slightly between 1992 and 2003 when aquatic plant harvesting started in 1993.
The disturbance tolerance of the aquatic plant community in Friendship Lake and its closeness to an undisturbed lake changed between 1979 and 2003. The Average Coefficient of Conservation for Friendship Lake remained in the lowest quartile for all Wisconsin and region lakes, remaining in the group of lakes most tolerant of disturbance. Although the value remained within the lowest quartile, its disturbance tolerance increased from 1979-1992 and decreased slightly from 1979-2003. This suggests that some form of disturbance impacted the lake community during the time the two exotic species (Eurasian water milfoil and curly-leaf pondweed) were introduced and disturbance decreased somewhat (though still some disturbance) during the time aquatic plant harvesting was started.
The Floristic Quality Index of the plant community in Friendship Lake was below average for Wisconsin and region lakes in 1979, dropping to the lowest quartile in 1992 and rebounding somewhat to below the mean again in 2003. This suggests that the plant community in Friendship Lake was farther from an undisturbed condition than the average lake in the state or region in 1979; dropped into the group of lakes farthest from an undisturbed condition during the time period that the two exotic species were introduced; improved to a condition farther from an undisturbed than the average lake during the time that the harvesting program was started.”
The full and complete report, “The Aquatic Plant Community of Friendship Lake, 2003, Adams County, Wisconsin” as issued by the D N R is available through the Lake District or on the DNR website.
As noted in the harvesting plan appendix, harvesting efforts would-be minimized throughout Areas 11, as this section contains excellent habitat for fish and wildlife
The following conclusion is derived from “The Aquatic Plant Community of Friendship Lake” Adams County, Wisconsin, October 2006. The Full report is available through the Lake District or Adams County Land & Water Conservation Department. Friendship Lake is a mesotrophic to oligotrophic impoundment with good water quality and good to very good water clarity. The Coefficient of Conservation average of the aquatic plant community in Friendship Lake is below average for Wisconsin lakes and for lakes in the North Central Hardwood region, but above the average for Floristic Quality. The AMCI is in the average range for both North Central Hardwood Region and all Wisconsin Lakes. Filamentous algae is abundant. Structurally, the aquatic plant community contains emergent plants, free-floating plants, floating-leaf rooted plants and submergent plants.
When the aquatic plant survey was performed in 2006, 89% of the littoral zone was vegetated. The potential for plant growth at all depths of the lake is present, even though a few of the lake sediments are sandy. This percentage of the littoral zone that is vegetated is on the high side of the recommended cover for best fishing (50%-85%). Vallisnera americana was the most frequently-occurring plant in Friendship Lake in 2006 (64.08% frequency ), followed by Wolffia Columbiana (57.14%). No other species reached a frequency of 50% or greater, although Ceratophyllum demersum and Lemna minor were not far below 50% frequency, with 49.21% and 44.44% frequency respectively. Vallisneria americana was also the densest plant in Friendship Lake, with a mean density of 2.22. Somewhat less dense plants were Wolffia Columbiana (1.63), Ceratophyllum demersum (1.17) and Lemna minor (1.14). Only Vallisneria americana had a mean density over 2.0, meaning only that plant grew at more than average density in the lake overall. Wolffia Columbiana (2.28) and Vallisneria Americana (2.06) occurred at more than average density in Depth Zone1 (0-1.5’) as they did in Depth Zone 2 (1.5’-5’) with mean densities in that zone of 2.58 (Vallisneria Americana) and 2.16 (Wolffia Columbiana). Only Valisneria Americana (3.13) occurred at more than average density in Depth Zone 2 (1.5’-5’). There were no species at above average density in Depth Zone 4 (10’-20’).
A healthy and diverse aquatic plant community plays a vital role within the lake ecosystem. Plants help improve water quality by trapping nutrients, debris and pollutants in the water body; by absorbing and /or breaking down some pollutants; by reducing shore erosion by decreasing wave action and stabilizing shorelines and lake bottoms; and by tying-up nutrients that would otherwise be available for algae blooms. Aquatic plants provide valuable habitat resources for fish and wildlife, often being the base level for the multi-level food chain in the lake ecosystem, and also produce oxygen needed by animals.
Further, a healthy and diverse aquatic plant community can better resist invasion of species (native and non-native) that might otherwise “take over” and create a lower quality aquatic plant community. A well-established and diverse plant community of natives can help check the growth of more tolerant (and less desirable) plants that would otherwise crowd out some of the more sensitive species, thus reducing diversity.
Vegetated lake bottoms support larger and more diverse invertebrate populations that in turn support larger and more diverse fish and wildlife population (Engel, 9185). Also, a mixed stand of aquatic macrophytes (plants) supports 3 to 8 times more invertebrates and fish than do monocultural stands (Engel, 1990).
Use Restrictions Imposed by Aquatic Plants
As previously noted, before Friendship Lake District started harvesting, heavy plant growth restricted the use of Friendship Lake during the summer months. Nine out of the 14 sections were identified on the 1979 and 1992 vegetation map as “typified by solid vegetation.” Typically, the only open water, other than sections of the West end, was the channel, which runs throughout the lake. Homeowners on the majority of the lake were unable to get a boat through the thick vegetation to access the open parts of the lake. Boaters using the launch were restricted in their use to those few areas that were navigable. Ascetically, the lake was a most unappealing mass of plants and filamentous algae affecting property values and sales. The problem worsened in each year before the formation of the Lake District.
Past and Present Aquatic Plant Management Practices
Unless some sort of plant control strategy continues, the problem will worsen again. There is a winter draw down of approximately 8-10 inches, which provides a slight retardation of growth.
The Friendship Lake Association was formed with the intent of providing weed control. However, the association lacked the funding and personnel to effectively carry out their mission. The association did complete a minor dredging project although the results are not visible due to the abundant plant growth since that time. The Friendship Lake Association considered alternatives for nuisance plant control but ceased to exist actively after 1989.
The significant worsening of the lake led to the formation of the Friendship Lake District in March of 1992. Organizers promoted the idea of control of aquatic plants through mechanical harvesting. Despite the pessimism of some, the organizers obtained the signatures needed. The ability of the organizers to form the district gave credence to the belief that people knew something needed to be done in a systematic, organized manner.
Since its inception, Friendship Lake District has undergone a variety of changes. It started out as a volunteer district. Now, the elected commissioners are working on a volunteer basis and the aquatic plant harvesting is done by paid personnel. This has lead to the district being more selective in how, when, where and what plants are harvested. This means better fishing, boating, and other recreational activities on the lake as well as a healthier environment for all wildlife living on and in our lake.
Alternative Methods for Aquatic Plant Control
The formation of the Friendship Lake District provided the opportunity for significant change in the appearance of the lake through mechanical harvesting of nuisance plants. Physical methods (such as draw-down) have had short-term effects and will be continued, with the cooperation of the dam owner. The regular use of significant draw-downs cannot be completed, as the owner needs to be able to generate electricity when needed. However, the owner of the dam is a supporter of the Lake District and has cooperated to the extent possible.
The majority of the lake community view chemical control as having potential long-term detrimental environmental impacts and possible consequences for groundwater contamination. It is also believed to be an expensive solution with no guarantee of success. In addition, with chemicals the plants are not removed but left to recycle as nutrients for next year’s vegetation.
Manual methods are also difficult to employ on a large-scale, being the least efficient aquatic plant control method. While manual means are used to control near shore nuisance plants and collect floating materials from mechanical harvesting operations, this method is too inefficient and time-consuming to employ on the scale needed to manage the plant problems in Friendship Lake.
The success of The Friendship Lake District and our neighbor, The Big-Roche-a-Cri Lake District, suggests that mechanical harvesting of nuisance weeds is the only practical and efficient means of controlling plant growth in an environmentally sensitive manner. For these reasons, mechanical harvesting has been chosen by the voters of the Friendship Lake District as the management technique of choice.
Mechanical Harvesting
In the spring of 1992, the Lake District purchased its first Aquatic Plant Harvester, after deciding that this method of plant control would be the most cost effective, environmentally sound way of accomplishing its goals. Mechanical harvesting has taken place every summer since then with very good results. Other methods of plant control are discussed almost every year at the annual meetings and mechanical harvesting has been the method approved by the electorate. In 2004, a second harvester was purchased. Both the old and new harvesters are now being used, not to do more harvesting, but to do it more efficiently, since there is not a large enough water path connecting the two lake sections.
Recreational Facilities
There are two privately owned resorts as well as two restaurants located on Friendship Lake. As noted, there is a public beach and three access sites on the lake. The Village of Friendship also has a park located across from the beach area that is used for picnics, as a playground and for the community’s summer volleyball leagues. The lake is located directly off of Highway 13 and local retail outlets exist in very close proximity to the lake. Friendship Lake is located off a major highway and is an important economic resource.
Fisheries, Wildlife, and Waterfowl
Friendship Lake is unique in that despite its proximity to the most populous area of the County it is the home to many different types of fish and wildlife. The lake is a popular fishing area known for its largemouth bass. In addition to largemouth bass, the lake contains bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed, brook trout, brown trout, perch, northern pike and walleye. The lake offers shoreline fishing at Makovich’s Bridge, the elongated bay and the dike located along Highway 13. A steady stream of shore fisherman occupies the banks most weekends. Those fishing include residents, non-residents and young people who are able to ride their bikes to enjoy a day of fishing.
As the East section of the lake is primarily pasture, woodland and wildlife areas, it is the home for ducks, otters, muskrat, and great blue heron. The lake is also a stopping over point for geese, loons and swans during their migrations.
Recreational Uses
Friendship Lake is a multi-purpose body of water serving all forms of recreation, including boating, swimming, skiing and fishing during the summer months as well as ice fishing, ice-skating and snowmobiling during the winter. The beach is also the site for summer swim lessons. Given the location of the lake, it is a popular site for all of these activities. The community understands that with weed harvesting, the lake has become more usable during all of the summer months.
The Village of Friendship completed a major renovation of the beach and boat launching area in July of 1992. A new beach house with proper changing and washroom facilities, expanded beach area, improved boat launching area, paved parking lot and the addition of a pier were the major improvements. Improvements include a new pier installed in 2003 and a launch ramp renovation in 2006.
Local Ordinances
The Village of Friendship has an ordinance in effect stating no waterskiing or similar activity is allowed before 10:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. Otherwise there are no specific ordinances relating to public use of the lake.
Adams Shoreland Protection Ordinance regulates activities occurring landward within 1000 feet of the ordinary high water mark.
GOALS AND ACTION ITEMS
GOALS
1.To effectively control the quantity and density of nuisance aquatic plant growth and try to eradicate invasive species in Friendship Lake to better facilitate water related recreation, improve the aesthetic value of the resource of the community and enhance the resource value of the water body.
To effectively control the quantity and density of nuisance aquatic plant growth and try to eradicate invasive species in Friendship Lake to better facilitate water related recreation, improve the aesthetic value of the resource of the community and enhance the resource value of the water body.Eradication may not be feasible since EWM has been there so long.
2.To manage the impoundment, in an environmentally sound manner, pursuant to the standard and requirements set forth in the Administrative Code NR103- Water Quality standard for Wetlands, NR 109 – Permit for mechanical Harvesting of Aquatic Plants, and NR 107 – Aquatic Plant Management, to vigorously preserve and enhance its water quality and biotic communities, their habitats and essential structure and function in the water body and adjacent areas, as determined through our overall lake management plan.
To manage the impoundment, in an environmentally sound manner, pursuant to the standard and requirements set forth in the Administrative Code NR103- Water Quality standard for Wetlands, NR 109 – Permit for mechanical Harvesting of Aquatic Plants, and NR 107 – Aquatic Plant Management, to vigorously preserve and enhance its water quality and biotic communities, their habitats and essential structure and function in the water body and adjacent areas, as determined through our overall lake management plan.3.To protect and maintain public health, and promote public comfort, convenience, necessity and welfare, in concert with the natural resource, through the environmentally sound management of native vegetation, fishes and wildlife populations in and around Friendship Lake.
To protect and maintain public health, and promote public comfort, convenience, necessity and welfare, in concert with the natural resource, through the environmentally sound management of native vegetation, fishes and wildlife populations in and around Friendship Lake.4.To promote a quality, water based experience for resident and visitors to Friendship Lake, consistent with the policies and objectives of the Department of Natural Resources.
To promote a quality, water based experience for resident and visitors to Friendship Lake, consistent with the policies and objectives of the Department of Natural Resources.5.In addition to these in-lake rehabilitation methods, an on-going campaign of community information will support the aquatic plant management program by encouraging the use of shore land buffer strips, responsible use of lawn and garden fertilizers and environmentally-friendly household and garden practices to minimize the input of nutrients. The Lake District will use its newsletter to promote these activities based on publications from University Extension and the Department of Natural Resources.
In addition to these in-lake rehabilitation methods, an on-going campaign of community information will support the aquatic plant management program by encouraging the use of shore land buffer strips, responsible use of lawn and garden fertilizers and environmentally-friendly household and garden practices to minimize the input of nutrients. The Lake District will use its newsletter to promote these activities based on publications from University Extension and the Department of Natural Resources.ACTIONS
Aquatic Species Management
WHO WHEN
The harvesting will be done in accordance with DNR approved Plant FLD annually
Management Program. See Appendix I and II for details.
Apply for harvesting permit. FLD as needed
FLD as needed Notify DNR when there is a new harvesting personnel, to insure they are FLD as needed
trained to recognize the valuable aquatic species.
Coordinate with Scott Ironside to identify spawning areas and determine FLD 2007
2007 dates of harvesting.
Provide DNR Regional Office in Eau Claire with harvesting report. FLD annually
Study effects of lake draw downs on EWM, and determine if it is feasible FLD/LWCD 2007
for Friendship Lake.
Implement the recommendations in the LWCD “Critical FLD 2007
Habitat Areas of Friendship Lake” Adams County, Wisconsin, January 2007 report.
Implement citizen monitoring program to monitor Aquatic invasive species. FLD/LWCD 2007
Complete an inventory of Friendship Lake to determine if Milfoil weevil exists. FLD/LWCD 2007
FLD/LWCD 2007 Water Quantity/Quality
Continue to monitor the physical conditions of Friendship Lake with the FLD/LWCD annually
Citizens Monitoring program
Monitoring Lake levels. FLD 2007
FLD 2007 Implement NR151 Agricultural Performance Standards by inventorying LWCD 2008
watershed and to documenting, runoff from livestock confinement operations,
entering surface waters to livestock direct access sites; uncontained livestock
manure storage facilities, soil erosion sites, and producers not implementing
nutrient management plans. Offer County, State, Federal cost share assistance
and plan/design assistance to landowners identified in inventory so best management
practices are installed for compliance with the State Agricultural Performance Standards.
ACTIONS cont…
Communication and Education
WHO WHEN
Develop Web-site for Lake District. FLD 2007
Distribution of DNR Pub WT-821-2005, Protecting Your Waterfront Investment FLD 2007
to Lake District property owners.
Develop New Property Owners information Packet. FLD 2008
Conduct a survey of Lake Property Owners. FLD/LWCD 2007
Compile survey results and incorporate into Lake Management Plan. FLD 2008
Conduct a public user’s survey to identify management issues. FLD/LWCD 2010
Compile survey results and incorporate into Lake Management Plan. FLD 2011
Use of newsletters to promote environmentally-friendly household and garden FLD biannually
practices based on publications from University Extension and the DNR.
We will encourage smart growth planning by participating in town meetings within FLD as needed
the Friendship Lake Watershed.
Attend Adams County Lake Advisory Group meetings in an effort to better educate FLD monthly
the Lake District home owners.
Encourage Lake District home owners to attend Adams County Lake Conference on FLDspring
spring May 19, 2007. newsletter
APPENDIX I
Aquatic Plant Management Program
The weed-harvesting program on Friendship Lake seeks to improve navigation, remove nutrients and improve aesthetic appearance. Size structure of pan fish populations are also known to improve when vegetation is controlled.
The areas of harvesting are identified in Appendix II. The complete elimination of weeds in Friendship Lake is not one of our goals. We will harvest plants in the following manner:
1.Heavier removal where nuisance weeds infest the shoreline and extend out into the lake for several hundred feet. Examples of the type of plants to be removed include coontail, curly leaf pondweed and Eurasian milfoil.
Heavier removal where nuisance weeds infest the shoreline and extend out into the lake for several hundred feet. Examples of the type of plants to be removed include coontail, curly leaf pondweed and Eurasian milfoil.2.Where heavier removal is not desired because of the presence of beneficial plant species such as Lilly pads and large-leaf pondweed, we will minimize harvesting in the large bed areas of these plants to channels for pier access only and “edge effect” for fish habitat.
Where heavier removal is not desired because of the presence of beneficial plant species such as Lilly pads and large-leaf pondweed, we will minimize harvesting in the large bed areas of these plants to channels for pier access only and “edge effect” for fish habitat.3.Harvest to a depth of 5 ½ feet in the deeper sections of the lake so areas can be used for activities such as sailing or water skiing.
Harvest to a depth of 5 ½ feet in the deeper sections of the lake so areas can be used for activities such as sailing or water skiing. 4.Create an “edge effect” in the areas where shoreline fishing is popular including Makovich’s Bridge and the Friendship Dam. This “edge effect” is reported to be conducive to maximum fish productivity.
Create an “edge effect” in the areas where shoreline fishing is popular including Makovich’s Bridge and the Friendship Dam. This “edge effect” is reported to be conducive to maximum fish productivity. 5.Leave sections of vegetation that are reported to be beneficial as fish cover. Again, the use of an “edge effect” will be used to improve fish productivity.
Leave sections of vegetation that are reported to be beneficial as fish cover. Again, the use of an “edge effect” will be used to improve fish productivity. 6.Minimize the harvesting of plants on the East end of the lake to provide food and cover for waterfowl and undisturbed spawning and nursery for fish.
Minimize the harvesting of plants on the East end of the lake to provide food and cover for waterfowl and undisturbed spawning and nursery for fish.7.Harvest the areas around the public beach, boat access and shoreline fishing so that they may be used to the maximum extent possible.
Harvest the areas around the public beach, boat access and shoreline fishing so that they may be used to the maximum extent possible. Harvesting will not take place in shallow waters so as to avoid disturbance of fish spawning areas and beds of native aquatic plants, as previously noted. Also special effort will be made to avoid disturbing the spawning and habitat areas of bass in Friendship Lake.
Off-loading of harvested plant material will take place at 3 specified sites on the lake. Plant material will be transferred to the trailer using the conveyer system and transported to the disposal site. Plant material will be disposed of when harvested to avoid leaching of nutrients back into the lake and to minimize the negative effect on appearance. The operators will provide minimal interruption at the off-loading sites to people using the lake for recreational purposes. A local farmer has agreed to accept the harvested plant material and use it for fertilizer after composted. The farm is within 1 ½ to 3 miles of each of the off-loading sites. Also, a portion of the harvested material is given to the City of Adams to accelerate their composting process.
Harvester operators will be provided with a copy of the approved harvesting plan which will be on board at all times and indicates the limits of the harvesting operations. Minimal harvesting will be completed in the upper reaches of the East section of the lake so as to protect bass habitat and spawning areas.
APPENDIX I cont…
The harvesting season will begin after May 15th and continue until October 15. EWM growth will be monitored and harvested if warranted in the beginning of the season from May 15th to May 30th. The fall window will be September 15 to end of season. If possible, operation of the harvester will not be carried out on weekends to avoid Lake user conflicts. Areas of harvesting may be adjusted if there is a greater need in certain areas based on the goals previously identified. Harvesting will be subject to weather conditions, plant growth and recreational activities. Harvesting will be confined to daylight hours.
Equipment / Maintenance
1992 Harvester: Aquarius Systems model H-420
1992 TRC-12 Trailer-Conveyor
2004 Harvester: HM-420 Aquatic Plant Harvester
2004 TR-23 Trailer
The above equipment was purchased from: D & D Products Inc. North Prairie, WI
IH 706 Gas Tractor
The Lake District performs routine maintenance of the harvesting equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage on the harvester is the responsibility of the Friendship Lake District. Liability insurance for the operation of the harvester, paid employees, and the volunteers is also the responsibility of the Friendship Lake District.
APPENDIX I cont…
Operators, Training, and Supervision
The harvesters are the property of the Friendship Lake District. They are operated by a group of paid personnel, and / or trained volunteers. Training and daily supervision are provided by the weed harvester coordinator.
See appendix II for map approximating the type of harvesting program that the DNR considers best for Friendship Lake.
Sites A – The two sites labeled “A” are areas in which wild celery (Vallisneria) is becoming dominant. Since harvesting wild celery encourages its growth (its growth mechanism is like grass) these areas should be harvested only when residents have nuisance levels at the end of their docks. Site B is that area in which Eurasian water milfoil was most often recorded and it appears that mechanical harvesting is keeping the milfoil in check. This area of the lake is not the deep end and not suited to high speed boat traffic and is best suited to fishing and other slower recreation. This area would be cut only with navigation channels similar to that shown on the map, avoiding the large – leaf pondweed and Lily pad beds. However, to prevent the milfoil from becoming dominant, cuttings can be made wherever Eurasian water milfoil comes to or near the surface. Site C is the shallow end of the lake on the East side of the road. This area would only be cut with channels that allow residents access to the other side of the lake and channels for fishing access. The remainder of the lake should be cut with channels as approximated on the map, to allow resident access and fishing access as needed.
