Lake District’s harvesting kicks off for the 2021 season

By Brandi Makuski

A harvester chops weeds in McDill Pond on June 11, kicking off the Lake District’s annual harvesting of lake weeds.

The harvester, which chops weeds 30-40 hours a week so boaters can navigate through the water, costs the Mcdill Inland Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 a year, according to Krista Olson, district president—a big chunk of the District’s $85,000 annual budget.

The District typically hired retirees or high school students over the age of 16, she said, and she said donations for the harvesting are crucial.

“The lakes aren’t free, so the donation boxes at the landing are crucial,” Olson said, adding Lake Helen, Springville, and other water bodies in Portage Co. have donation boxes are boat ramps. “If people visiting any lake and they see a donation box, it’s really important for that lake.”

Olson said the high rate of weed growth in the lake has been attributed to stormwater runoff from the areas of Brilowski Rd. and the Target store on Hwy. 10 East.

The Mcdill Inland Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District is comprised of about 176 homeowners whose Stevens Point and Whiting properties abut the lake. Along with regular maintenance of the lake, the District also pays to keep it stocked with largemouth bass, perch, crappie, and bluegill.

Olson said the Lake District is also looking for a place to dump the aquatic plant material. The harvester collected about 14 loads weekly into a large dump truck, which she says fills the truck twice.

“Right now, I have a place to dump it, but it’s way out on County I,” she said. “I’d like three or four places, preferably something closer to home. It’s full of nutrients and would be great for gardens.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation, or who was a need for the aquatic plant material collected by the harvester, should email Olson at [email protected].