As most of you are aware, the invasive weed Fanwort has been found in various locations on the main lake. It was first found at the Island Road Boat Ramp cove and quickly spread elsewhere.
Fanwort is an aggressive weed which grows quickly and if left unchecked, can choke off our lake rendering it unusable. In order to prevent that devastating occurrence, visual surveys are being conducted regularly by Hickory Hills volunteer Survey Teams who identify these plants, and our DASH Teams later go out and remove it.
The Survey Committee is looking for volunteers to join their efforts travelling around the lake in paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats or best yet snorkling or scuba diving to look for the plant and then mark it.
This Committee divided the lake into numerous survey zones. A zone captain has been appointed for each zone. Captains create a schedule and answer any questions you may have. Training sessions can also be held to educate volunteers on how to identify Fanwort or just email them directly with any questions at fanwort@hickoryhillslake.com.
Below are the markers the Survey Teams use. ORANGE and YELLOW "H" Shaped Markers (orange pictured below) means Fanwort is present. It's best to stay clear at least 15 - 20 feet in all directions of any ORANGE OR YELLOW MARKER when out on the lake.
Can't survey? Please consider joining one of our DASH Teams!
The success of these volunteer efforts are crucial to protecting our lake from being choked off by this aggressive and destructive weed.
Please contact the Office at hickoryhills@net1plus.com or 978-582-6365 if you are able to help.
If you see Fanwort floating in the lake, pick it up. If you see it rooted in our lake, log it's location at our online reporting tool at http://hickoryhillslake.com/fanwort with it's Zone # and Property/Island # from our Fanwort Survey Map. If the plant is shallow enough, we've created a video instructing you how to safely remove it from the lake. Check out the Fanwort Survey Committee's website to view the video on hand harvesting Fanwort.
Fanwort can be very fragile if it's an older plant that we didn't know about for removal or in the fall and spreads by fragmentation. Below are pictures of Fanwort, one showing what can happen to a lake if left untreated.
Thank you for your consideration!