The Northern Illinois Crankin’ Bass club assisted the Lindenhurst Lakes Commission by removing exotic and invasive species at two public access areas on Waterford Lake within Lindenhurst.
More than 400 pounds of buckthorn, canary grass, water star grass and other invasive terrestrial and aquatic species were removed to allow greater shoreline access to local anglers. The groups also spread 10 cubic yards of mulch to create pathways for anglers and other users to access the lake.
“The primary goal of this project is to maintain a high-quality buffer strip filled with native plants as an example to waterfront residents in a village-wide effort to reduce pollutants entering the lake through runoff of lawns and storm drains,” explained Allen Severance, Northern Illinois Crankin’ Bass member.
“While the primary goal of the lakes within the village is storm water control, fishing and other recreational opportunities are important to the communtiy,” Severance continued. “This project helps to reduce phosphorus and other chemicals from leaching into the lake, which can reduce the quality of the fishery that the Lindenhurst Lakes Commission has created through supplemental stockings and public education.”
Twelve members volunteered six hours each to remove the invasive weeds.
This article is part of the Invasive Species segment of the larger report, 2011 Annual Achievements in B.A.S.S. Conservation.