Wisconsin Lake District Uses Vacuum To Take Out Invasive Algae

Jon Bunn prepares a floating suction hose to vacuum algae from the bay. (Credit: C.T. Kruger)

In a combined effort, Little Muskego Lake District and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are working to rid Wisconsin lakes of starry stonewort algae, according to a Muskego Now article. The invading algae enter waterways via boats before settling in lake beds.

The district is taking several steps to combat the aquatic pest, first spotted in Little Muskego Lake last fall. The algae were also discovered in Big Muskego Lake and Bass Bay and two other lakes. The latest treatment involves a procedure called diver-assisted suction harvest to clear lake beds.

The clean up crews also got rid of an island near the coastline to prevent it from being used to further spread the algae. The treatment crew will move on to treat two highly infested areas near Kingston and Moonlight Bays.

Top image: Jon Bunn prepares a floating suction hose to vacuum algae from the bay. (Credit: C.T. Kruger)