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Conservation agency proposes floating wetlands, shoreline plantings to reduce algae in Dunigan Park pond
Summary
The Missouri Department of Conservation recommended shoreline plantings and floating wetland ‘BioHavens’ at Dunigan Park to reduce nutrients and algae. Cost estimated at about $7,700, with Bolivar eligible for up to 50% cost-share through the department’s community conservation program; board signaled support and staff will coordinate implementation and permits.
Staff introduced a Missouri Department of Conservation proposal to improve water quality and habitat at the 2.3-acre pond in Dunigan Park.
Kara Tweed, fisheries biologist with the Department of Conservation, said nutrient run-off and waterfowl contribute to algae and poor water quality in the pond. Tweed outlined two low-impact options: shoreline plantings to filter incoming runoff in the shallow southern inlet, and floating wetlands ("BioHavens") that house plants whose roots pull nutrients directly from the water. "They stay in place...but they really improve the aesthetics and can be very beneficial because they're gonna tie up a lot of those excess nutrients," Tweed said.
Tweed estimated shoreline plantings at slightly over $1,500 and floating wetlands at about $6,000, totaling roughly $7,700. She told the board Bolivar is in tier 3 for community conservation, making the city eligible for a 50% cost-share; the department would reimburse the city for half the documented project costs after installation. Tweed also outlined anchoring/permit constraints and minimal maintenance: shoreline cages checked for two years and a short watering period for wetlands during the first month.
Board members asked about maintenance, wildlife interactions (swans, geese) and examples in the region; Tweed cited local success stories (Dolan Park and McDaniel Lake) and offered training opportunities with nearby partners, including Southwest Baptist University and the zoo. Parks staff indicated they were supportive and would coordinate the timed implementation required to meet the cost-share deadline (installation by the end of May to secure this year's reimbursement).
The board gave staff direction to proceed with cost-share paperwork and to coordinate installation and community partnership opportunities.
