Okauchee Lake crews report lighter weed growth, new harvesters and 200 dump-truck loads removed

Brady Mullikin, Lake Operations Supervisor for the Okauchee Lake Management District, reported improvements to harvesting equipment and steady progress on aquatic plant removal at the district’s Aug. 28, 2023 annual meeting.

Mullikin said crews deployed new equipment this year — four Kubota engines that allow harvesters to clear beneath bridges and three 115-horsepower engines for barges — and that preventative maintenance has paid off. He estimated the district will dispose of about 200 dump-truck loads of cut weeds this season and described an altered schedule that prioritized heavy cutting early in the week and surface skimming on Fridays to prepare for weekend lake use.

Mullikin described three types of plant material they expect in the fall (long cut grass, shorter “prop chop,” and naturally pulling eelgrass) and said crews capture about 99% of what they cut, with skimming used to collect the remainder. He also reported that the Goose Round Up removed more than 50 birds this season.

Residents praised Mullikin’s responsiveness; Dale Dineen and others cited timely follow-up and daily problem resolution. In related discussion Liz Heidenreich thanked the district for chemical treatment in Tearney Bay, and Dee Schriver confirmed the board used the herbicide Procellacor this year, noting it is more expensive but has a projected three-year effectiveness compared with prior treatments.

The crew will reduce cutting and barging in September as staff return to school and equipment is pulled for winter storage. Mullikin said he expects to return next year to continue operations.