Mapping and Monitoring
Professional Lake Management has been an industry leader in the use of scientific methods in its management of lakes. With the advance of technology in mapping and monitoring methods, lake management activities have become very precise. Professional Lake Management can deliver the latest science and technology at an affordable price. Using GIS, maps of lakes and aquatic vegetation can be portrayed in several ways.
Herbicide Application Footprint
Precise application of aquatic herbicides can save time and money. Professional Lake Management tracks our herbicide application patterns and harvesting areas using GPS coordinates to create patterns called application footprints. This information allows the client to verify the proper areas are being managed and monies are being spent efficiently.
Application Footprint
Variable rate controllers on board our equipment can precisely distribute product even at extremely low rates. Preloaded “prescriptions” are programmed into an onboard computer. As the equipment travels, speed, location, and the product rate are continuously monitored and recorded. As the parameters change, the rate of application is adjusted. Each application is saved for reference and to ensure that future applications will be done in the exact same manner.
Lake Volume
CAD software allows for more precise modeling of lakes. Depth measurements are calculated along with contour data to determine the exact volume of the different layers of a lake. Most products are volume based and require detailed depth profiles of every location used, it is very important to know not only the depths of the areas but the densities of the plants because the plants will account for some of the volume. This information is very important when selecting a product as well as the amount of product to be used.
Bathymetric Mapping
A bathymetric map is a map that accurately depicts all of the various depths of a water body. Many lakes or ponds do not have a bathymetric map, or may have a very outdated map. An accurate bathymetric map is essential when applying for a permit for herbicide applications through the Department of Environmental Quality. It is also an important tool when deciding which form of management is most appropriate for a water body. Lake volumes, hydrolic retention time and carrying capacity are important parts of lake management that require the use of a bathymetric map.
PLM Lake & Land Management Corp. has the ability and knowledge to accurately map your lake or pond. Through the use of Global Positioning Systems and Global Information Systems a detailed representation of your water body can be charted.
Concentration Monitoring
Many herbicide products require a certain amount of contact time to achieve control. Water samples can be collected to determine the concentration of product in the water. These tests are a great way to determine if the target rate and exposure time determined by the plant assays have been achieved. Water monitoring can also determine when treated water can be used for watering lawns and gardens.
Treatment Monitoring
Monitoring the effects of the treatments over time can ensure that planned goals are met. The information can be used in future treatments. Sediment samples can be taken to determine the amount and viability of plant seeds and turions. Also, aggressive monitoring of lakes can effectively reduce the population of target plants by rapidly identifying and managing small populations before they become major problems.