LOGAN COUNTY — Funding has been approved for the continued cleanup efforts at Indian Lake.
News Center 7 previously reported on the growing problem of two invasive weeds that have taken over parts of the lake. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and local groups have been trying to keep the weeds at bay while they figure out a long-term solution.
House Bill 377 was passed this week, approving an additional $750,000 to ODNR for weed harvesting operations at Indian Lake.
>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ODNR, local groups working to clean up invasive weeds at Indian Lake
ODNR said the two invasive species of aquatic weeds are the curly palm leaf and milfoil that thrive in shallow waters with great sunlight.
“They spread through fragmentation, so anytime that it’s cut by a boat prop, it can reseed itself,” Hiedie Whitman, Indian Lake State Park Manager, said.
As a temporary fix, ODNR has brought in machines called “lake rakers” which can be described as lawn mowers for water.
They cut the weeds, scoop them onto a conveyer belt and then haul the piles to the shore.
“It’s costly and just finding ways to be most efficient,” Whitman said.
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She said weed harvesting is just a band-aid solution for now, but ODNR has hired researchers to do a one-year study to find long term solutions.
“The goal is simple. We want folks to be able to come to the lake, get on their boat and navigate the waters,” Wickershan said.
The study is expected to be finished by this November, which park officials are relying on to kill the weeds.
H.B. 377 will now head to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk for his signature.
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