LAKE, RIVER, AIS AND SHORELAND SERVICES

Golden Sands RC&D's experienced staff can provide professional contracted services on lakes, rivers and shorelines. If you have any questions regarding any of the services or you are interested in a bid from Golden Sands RC&D, please contact us at info@goldensandsrcd.org

POINT INTERCEPT (PI) AQUATIC PLANT SURVEYS

Point Intercept (PI) surveys capture baseline data about aquatic plant communities within a waterbody. This data can be used to show stability or changes to those plant communities over time.

PI surveys are an integral part of Aquatic Plant Management (APM) Plans for a waterbody and thus a key component to Lake Management Plans (LMP). PI surveys need to be updated for management plans to stay current.

Another important use for PI surveys is to monitor native plant communities before and after herbicidal treatments of invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil. Some lakes use PI surveys to monitor the health of the native plant communities for several years after a treatment.

To view PI surveys completed by Golden Sands RC&D in previous years, click here.

Invasive Species Monitoring and Mapping

Surveying a lake, river or wetland for invasive species can help identify any new invasives or redefine the population of an existing species.

Early detection surveys are specifically designed to monitor for new introductions of invasive species, both plants and animals. These surveys follow a specific monitoring protocol.

Meander surveys are meant to quickly monitor larger areas of a water body or between specific points of interest. They are often done to look for invasive species. These surveys are completed by traversing larger areas while doing visual searches.

Management or control work surveys map locations and densities of specific species. These surveys are generally required prior to doing permitted management or control work. They may also be used after work is completed to assess the effectiveness of the project.

All surveys include a summary report and maps. Click Here to view recent survey summaries.

Our experienced staff can survey lakes, rivers and wetlands for invasive species. We can also survey native plant communities in your lake.

Lake Management Guidance

Management plans are vital to the successful stewardship and future health of a lake. They create a clear picture of what needs to be protected and what would benefit from management, creating a step-by-step guide.

Interested in grants to help pay for management efforts? These plans are required if an organization is interested in pursuing a Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Grant to help fund management efforts.

Need to update your lake management plan or need a new aquatic plant management plan? Our knowledgeable staff can work with you to write a plan to meet your needs. Not sure if you need a full plan, an update to an existing plan or unsure of your options? Let us help.

Shoreland Inventories

Shoreland inventories identify key characteristics of shoreline health based on natural or man-made characteristics. Just like in a lake or forest, the plants in a community express the health of the landscape. This inventory outlines the areas along the lake that are natural and preserved as well as the areas that are developed or have erosion concerns.

The information presented in a shoreland inventory is beneficial to include in a lake management plan as it outlines areas that may have excessive runoff and if addressed, could lead to decreased external nutrient loading to the lake. It could also highlight areas to be managed for erosion or properties that would benefit from a Healthy Lakes Initiative.

Additional shoreline information is available by clicking the buttons below.

SHORELINE LIVING

SHORELINE STABILIZATION