Habitat Condition Rating (HCR): 1-10; 1-Poor habitat, 5-quality habitat, 10-Exceptional habitat
Reminder: All marshes closed to motorized boats except Kyle East and West.
Kyle: Kyle Marsh was drained this spring but with lake levels being high the marsh is overfull but slowly dropping. With the lake level dropping the marsh will drop with the lake and since the dike is saturated we will not be albe to block the water in the marsh until sometime after the water level drops below the dike level. Quality vegetation growth is primarily in the east pool and to the north and east of the pool, invertebrate numbers should be high. East- HCR-6 with the marsh being 100% water. West - HCR-3 with the marsh being 90% water.
West River: West River marsh complex was completely dry this spring, but some flooding events kept moist soil conditions in the marsh. An abundance of perennial smart weed is growing in the marsh. There is several areas of annual smartweed. The Leavenworth DU chapter spread japanese millet in several of the mudflats along the dike and deep holes that is looking really good. We have pumped 190 ac/ft so far most of the marsh has water. Holes have been mowed in the north half of the south pool to help open up some water. We will be periodically pumping on and off depending on weather and marsh pool conditions. North- HCR-9 with 90% water. South- HCR-9 with 95% water.
Upper Ferguson: The vegetation is in good quality. HCR-8 with 50% water
Lassister: Lassiter complex west is looking as good as last year if not better. Quality vegetation growth including smartweed, barnyard grass and sedges are present in high numbers. East pool was drained early this summer in efforts to control cattails and canary grass. East pool has structure damage. East- Dry, will remain dry all winter. West- HCR-9 with 50% water
Northwest: Northwest complex was drained mid-spring. Vegetation growth is in good condition. HCR-7 with 30% water
Headquarters: Headquarters marsh had severe control structure damage late this spring. We are in the process of finishing up the repaired structure. HCR-5 with 1% water
Mitigation: No mechanical habitat manipulation work. HCR-6 with 10% water
Hayward: Hayward was drained a majority of the summer and has excellent habitat. This complex in the schedule for renovation of the upper dike. HCR-8 with 60% water
Reichert: drained, renovation in progress.
Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in the lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.
|
