Winter Aeration

Have you seen the trees growing in the ice on the lake and wondered what their purpose is??? They mark the location for oxygen level monitoring and provide a consistent baseline area for weekly comparison. At each tree, the dissolved oxygen level and temperature is measured every 2 feet. The ice was averaging 11-12 inches thick this winter

If oxygen levels drop it can happen very quickly. At this point, oxygen levels been maintaining a reasonable level and installation of aerators should not necessary. Proper oxygen levels provide a healthy fish population. If oxygen levels drop it could mean a fish kill.

Thank you Steve Wilke for your diligence in Aeration Testing over the winter months. Steve performs weekly tests on the oxygen levels in the lake to ensure they are maintained at a safe level. He drills holes in the ice at several locations and tests the level of oxygen present. Trees are placed in the holes to mark the testing area. Fortunately, this winter the oxygen levels remained high, and aeration was not necessary. This monitor is necessary to ensure proper oxygen levels are present for fish survival. If KMLA stopped testing, we could see fish kill in spring due to lack of oxygen. It is imperative that we continue this testing to ensure a healthy fish population.

Steve is asking for help with testing. Any fishermen that are interested in our lake as a healthy habitat for fish growth
should consider helping with this task. If you want to continue to fish our lake, please contact Steve or Cindy Katt to
help us with this important task. This is a relatively easy duty and only requires a few hours each year. You can help
impact fishing on our lake in a positive manner. Your help will be genuinely appreciated

17 inches thick 2/20/22.