Governor Mike DeWine




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:*
June 13, 2022




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Governor DeWine Details Plans to Address Excessive Vegetation?at Indian Lake State Park

(LAKEVIEW, Ohio)?Ohio Governor Mike DeWine joined Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz and Ohio State Parks staff at?Indian Lake State Park [ [link removed] ] today to discuss ODNR's plans to address invasive aquatic vegetation that has impacted boating on Indian Lake.

?Excessive vegetation can create frustrating conditions for boaters and other visitors, which is why ODNR is?attacking this growth from several angles so that everyone can enjoy their time on the water,? said Governor DeWine.??We are taking the issues at Indian Lake very seriously, and I appreciate ODNR?s commitment to mitigating this vegetation problem."

ODNR has three dedicated aquatic weed harvesters running at Indian Lake during the 2022 season. Experienced staff will also target?high-growth areas with aquatic herbicides to manage the overgrowth, and more?staff have been added to increase the operation?s efficiency.?

ODNR has also contracted with the Indian Lake Watershed Project for additional harvester services that began in early June. ODNR anticipates more harvester contracts will be signed in the coming weeks.??

?Our staff has been and will continue to work hard to fix this problem," said ODNR Director Mertz. "With the help of outside experts, we are assessing the next step and will work to make sure the lake is safe."

ODNR is working with Aqua Doc, a lake and pond management company, to evaluate the Indian Lake system. Aqua Doc?s study will determine the current vegetation community, analyze the effectiveness of current methods for vegetation control, and develop a Lake Vegetation Management Plan to address maintaining overall water quality and recreational use of the system.??

Weekly plans and operational reports of the removal will be posted on?ODNR's website [ [link removed] ]and on the Indian Lake State Park Facebook page [ [link removed] ].?

The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, and conservation of Ohio?s 75 state parks and waterways.?

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov [ [link removed] ].?

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