Pond Algae?

Question: Our neighborhood pond looks terrible! I don’t know if it is algae bloom, and what can be done. I am going to try to send a picture.

responder: Eugene Braig  Replied August 23, 2024, 4:07 PM EDT
response: Bad news, Angeline.  Assuming your complaint is with the floating clusters of leaves, this is an invasive species called water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes).  The plant has a reputation for being rather fragile this far north.  Do you know if it was present last year and successfully overwintered, or was it planted this year as an unfortunate choice of ornamental?   If this is a community pond with a number of stakeholders/owners, I don't recommend any individual resident take on herbicide application.  Applying pesticides comes with a risk of liability, and it just isn't a good idea for a single resident to take that on for common property.  In such cases, I certainly recommend the association contract with a licensed applicator.  When it comes to it, aquatic-labeled formulas of the herbicides bispyribac, carfentrazone, diquat, flumioxazin, imazapyr, or penoxsulam should be effective.  Also, as an invasive species only rarely observed in Ohio, I would strongly suggest you submit a report to one of the databases used by resource managers.  I would recommend https://nas.er.usgs.gov/SightingReport.aspx and https://www.eddmaps.org/report/.  If you're not comfortable reporting, could you share a location so I could visit and submit a report?  I see that you're writing from Franklin County, which is where my office is located and close to where I live.  And thank you for even this initial effort at vigilance.  Eugene

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 24, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT
response: Eugene,       Thank you so much for the response to my email!!!  I first saw the water lettuce at the opposite end of the pond before it made it's way to the end that the picture was taken from, and I wondered if someone had put them in.  I never saw them before this year.  Another strange occurrence on the pond this year was a large number of Egrets visiting - up to 20 at one time in the early morning hours (6 am)!  We have a regular Great Blue Heron or two that have been coming for years now.       I would love to have you visit the pond and make a report!  The pond is in Marwick Estates, which is off of Winchester Pike just south of Refugee Rd/104.  The pond is at the end of Marwick Rd.  You are more than welcome to come to walk through my backyard to see this end of the pond.  I am at 3221 Eastwick Rd.  My phone number is<personal data hidden>. You  would have to leave a message when you call so I can call you back or recognize the number when you call again  I do not answer unknown calls...        The Civic Association had someone treat the pond the last two years, but the property tax raise used up our money this year!!!  Those who were officers for the Association have all passed on or moved away.  Our Treasurer is the only one left, and he is 79.  We have had new people move in, and I am going to try to get some newbies to take on the Association reponsibilties.       Thank you again!  I hope that you can stop by!!!   Angeline  -----Original Message-----From: Ask Extension Sent: Aug 23, 2024 4:08 PMTo: Angeline Rogers Subject: Re: Pond Algae? (#0152551)

responder: Eugene Braig  Replied August 28, 2024, 5:10 PM EDT
response: My immediate-near calendar is very challenging.  Would an early-afternoon visit Friday be possible?  Eugene

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 12:53 PM EDT
response: Yes, early afternoon Friday will work. Do you want to call me or text me when you start heading this way and give me your ETA?   -----Original Message-----From: Ask Extension Sent: Aug 28, 2024 5:10 PMTo: Angeline Rogers Subject: Re: Pond Algae? (#0152551)

responder: Eugene Braig  Replied August 29, 2024, 1:36 PM EDT
response: Sounds good.  Watch for a text from a number ending in 9204.  As I arrive, you'll know me by my curly mustache.  Eugene

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 29, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT
response: Wonderful Eugene!  You will know my house by it's blue color and a "Football Player Mickey Mouse" on the front of it!  (on the right hand side of the street past the no outlet sign). Looking forward to meeting you!   Angeline  -----Original Message-----From: Ask Extension Sent: Aug 29, 2024 1:37 PMTo: Angeline Rogers Subject: Re: Pond Algae? (#0152551)

responder: Eugene Braig  Replied August 29, 2024, 7:05 PM EDT
response: 'Til then . . .

responder: The Question Asker Replied October 09, 2024, 11:55 AM EDT
response: Hi Eugene,       Just wanted to make sure you hadn't lost my information.  We spoke by phone on Monday (10/7) about getting possible evening or weekend dates that  we might be able to coordinate with a Pond Company person for you both to come out and talk about possible remedies for our pond situation. We want to get neighbors together and get the Civic Association active again, but we need possible solutions to give them.      Thank you!   Angie Rogers 3221 Eastwick Rd Cols. OH 43232   <personal data hidden>  -----Original Message-----From: Ask Extension Sent: Aug 29, 2024 1:37 PMTo: Angeline Rogers Subject: Re: Pond Algae? (#0152551)

responder: Eugene Braig  Replied October 09, 2024, 2:32 PM EDT
response: I sent you direct e-mail that evening, Angie, but I see that I mistranscribed your address.  I'll remedy immediately.  Eugene