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Battle of the water plague: Special boat active at Northeim leisure lake!
A special boat is used to combat water pests at the Northeim leisure lake. 20 tons have already been removed.
Battle of the water plague: Special boat active at Northeim leisure lake!
A very special measure to combat the annoying water pest has been implemented at the Northeim leisure lake since last year. The HNA reports that a special boat equipped with a mowing system can transport up to 500 kilos of waterweed per trip. This invasive aquatic plant, originally from North America, has proliferated in the recreational lake and now requires decisive action.
The fight against water plague began in July 2024 after the Lower Saxony State Office for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) mapped the lake's vegetative zones. The vegetation in particular is removed in two steps: First, the plants are mowed down to a depth of up to two meters before the collected material is brought aboard the amphibious vehicle using a rake. The boat is active on the waters on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the first 20 tons of waterweed have already been removed this year. Another 20 tons are to follow.
Support from local actors
To support this commitment, the monastery chamber has waived the rental fee of 50,000 euros per year in order to support the purchase of the mowing boat, which cost 150,000 euros. While the residents no longer have to contribute to the lease, they are obliged to undertake maintenance and repair work on the bank. The local clubs have jointly paid 20,000 euros into a pot, of which 5,000 euros are earmarked for the operating costs of the boat and 15,000 euros for future reserves.
In order to make work processes even more effective, consideration is currently being given to setting up another collection point on the west bank. This measure will certainly help to remove the unwanted plants more quickly and efficiently and thus make the recreational lake more attractive again for future use.
The commitment of local actors is an excellent example of successful nature conservation. The opportunity to experience a recreational lake that will be preserved for the leisure activities of future generations is in our hands. There's something going on! If the efforts are continued, the Northeim leisure lake could soon be completely free of the annoying water pest.