From The Blog

Project Proactively Managing Pond Vegetation Restarts in November

Island pond management is integral to the larger health of the community. The ponds are both an aesthetic feature for the enjoyment of the community as well as the most important piece in KICA’s stormwater management system. Over the last few years, the Lakes Department has been working on a pond pruning project to enhance the health of the overall pond system.

Now in its fifth year with over half the island’s ponds already completed, the project’s goals are still the same: to limit potential debris and open ponds up to sunlight and wind, both of which can positively impact oxygen distribution in the water. These help to prevent several undesirable outcomes: algal growth, insect infestation, and fish kills, among others.

This work is done carefully by KICA’s pruning contractor, who specializes in lifting canopies and doing proactive trimming in an aesthetically pleasing way. Debris that is already in the pond is removed. Plants and limbs at a 45° angle or less to a pond’s surface (those items that will fall in and become debris in the future) are removed, and the surrounding area is strategically opened to sunlight and airflow. After pruning is complete, grasses are planted along the shoreline, as needed. 

So far, 65 of KICA’s 122 ponds have been pruned. The project’s current focus is the following ponds:

Pond 74 – The west end, adjacent to Bufflehead Dr.

Pond 76 – The west end, adjacent to Flyway Dr.

Work is expected to begin the week of Nov. 18. The work is weather-dependent and timing may vary. KICA’s contractor will be working within normal contractor hours (Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).