Four trailer loads of dead aquatic plants removed from Mountain Lake in Warren County
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — Four trailer loads of dead aquatic plant debris were removed Wednesday from the southwest cove of Mountain Lake in Warren County as part of ongoing efforts to improve lake accessibility and water quality, according to the Mountain Lake Community Association (MLCA).
The association said the debris, consisting primarily of tangled dead water lily roots, had formed large floating bogs that were clogging the cove.
The removal operation was conducted by Jason Hall of Northern Lights LLC using a Weedoo aquatic weed removal machine.
According to the association, the project was a community effort involving several volunteers and donated equipment.
Gary Anzalone donated the use of a dump trailer, while Art Addie provided a truck and helped transport the collected debris to a local farm.
Walt Menegus allowed the association to bring the removed vegetation to his farm for composting.
Additional support was provided by Bill Meyer, Tim Lafevre, Mike and Robin, and Jeff Lyon, who assisted with the operation from shore.
The association said the project was part of its continuing commitment to protecting and improving Mountain Lake.
Removing the accumulated vegetation has made the southwest cove more accessible while also helping improve water quality by reducing a potential source of internal phosphorus loading, according to the association.
The MLCA said additional work is needed to maintain and improve the lake, but further funding is necessary to continue those efforts.
The nonprofit organization relies on annual membership contributions of $50 to support projects such as aquatic vegetation removal and other lake improvement initiatives.
Those interested in supporting the association can mail checks payable to MLCA to P.O. Box 275, Great Meadows, NJ 07838, contribute through Venmo at @Mt-lake or PayPal at MLCA.wag@gmail.com, or contact the association at MLCA@mt-lake.org.
The association also announced that its annual Trunk or Treat event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 25. The event is free to attend.
