IDNR Report

After discovering native aquatic vegetation was lacking in the Kokomo Reservoir, District 3 fisheries biologists worked with the North Region Research Unit last month to establish emergent vegetation there.

DNR staff started by planting spatterdock (Nuphar advena) and water lily (Nymphaea odorata), two species tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions, in two different regions in the reservoir. After establishing the plants, they surrounded them with temporary protective fence. The biologists’ goal for the project is for the vegetation to take root and spread within the reservoir. They plan to return to the plantings periodically to document the progress.

Aquatic vegetation is the primary form of aquatic habitat for fish in Indiana lakes. Vegetation provides physical structure for aquatic organisms, sequesters nutrients, protects shorelines from erosion, and stabilizes lake sediments. July’s project at Kokomo Reservoir highlights one of DNR’s first attempts to establish self-sustaining colonies of aquatic vegetation in a reservoir using plantings.