WATER & LAKES A LOOK BACK AT 2024 AND WHAT’S COMING IN 2025

by Zach Hache

Looking back on 2024, it was a fairly busy year for the lakes at Dobson Ranch. The year started with golden algae (Prymnesium parvum) outbreaks on lake 7 and 8. These outbreaks were addressed using a copper-based algaecide and were successful at limiting fish losses. Unfortunately, during the outbreak nearly 1000 fish were lost from the lake 7 fishery. These were cleaned up and disposed of by Dobson Ranch staff and community members.

The third sediment study of the lakes was completed in July. This study served as a continuation of previous studies (completed in 2003 and 2014) to gain a better understanding of the rate of sedimentation of the Dobson Ranch lakes. The data gathered from this study helps to project when the lakes may need to be dredged and allows for proper reserve funding. The results of the 2024 study were shared with the community during the October lake committee meeting.

The lakes were stocked with a variety of utility fish in November, including White Amur, Red-eared Sunfish, Blue Gills, and Fathead Minnows. These fish serve as a biological control method addressing the growth of aquatic weeds, filamentous algae, snails, and midge flies without resorting to aquatic chemicals or manual removal. The use of fish was very successful in 2024; no herbicide or algaecide applications were needed for routine management issues (with the exception of the golden algae outbreaks which fish are not able to control).

Looking forward into 2025, we are still in golden algae season, but have not observed cells in the Dobson Ranch lakes. Of concern currently is avian flu. Please be careful picking up deceased birds as the virus can be transmitted to humans. Restoration of the concrete safety ledge in lake 7 is scheduled for later this year which will require a partial draining of the lake. Lastly, fish stocking is planned for late spring and early winter this year.