This is an update on the water quality project that reintroduces grass carp to the lakes of King’s Grant. This is an initiative to control the growing problem with aquatic weeds in the lakes. The background on this project, the species of fish, and the fund raising to accomplish this has been the subject of earlier postings. Details may be found in earlier postings on this KGCL website.
Fund raising exceeded our $5,500 goal. We received approximately $6,500 in donations that is being maintained in a separately managed bank account. To all the neighbors who donated to this project – living on or away from the water – thank you. The additional funds in the account will be retained for periodic replenishment of the carp that is necessary because of normal, expected mortality.
Members of the community leading the project met with a representative from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) two weeks ago to examine the condition of the lakes. They have also been engaged with the Richmond office. On May 22nd, the organizer received a permit for four of the five lakes in the community. The permit authorizes introduction of the sterile grass carp into Lake Forest (which includes the small portions connected to it by culverts running under the roads), Kings Lake, Queens Lake and the small unnamed lake between Queen Elizabeth Dr and Prince Charles Dr. Lake Forest is the body of water encircled by Edinburgh Dr, Kings Grant Rd, and Watergate Ln. Unfortunately, approval for Timber Lake, the other large lake that is roughly bounded by Quimby Rd, Winchester Ln, Kensington St, and the Lynnhaven baseball fields was withheld. The organizers are working on that since it is the lake that is most congested by weeds. More details will be provided as soon as we get them.
The fish will be coming from a state-approved supplier in Deltaville VA (ByBrook Hatchery). A copy of the permit was also sent to the hatchery to validate our purchase requirement. We are in the process of ordering the carp and will provide the community a delivery date as soon as we have that information. The DGIF representative advised the community representatives that the carp will consume the vegetation below the water, but stems and leaves above the water may persist unless removed by raking or other collection methods. We will have to wait to see how things proceed. Signs, with a picture of the fish, will be posted at common fishing spots on the lakes to discourage removal by fisherman.
More info to follow as we get it.