Our Expertise in Waterway Management
At North Star Waterway Management, we pride ourselves on transforming your waterways into pristine natural habitats. Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin, our dedicated team is here to ensure that your aquatic environments remain lush and clear.
Forget about chemical treatments; we specialize in effective, chemical-free aquatic plant removal that not only preserves the beauty of your waters but also protects the ecosystem. Your vision for a healthy waterway is our mission.
Our Inland ILH250 AQUATIC PLANT HARVESTER uses environmentally safe non-toxic hydraulic
fluids to protect your lake from spills and chemicals.
Harvesting promotes a healthy environment for fish by preventing
oxygen depravation caused by plant life overgrowth.
Immediate & Noticeable Results
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The Benefits of Mechanical Harvesting vs Chemical Herbicides
Chemical herbicides can be expensive, ineffective, and damaging to the environment, often causing additional problems and side-effects. Mechanical harvesting is better for the environment, immediately effective, and easier for you!
Reverse the Aging Process of Your Water
After aquatic plants complete their life cycles, they break down into a phosphorus & nitrogen rich compost, supercharging the next season's plant growth. These excess nutrients may also lead to toxic blue-green algae blooms. Here at North Star, we have the ability to remove incredibly large amounts of this organic matter before it even has a chance to break down. This interrupts the runaway aging process of your waterway and gives the biome a chance to do its job without becoming overwhelmed.
No Leftover Seeds
Chemical herbicides can eliminate aquatic plant growth but can leave behind seeds and plant fragmentations, which can lead to more growth. Mechanical harvesting removes both the debris and seeds, reducing regrowth and helping maintain a healthy balance of essential plants that support young fish.
Happier Fish, Frogs, and Turtles
As organic matter decomposes, oxygen is absorbed while CO2 is released. For most ecosystems, this is a balanced routine that occurs. Unfortunately, due to the prevalence of aggressive invasive plants, agricultural runoff, and the irresponsible use of herbicides, many ecosystems can no longer sustain themselves. By removing large amounts of this compostable material, we increase the amount of dissolved oxygen available in the water. This is appreciated by every aquatic animal, including fish, turtles, and frogs. Higher levels of oxygen also expedite the decomposition of the existing sediment layer, improving habitat for spawning game fish.
Encourages Biodiversity
Let's face it; if you're reading this, then you most likely have an issue with one of the wonderful aquatic invasive species that have decided to call your waterway their new home. Unlike our native plants, Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curly-Leaf Pondweed do not have any natural predators to control their spread. This leads to dangerous monocultures that outcompete and displace our native plants. In a healthy ecosystem, as one species of plant has finished its cycle for the season, another species is just starting to grow. The new plant provides the oxygen required for the decomposition process of the former. In a monoculture, there are no new plants to take the invasive plant's place when it dies. With Mechanical Harvesting, every plant is cut to the same height. This increases sunlight and growing space, allowing for a more diverse spectrum of plants to thrive.