In an effort to remove invasive water lilies from area lakes, the Clearwater Resource Council is looking forward to creating a mechanical harvester that will cut lily leaves and flowers mounted beneath a pontoon. This would allow the removal of invasive plants at a faster rate compared to non-mechanized methods.
The blade would be mounted a few inches below the surface of the water. The leaves and flowers will then be captured between the two pontoons as a screen affixed to the back of the boat will prevent plant fragments from escaping. This method of removal will ensure that no lily rhizomes are inadvertently pulled up from lake/river bottoms.
“Raking and most mechanized harvesters that are commercially available often accelerate the spread of aquatic invasive plant species,” said CRC Executive Director Caryn Miske. “However, the lily harvester we are seeking to design will avoid such adverse consequences and will reduce the ability of the plant to photosynthesize, thereby adversely impacting the long-term sustainability of lily populations in the Clearwater.”
CRC is searching for a used pontoon boat that can be retrofitted with the new harvester. They are also looking for input from experienced mechanics or engineers that can assist us with boat design and retrofitting. Our goal is to develop a design in January-February 2022 and begin retrofitting in March.
For more information, or to get involved in this process please contact CRC at caryn@crcmt.org or 406-677-0069.
Reader Comments(0)