What Can I Do?

We encourage you to check out our volunteer options. There’s something for everyone!

Several lakes in Kosciusko County have an association you can join:

• Barbee Lakes Property Owners Association
• Center Lake Conservation Association
• Chapman Lakes Conservation Association
• Dewart Lake Protective Association
• Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners
• Ridinger Lake Association
• Wawasee Property Owners Association
• Webster Lake Conservation Association
• Winona Lake Preservation Association
• Yellow Creek Lake Conservation Club

Over-fertilizing and fertilizing during rainy seasons often means excess nutrients enter our lakes and streams. When it reaches the water, the nitrogen and phosphorus in the fertilizer are used as fuel by algae and weeds. Their growth can suddenly spike, choking out other aquatic vegetation and limiting the habitat of aquatic creatures.

Rather than over-fertilizing, only fertilize your property in the fall. Try using organic fertilizers; they have lower amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, the catalysts for algae blooms and other lake-related problems. You can even try composting!

There are lots of ways to keep stormwater on your property. Here are a few we recommend:

• Reduce paved surfaces and use porous materials like mulch, gravel and brick.
• Install a rain barrel to collect water from your roof, which can be used to water your lawn and garden.
• Install rain gardens with native plants in low areas of your yard.

Around lakes, nutrients commonly enter the water through eroding shorelines, lawn and garden fertilizers, grass clippings, and leaves! Too many nutrients can lead to excess weeds and algae blooms. Collect your leaves for removal according to your local guidelines, or use them to create a healthy compost pile.

Erosion happens when rain (or another source of water) pours over the ground and washes loose soil, debris and contaminants downhill or downstream. This can lead to problems in our lakes, including excessive algae and weed growth.

• Patch bare spots in your lawn with native grasses or groundcover, or use mulch in shady areas where grass won’t grow.
• If you’re working on a landscaping project, minimize the amount of time the soil is disturbed by re-planting as soon as possible and avoiding work before major rain is forecasted.
• Use native plants in your landscaping and along shorelines to help hold soil in place.

Native plants are plants that have existed within a certain region for a long period of time, and are adapted to that region’s weather, and animal and insect inhabitants. In northern Indiana, native plants include: flowering dogwood, spicebush, wild columbine and many more. Avoid these invasive plants!

• Keep Indianapolis Beautiful shows how to install a native plant garden

Riverview Nursery
www.RiverviewNativeNursery.com
(260) 704-5092

Cardno Native Plant Nursery
(574) 586-3400

S & L Environmental
www.slenvirogroup.com
(574) 536-9879

Myers Landscaping & Nursery
www.myerslandscapenursery.com
(574) 457-5354

Heartland Restoration Services
www.earthsourceinc.net
(260) 489-8511

Algae (including blue-green algae) comes in many shapes, sizes and colors. So do harmless aquatic plants, like duckweed. Identifying what you’re noticing on your lake might take some research! Start by taking a picture of the scum or plants and comparing it to a field guide.

If you suspect blue-green algae, keep your friends, family and pets out of the water and visit our blue-green algae page to learn more. If you’re still unsure, email your picture to us and one of our researchers will get back to you.

Although not good, fish kills tend to be a natural part of lake’s springtime cycle. Especially when ice and snow are left on the surface for a long time during winter, dissolved oxygen becomes limited for the fish who live in the lake. If you suspect a different cause, though, email us with your concern.

Weeds are good for a lake and its habitats, when they grow in moderation. Their roots anchor the soil and provide living spaces for small aquatic creatures. But too many weeds can be a bad thing! Before you start pulling up or treating unwanted plants, contact Aquatic Weed Control or Aquatic Control. They can walk you through the process.

We recommend Tim Fultz and Natural Rock Seawalls team. Keep in mind that new seawalls require a DNR permit and may not be allowed for all lakes.

The shoreline is one of the most critical areas which impacts overall lake health. Aside from streams that flow into the lake, the lake’s shoreline is one of its chief gatekeepers—it determines what enters the lake from the surrounding landscape.

Native plants are easy to grow, lovely to look at, and a guaranteed bird-and-butterfly magnet. Try creating your own wetland edge seed mix using this helpful fact sheet.

All-sport lakes are typically defined as lakes that allow water skiing and jet skiing. Rules vary by lake, but in general, all motored watercraft are permitted. Here are the all-sport lakes in Kosciusko County, with approximate distances from Warsaw.

• Beaver Dam Lake (14.8 miles)
• Big Barbee Lake (11.5 miles)
• Big Chapman Lake (8 miles)
• Dewart Lake (14.7 miles)
• James Lake (13.3 miles)
• Lake Tippecanoe (11.5 miles)
• Lake Wawasee (19.4 miles)
• Oswego Lake (10 miles)
• Syracuse Lake (18.7 miles)
• Webster Lake (16.4 miles)
• Winona Lake (2 miles)
• Yellow Creek Lake (12.7)

All of the lakes that have public access points are available for kayaking, fishing, boating and more! If you’d prefer a quieter kayaking experience, we recommend Grassy Creek.

• Where to Rent Equipment
• Tour Boat Rides

Portions of the Tippecanoe River provide scenic, challenging canoeing routes. P4C and the Lilly Center host logjam removal events for local streams and parts of the river.

Although there are many good options, Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area is among the best in our county. It provides quality hunting and fishing opportunities across 3,546 acres of land, with 650 acres of lakes and impoundments. Make sure your fishing and hunting permits are up-to-date before visiting.

Learn about the proper techniques and equipment required for fishing in this guide from Camping Cooks. You can find out what kind of fish live in our lakes by visiting the lake directory and clicking on specific lake pages. A DNR fishing permit will be required.