Reporting on the National Lakes Assessment during the 22nd conference on “Enhancing the States’ Lake Management Programs,” Neil Kamman shared that the highest proportion of eutrophic and hypereutrophic lakes occurred in the plains regions of the United States, as did the highest proportion of lakes with detectable microcystin, a cyanotoxin. Because 90% of all Americans live within 50 miles of a lake (Bharat Mathur, Acting Region 5 Administrator, Apr 2009), and 41% of our nations “lakes” are actually reservoirs (Kamman at the lakes conference), understanding these plains reservoirs is critical. Lake Waco is such a reservoir. Americans love their lakes; whether green, brown, or even blue (I've heard of blue water lakes, but not in Texas). Eutrophication, national news stories about water problems (such as algae and medical residuals), taste and odor episodes, upstream land use impacts and rumors have raised local concerns about the lake condition. Undertaking a multiple-year, multiple million dollar study of a reservoir is a bold move, especially for a city council; however, understanding a lake before spending money to address problems is being a good steward. The presence of a major university in the neighborhood with a strong biology and aquatic science emphasis is invaluable.
Public support, technical expertise and a pending increase in the conservation pool all met at an opportune time, prompting a comprehensive study of Lake Waco. There are several tasks (studies) included in this issue of Lake and Reservoir Management. Others not in this journal include circulation studies (Keisling, USGS), algae (Davalos-Lind, Lind), sediment re-suspension (Lind), paleolimnology (Filstrup), macroinvertebrate community structure and re-colonization (Brooks), shoreline macrophyte surveys (many contributors), and fish community structure (Tibbs and Beard). Additional work to keep the public informed (Baylor website maintenance, annual public progress meetings) is not covered here, but the papers included exemplify the work that was conducted and provide essential background for making sound management decisions.
Challenges abounded: “back loading” in storm events (the worst “flush” is the last inflow), average flows of 100 cfs with record flow greater than 100,000 cfs, the third-driest 2-year period on record, and one of the longest high water episodes (multiple flooding events) documented for this area. These are just some of the challenges in studying the interface of natural systems with manmade structures in plains reservoirs.
Overall, the collaboration was successful. Meeting annually to discuss the progress on various tasks is enjoyable, especially when there are concomitant discoveries (e.g., algae growth data help explain some sedimentation anomalies). Concurrently examining many aspects of lake dynamics provided support for each task. The interdisciplinary approach included federal, state, university and local entities. These data are still being used by researchers.
More rewarding is the implementation of most of the recommended management strategies from this investment in water quality at Lake Waco. The “top-down” predation enhancement work is underway, with hybrid striped bass being stocked in the lake again. Aeration is being expanded and should be online in November 2010. Aquatic vegetation is being reintroduced into the lake.
Best of all, great camaraderie with dedicated, knowledgeable people was a hallmark of this project. Waco has a lot to offer: green areas throughout the city, Lake Waco, the Lake Waco Wetlands, Cameron Park (with great trails and mountain bike courses), Cameron Park Zoo (nationally recognized), the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, Baylor University, the Mammoth Site (a National Park monument site) and Buzzard Billy's—a watering hole for project participants.
I hope you enjoy this issue. Many people did great work for this study to produce these articles. Finally, I hope you have the opportunity to participate in a collaborative study like this; working with talented, knowledgeable and dedicated people improves each contributor and provides the basis for sound management to enhance and protect our resources.