Aquatic Weeds
In early 2011, the invasive aquatic weed Hydrilla was spotted in Thagard’s Lake. During October 2011, the Village worked with scientists from North Carolina State University to conduct an invasive weed survey, in order to determine the extent of invasive weeds and to establish a plan of action for controlling these weeds.
Scientists from NCSU used sonar to map submerged aquatic vegetation, and rake sampling to identify weeds, in the following Whispering Pines water bodies: Thagards, Spring Valley, Whisper, Shadow, Fly Rod, Blue, and Pine Lakes and Hummingbird Pond. Click here to see detailed results of the survey: NCSU Whispering Pines 7 Lakes Survey
The results of the study were positive, Hydrilla was found only in Thagards Lake. With the information from this survey, the Village will be able to develop an aquatic weed control plan for all of our lakes. In the meantime, in order to prevent the spread of Hydrilla, boats and trailers used in Thagards lake must be washed down thoroughly, with all vegetation and mud removed.
For photos and more information about Hydrilla, click on the links below:
NCSU Aquatic Weed Management Website
Hydrilla video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3E_KxOy1kw
Watershed Management
A watershed is the area of land that drains into a body of water, such as a river, lake, stream, or bay. Each lake within Whispering Pines has its own watershed, but the Village as a whole is located within the Little River watershed, which is part of the Cape Fear River Basin.
Contamination of our watershed can result from everyday activities such as fertilizing the lawn, walking pets, changing motor oil, or littering. With each rainfall, contaminants from these activities can be washed from the entire watershed into local waterways.
If you are interested in learning more about protecting Village waters or participating in watershed management planning please join the Whispering Pines Lakes & Watershed Board watershed mailing list by sending an email to WPwatershed@gmail.com