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11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Public Adjuster in South Florida by Stellar Adjusting

11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Public Adjuster in South Florida by Stellar Adjusting

  • Posted: Jan 04, 2022
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If you’re hiring a public adjuster, it’s important to keep in mind that this person is going to be working for you. You’re the boss, so you’ve got to think like a boss. That means interviewing them and asking the right questions. We’ve listed eleven questions that you should ask any public adjuster before you make the hire.

 

 

WHY HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?

hiring a public adjusterBefore we talk about how to hire a public adjuster, let’s talk for a second about why you would want to hire one in the first place. The short answer is that you hopefully will never need to hire one. However, if your home or business is damaged, you’ll need to fire an insurance claim, which means providing the insurance company with an estimate of the damages. If the claim is very large, or if the insurance company thinks they can get away with paying less, they will send an insurance adjuster to draw up their own estimate.

When this happens, you have a few options. You can accept the insurance company’s offer, you can sue the insurance company, or you can hire a public adjuster to make a counteroffer. Accepting the company’s offer isn’t always the best idea. In some cases, you may be asked to settle for far less than the actual cost of damages. However, suing the insurance company can get expensive. They have teams of corporate lawyers, and you’ll end up spending a lot of money on your own legal case. Meanwhile, you’ll receive no funds during the legal process, so you’ll have to repair your home or business and pay your lawyer out of pocket.

A public insurance adjuster offers a great compromise. They can get you a better settlement, and you won’t have to pay out of pocket. For more information, read our guide on when to contact a Florida public adjuster.

 

1. HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN IN BUSINESS?

There’s nothing wrong with being new to the business. Even the biggest, most prestigious firms once started as a single adjuster opening their own small business. But if someone is just starting out in their own business, you’d expect them to have previous experience working for another firm. If they haven’t, steer clear.

2. ARE THEY PART OF A TEAM?

A single public adjuster, even a very well-qualified one, can only be so knowledgeable. A team of adjusters can pool their knowledge and help each other out, leading to better results for their clients.

3. ARE THEY LICENSED IN FLORIDA?

If you’re in another state, this applies to your state as well. An unlicensed public adjuster isn’t just breaking the law by practicing without a license. They can also put you at risk, since there’s no guarantee that they’re even competent.

4. DO THEY HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH CLAIMS LIKE YOURS?

For any qualified public adjuster, south Florida hurricanes should be par for the course. But if you’re dealing with an unusual claim – for example, if a car ran off the road and into your living room – you’ll want to know that your public adjuster is qualified to deal with your claim’s quirkier aspects.

5. HOW DO THEY GET PAID?

A public insurance adjuster should only get paid when you get paid, taking a percentage of your claim. If your adjuster is asking for an up-front fee, don’t do business with them. What they’re doing is unethical.

6. DO THEY HAVE EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH MORTGAGE LENDERS?

Depending on your situation, you may still owe money to a mortgage lender, and they’re most likely not going to be patient with you while the insurance company handles your claim. An experienced public adjuster can oftentimes serve as an intermediary to help you deal with your mortgage lender’s demands.

7. WHO WILL PREPARE MY CLAIM?

The opposite problem of working with too small a team is working with a big firm that farms out their work to third-party contractors. So you can be paying for a prestigious name, but getting freelance service. Make sure that your public insurance adjuster will be personally involved with your claim.

8. CAN I STAY INVOLVED WITH MY CLAIM?

Some public adjusters prefer that their clients not communicate directly with the insurance company. Others are comfortable to share these responsibilities with their clients. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, but it’s important that you and your adjuster are on the same page here.

9. CAN THEY PROVIDE LOCAL REFERENCES?

The average person may never need a public adjuster’s services or may need them once or twice at most. If their adjuster did a good job, they’re going to remember it. Ask your prospective public adjuster for references. If they’re not prepared to offer any, scratch them off your list.

10. HOW MANY CLAIMS ARE THEY HANDLING?

Sometimes, in the aftermath of a natural disaster, public adjusters can become overwhelmed with claims from a large number of people. In this case, a qualified, competent adjuster may simply be too busy to give your claim the individual attention it deserves.

11. WHAT ARE THEIR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS POLICY?

Errors and Omissions is the insurance industry’s version of malpractice insurance. It ensures that if your public adjuster makes a mistake that costs you money, they’ll be able to compensate you. Every licensed public adjuster should carry a policy. If they’re not willing to share this information with you, tell them to take a hike.

 

On SFPMA: View Our Claims Page for all your Damage Needs. Find Law Firms, Adjusters and Roofing Companies ready to help

 

HOW TO FIND A CLAIMS ADJUSTER IN FLORIDA

If you’re hiring a public adjuster in Florida, consider hiring Stellar Public Adjusting. Our qualified adjusters are experienced in Florida home and business claims, and we don’t hire out our work to independent contractors. When your adjuster shows up to create your claim, you can rest assured that this is the same person who will be dealing with the insurance company on your behalf.

Use our web form to contact us today. If you have an urgent problem that requires immediate assistance, call our office at 305-570-3519.

Andria Rosendahl
Public Adjuster
2450 NE Miami Gardens Drive, Suite 200, Miami Florida 33180
Cell: 305-710-7922
Fax: 305-873-8719
E: Andria@stellaradjusting.com
W: www.stellaradjusting.com
Check Out Our Blog At: www.stellaradjusting.com/blog/
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Allstate Resource Management specializes in wetland management in South Florida and preventative weed control to maintain a healthy wetland environment.

Allstate Resource Management specializes in wetland management in South Florida and preventative weed control to maintain a healthy wetland environment.

  • Posted: Dec 22, 2021
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Allstate Resource Management specializes in wetland management in South Florida and preventative weed control to maintain a healthy wetland environment.

Wetlands are frequently mandated by state and county statute. When you work with Allstate, you can be assured that we are following all regulations and mandates for wetland preserves and wetland management in South Florida.

Did you know! In Florida there are more 400 water recycling projects, making our state a national leader in the use of reclaimed water. The treatment process eliminates harmful substances, but leaves traces of nitrogen and phosphorous that act as fertilizers when reclaimed water is applied to lawns and landscape. Reclaimed water can cause spikes in algae growth on lakes.

Call us at 954-382-9766 for more information on causes for algae growth

 

May your days be filled with peace, hope, and joy this holiday season.

As always, thank you for your business, loyalty, and support.

Sincerely,

All of us at Allstate Resource Management

 

 

Allstate Resource Management has over 25 years of experience in maintaining the health of lakes, ponds, wetlands, and stormwater systems. We have continued since our inception to be the leader in resource management. Our services include lake management, wetland management, stormwater drain cleaning and maintenance, erosion control, fish stocking, native plantings, debris removal, water quality, aquatic pest control, and upland management. All of our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified in order to meet the strict standards imposed by governmental agencies. This ensures that your property will be treated by only the most competent individuals who are proud of the services we render.

In addition to providing a healthy habitat, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of beautiful color lit fountains, bringing beauty and enjoyment to any lake or pond.

We also offer support services for property managers and HOA’s including educational presentations and CEU programs. Our approved courses offer continuing education credit to CAMs. Find us on the SFPMA Members Directory.

 A stormwater system is a tool for managing the runoff from rainfall. When rainwater lands on rooftops, parking lots, streets, driveways and other surfaces that water cannot penetrate, the runoff flows into grates, swales or ditches located around your property and neighborhood. These grates, swales and ditches carry the runoff into stormwater ponds. A stormwater pond is specifically designed to help prevent flooding and remove pollutants from the water before it can drain into the groundwater or into streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, or the ocean.
Call us today to talk to one of our Stormwater Specialists at 954-382-9766 or info@allstatemanagement.com

Colleen Sullivan
Marketing Manager
www.allstatemanagement.com
6900 SW 21st Court, Building #9
Davie, Florida 33317
Phone: (954) 382-9766

 

 

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Is there a contactless authentication solution? by iDentyTech Solutions America

Is there a contactless authentication solution? by iDentyTech Solutions America

  • Posted: Dec 16, 2021
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Is there a contactless authentication solution?

by iDentyTech Solutions America

 

A lot of people don’t like to touch things or put their fingers or hands where other people have been. These reasons could be personal, such as the dislike of germs, or even religion. There are industries that require a sterilized work environment, and again touching a keypad or putting your eye in an iris reader it’s not convenient. But what if you could present your hand to a sensor and without touching it, your biometric palm vein map could be read?

This is a biometric technology that authenticates you on the basis of vein pattern recognition, rather than iris scans or fingerprint. The world’s first “contactless vein authentication” technology offers even more security and ease of use and overcomes previous problems related to security concerns.

The PalmSecure sensor is a biometric authentication device that provides the highest level of security using palm vein authentication technology. This technology is now able to be used in a wide range of situations thanks to reductions in size, reductions in cost, and simplification of development.

PalmSecure emits near-infrared rays that are absorbed by deoxidized hemoglobin present in blood flowing through a user’s palm veins. This causes an image of the palm to be captured as a vein pattern, which is then verified against the user’s pre-registered pattern to grant (or deny) access to a physical location or computer network.

Advantages

> Contactless
Because of its contactless feature, it is very hygienic and stress-free for even public use.

> High security & applicability rate
Difficult to forgery the palm vein data because it is inside the body. Almost everyone can use it. The only system on the market that gives 100% the ability to enroll and authenticate any person.

>Easy to use
Just hold your palm over the device, it captures your vein pattern instantly and will operate with all genders and ages.

>Authentication accuracy
The palm vein authentication realizes advanced authentication accuracy because the palm vein pattern has many and large sizes of blood vessels. False Rejection Rate: 0.01% and False Acceptance Rate: 0.00008%

>Advanced algorithm
The algorithm creates several tens of thousands of Minutia points, encrypting each image before converting it into a template allowing for unique encryption keys for specific solutions.

 

Ready to see how this technology can work for you, and your communities?

Contact me today!

Rodrigo Perez
(305) 505-7132
Rodrigo@identytech.com

Find us on the Members Directory on SFPMA

 

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Lighting of Tomorrow facilitates communities to switch from inefficient lighting fixtures to new state-of-the-art LED lighting technology.

Lighting of Tomorrow facilitates communities to switch from inefficient lighting fixtures to new state-of-the-art LED lighting technology.

  • Posted: Dec 13, 2021
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Lighting of Tomorrow facilitates communities to switch from inefficient lighting fixtures to new state-of-the-art LED lighting technology.

 

How to Reduce Commercial Energy Usage

These recent days, we are going through some real problems such as an increase in energy usage. Also, when it comes to solving these problems, people cannot really think of the solutions. Hence, we are here to provide the solutions on How to Reduce Commercial Energy Usage.

Thus, here are some tips to reduce energy usage:

Equipment functioning should be checked

The equipment functioning should be regularly checked now and then. There should be a proper check of the equipment, and even it should be double-checked. This can also lead to the improvement of the equipment in commercial settings.

Increase in Usage Air Compressors

Air compressors are one of the best solutions to reduce energy reduction. The drive motor is the main element of the air compressor. And, the latest systems allow for these drives to use a change in frequency that reduces the power that the drive is requesting (depending on load).

Plant and Trees Outside Your Commercial Property

Plants and trees must be planted on the south and east sides of your commercial building. These plants and trees will provide proper shade in the summer, which leads to a reduction in the cooling load, and will allow sunlight to enter your building in the winter, reducing the heating load as well.

Update the Regular Lighting to Modern Technology Lighting

If you have old and outdated lighting LED lighting can make a quick, moving impact on your energy consumption. Converting your old lighting to LED lighting may result in a decrease of up to 60% of the electrical costs of your daily lighting energy consumption.  LED lighting also has some additional benefits such as less heat generation that results in reducing your air conditioning load as well as reducing your maintenance costs as well.

Install Energy Effective Practices

Getting your employees to participate in energy-saving rituals is an effective way to help decrease energy expenses. You can also create incentives or competitions to check how low a commercial property can get their average energy to spend per month is quite an innovative way to boost employees toward saving energy.

Conclusion

Hence, these were some of the tips on How to Reduce Commercial Energy Usage and specifically when you can just change certain lifestyle habits. Thus, you can just introduce these tips as rituals in your commercial property to reduce energy usages very effectively.

Contact Us

840 E Oakland Park Blvd 117 Oakland Park, FL 33334

954.626.0267

info@lightingot.com

About Us

Lighting of Tomorrow is commited to providing our clients energy saving lighting solutions. We provide a complete service, so we can continue “lighting the way for a sustainable tomorrow”

 

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Problem with a Pipe in the Lower 48 call Me Ronnie-G “The Pipe Guy” Call or Text Ron Giles at 561-602-8660

Problem with a Pipe in the Lower 48 call Me Ronnie-G “The Pipe Guy” Call or Text Ron Giles at 561-602-8660

  • Posted: Dec 10, 2021
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Pipe Restoration Solutions

800-652-7604  or call Ronnie G Direct: 561-602-8660

Problem with a Pipe in the Lower 48 call Me Ronnie-G “The Pipe Guy” Call or Text Ron Giles at 561-602-8660 or email ronnieg@prspipe.com

Pipe Inspection, Pipe Cleaning, Pipe Lining and Pipe Replacement Company

When PRS looks at a project we want to ensure we are putting the “right” solution to the problem at hand.  Every project has its unique needs based on overall job scope, site conditions, project timeframes and difficulty level. At Pipe Restoration Solutions, we have found that when high-quality material and creativity comes together something special happens… Projects are completed with excellence and above expectation; Long term relationships are built; Problems are permanently solved.
Our business philosophy is simple: We want to First, listen to your need. Second, identify the best solution and Third, deliver the highest quality end-result, all while giving you a great customer experience.

PRS is a State of Florida Certified Plumbing Contractor that specializes in full pipe restoration.

Whether it be sanitary sewer or storm, potable water, fire suppression or HVAC chiller lines, our goal is to provide solutions to the failing piping infrastructure utilizing the latest plumbing and trenchless technology available. We also carry a State of Florida Class “A” General Contractor’s license which sets us apart. This allows us to really understand and prepare to deal with accessing the failing pipe. If needed, we are bondable and carry a low bonding rate through our surety company.
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With all the news about the Smash and Grab crimes in the news, We felt compelled to let you know the members in our Security and Surveillance helping Condo and HOA’s with Protection Services.

With all the news about the Smash and Grab crimes in the news, We felt compelled to let you know the members in our Security and Surveillance helping Condo and HOA’s with Protection Services.

  • Posted: Nov 30, 2021
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First of all it is the Safety of each and every Owner in our buildings that concerns us.  Now days this should be the first thought for all Board Members.

Next should be How and Where you can find the best companies for this decision for protection of the property.

 

SFPMA provides a Directory of the Top Professionals for Condo and HOA’s in Florida. 

This open Directory is avail for all to view, in budget season you should be looking for the right companies for your buildings and Owners within, Find and reach out for the services they offer you and your communities.

 

Below are a few of our Member Companies: 

United Security, Inc

1.800.874.6434

United Security Inc. (USI) provides contract security solutions and investigation services to a select group of vertical markets. For the past 29 years, USI has created safe, secure environments for commercial and government employees and customers by investing in our people, innovation and relationships. USI is committed to delivering:

  • Responsive management and security personnel
  • Continuous quality improvement and training
  • Consistent, client-focused service and performance

 

For the past 27 years, USI has created safe, secure environments for commercial and government employees and customers by investing in our people, innovation and relationships. As engaged, owner-operators, our investment begins with recruitment and screening to ensure we have the right people and continues through our policies and practices that enable USI to properly train and retain the best personnel.

ArchAngel Security

561-542-9263

Welcome to Archangel Security

After years in parking compliance and towing services, we saw a real need for organized, reliable, and effective security services for residential and commercial property managers.

We keep costs low, services safe and simple, and always protect the property first. Our licensed and trained security monitors are ready to help you take and maintain control of your parking compliance and safety needs.

We are licensed in the state of Florida, LIC #B1400043 and insured.

 

 

FSW First Response Solution Inc

352-818-9499

Safety is Top Priority

FSW First Response Solution Inc. serves residential, commercial, government, and industrial clients. Through our top-notch, 24-hour security services, we’ll ensure your safety and protection.

In this modern age, it is never wrong to be extra careful when it comes to hiring security. We should do all the things necessary to ensure our property and loved ones’ safety.

Hire our expert crew here at FSW First Response Solution Inc. We are a family-oriented organization that provides safety and security solutions to every household and establishment in Florida. Contact us to request for free quotes and estimates!

 

 

Here are other ways Buildings should look into for Security

All In One System – manage so many devices on you properties. you control access for owners and guests at your fingertips!

Smart Entry Systems

(626) 213-7557

All In One System – manage so many devices on you properties. you control access for owners and guests at your fingertips!

  • Simple Installation, Wirelessly connects to the Internet using plain WiFi without the need to pay for land lines, POTS, VOIP, SIP, nor LTE.
  • Surveillance Camera Integration, Pull images from other camera(s) mounted near by the entrance for a multi-directional view of the access  w/ event in the entry log.
  • Create temporary guest codes for pre-authorized visitors using the phone app.
  • Conveniently manage your property with a browser from anywhere with Internet access.
  • Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. Mix and match from 9, 6, or 4 door models to suit your community.
  • Eliminate coins from communal washers, dryers, electric car charging stations, short term rentals of conference and party room

Smart Entry Systems

http://www.smartentrysystems.com/
(626) 213-7557
sales@smartentrysystems.com

iDENTYTECH Solutions America, Inc.

888 703-7150

iDentyTech is a leading provider of intuitive Identity management products and solutions. Founded in 2010 IdentyTech™ provides its worldwide customers with best-in- class complete identity management solutions. We further offer custom engineered solutions for those customers requiring proprietary solutions. IdentyTech has field proven solutions for Corporate Enterprise, government and Financial services, healthcare, schools, Transportation, Small Medium businesses and many others.

With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, our team will respond rapidly to your needs, no matter how complex or unique they are. Matched by business-focused, technical support, our response to your objectives has led to the highest levels of customer satisfaction in the industry. At the heart of the company, is a team of skilled developers, programmers and technical support staff, Along with sales, marketing and administration staff that are committed to providing our customers with unrivaled solutions, expertise, service and support.

 

 

Rodrigo Perez de Tudela
305-505-7132
rodrigo@identytech.com
Sales and Business Development Director
iDENTYTECH Solutions America, Inc.

 

FIND COMPANIES TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR BUDGETS RFP’S

If you are not a Listed Member Get listed today!

 

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Mulch For You – We have a fleet of nine high-end mulch installation vehicles with the ability to blow yards of mulch products we carry in a single visit.

Mulch For You – We have a fleet of nine high-end mulch installation vehicles with the ability to blow yards of mulch products we carry in a single visit.

  • Posted: Nov 30, 2021
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Mulch For You, Inc

 

Mulch for You was originally established as Bolling Forest Products by Russell Mueller over thirty years ago. His vision was to build a company and its reputation by consistently providing the highest quality products and service to each and every customer. This is the foundation and cornerstone of what Mulch For You has become and is today.

We’ve always been known as the leader in providing innovative new methods and products and the first in Central Florida to bring Mini Pine Bark Nuggets and Classic Red Designer mulch to the market. Since then, we’ve introduced ADA Engineered Playground Chips and created multiple designer mulches in a variety of textures and colors. We’ve also been instrumental in helping guide the market away from environmentally sensitive woods such as cypress. In 1998, we introduced the express mulch blower service to Central Florida. Today we have a fleet of nine high-end mulch installation vehicles with the ability to blow yards of mulch products we carry in a single visit. This service has eliminated the time-consuming and backbreaking work of shoveling and spreading mulch by hand.

Our team cares deeply for the work they do and understands how much it means to have a beautifully finished job. Our company not only has the knowledge and experience to do the job right, but also quality products we know and trust. It’s what we do.

We look forward to working with you and meeting your mulch and soil needs

Maddy Weeks
mweeks@mulchforyou.com
Express Blower Sales Manager
407-869-9003
Mulch For You, Inc
1705 EE Williamson Rd. Longwood, Fl. 32779
http://www.mulchforyou.com

Top 4 Things to Consider When Budgeting for Lake Management by SOLitude

Top 4 Things to Consider When Budgeting for Lake Management by SOLitude

  • Posted: Oct 22, 2021
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Top 4 Things to Consider When Budgeting for Lake Management

by SOLitude Lake Management

 

Lakes and ponds are multifaceted ecosystems with a wide array of uses, benefits, and challenges. If you oversee waterbodies for a community association, golf course, municipality, or any other entity, you know that many factors must be examined when making decisions about the property. As the number of stakeholders increases, so does the number of opinions.

Lake management professionals often encounter these situations. To help decision-makers choose lake management solutions and maintenance strategies that satisfy as many stakeholders as possible, it’s advantageous to start by considering four overarching factors:

 

Stakeholder goals - on the job- team picture - meeting with clients - event - solution

#1: Stakeholder Goals

A decorative pond is very distinct from an aquatic preserve, and both of these are vastly different from a productive trophy fishery or a large drinking water reservoir. Likewise, each of these waterbodies may serve multiple purposes. A community pond, for example, is aesthetically pleasing, but may also contain important equipment for stormwater collection. A reservoir sustains our communities and also likely functions as an exciting spot for boating and recreation. Making simple choices about the removal of aquatic plant species or adjusting water chemistry can require overwhelming input with dozens of goals in mind.

How do you meet in the middle? This is where it’s important to confer with a lake manager who specializes in the “human dimension” of goal setting. It’s unlikely that polar opposite goals can be achieved, but by collecting diverse input, thoroughly evaluating goals, and educating stakeholders about the various paths to achieve them, it is possible to find areas of unforeseen compromise and greater potential for success.

Waterbody characteristics - water testing water quality on the job team photo smiling colleague - scenic lake

#2: Waterbody Characteristics

All lakes and ponds are different, whether they are located in separate states or right next to one another. Like a snowflake, a multitude of details come together to create a one-of-a-kind entity. These include the waterbody’s location, size, depth, age, the presence of invasive species, land use, and the level of surrounding pollution – and can go far beyond that.

Before moving forward with any kind of lake or pond maintenance strategy, it’s vital to collect data that reveals both the visible and unseen characteristics of the water resource. Laboratory testing, bathymetric mapping, surveillance, and other data gathering techniques can be used to inform the creation of a customized management program that maps out the path to success. Some goals may be simple to achieve while others require a more rigorous approach, but this can only be determined when accurate data is available.

lake and pond maintenance timing - hydro-raking and dredging

#3: Timing

Just as physical factors can influence a waterbody, so can elements like weather, temperature, rainfall, and even the season. These conditions can have dramatic, almost immediate effects on a waterbody by altering water chemistry, expediting erosion, causing fish kills, and more. The time of year may also exacerbate existing problems or create new ones without warning.

No matter your goal, timing will be a large factor in the planning and implementation process. For instance, lakes and ponds that require muck removal will often wait until the cooler months to complete hydro-raking or dredging projects in order to minimize down-time. And, nuisance algae and toxic cyanobacteria can be more effectively thwarted with proactive nutrient remediation projects before summer weather is in full swing. By understanding the importance of well-timed management projects, you can better budget for them.

scenic lake and pond, looking out at lake, clients enjoying waterbody, team on the job budget

#4: Budget

Budget is often a limiting factor for stakeholders and it can be even more difficult to get all decision-makers on board with the prioritization of lake and pond management. It’s beneficial to create a comprehensive road map built on the aquatic characteristics, the timing of necessary services, and the long-term goals and expectations for the waterbody. With a clear, well-informed plan on hand, the benefits and upfront costs can be more accurately evaluated and conveyed.

On paper, smaller upfront maintenance costs seem more appealing, but they can also be extremely misleading. Though safe and effective, EPA-registered pesticides do not make algae or weeds disappear forever; they simply mask a problem that will continue to exist without intervention. Stakeholders looking to maximize their budget while maintaining their long-term goals will find the most success in an annual management program. By proactively investing in the future of your waterbody, you can spend and worry less over time.

 

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3 Common Lake & Pond Management Misconceptions by SOLitude Lake Management

3 Common Lake & Pond Management Misconceptions by SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Oct 17, 2021
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3 Common Lake & Pond Management Misconceptions
Trent Nelson, Aquatic Specialist at SOLitude Lake Management

 

 

As an Aquatic Specialist with more than a decade of experience, I’ve assisted hundreds of property managers with their lake and stormwater pond management needs over the years. Despite the diverse types of lakes and ponds they oversee, I’ve noticed that many clients have the same set of concerns or misconceptions about their waterbodies. These often come to light as we work together to design a freshwater management program. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of these common assumptions. 

  • Lakes and ponds are permanent fixtures in the landscape

While lakes and ponds can be long-lasting features in our communities, they are not permanent. They fill with sediment that erodes from the shoreline or flows in during rainstorms. Weed growth and decomposition may lead to the development of muck. And trash, tree branches, and other pollutants can build up over time. 

The aging of a lake or pond is a natural phenomenon, but can be highly accelerated through human activity and industry, reducing a waterbody’s life by decades. If left unmanaged over the years, your waterbody could eventually fill up until it becomes a marsh or puddle. This is a process called lake and pond succession. 

The best way to prevent this inevitable decline is through proactive, ongoing management aimed at reducing erosion, nutrient pollution, muck development, and nuisance aquatic vegetation. These benefits are two-fold. In addition to prolonging the depth and overall lifespan of your lake or pond, you’ll also help prevent problems like algae, toxic cyanobacteria growth, bad odors, murkiness, invasive species infestations, fish kills, and more.

 

 

  • Herbicides pose a danger to non-targeted plants and animals

The most eco-friendly and long-lasting lake and pond management programs lean on holistic, natural solutions, but sometimes herbicides and algaecides are necessary to set your waterbody up for success. Herbicides tend to be a point of concern for property owners, but I’ve found that once they better understand the strict scientific processes surrounding the use of herbicides, their fears are alleviated. 

Herbicides used in the lake management industry are designed to exclusively target specific weed and algae species without impacting desirable plants and animals. They do so by interfering with the unique growth mechanisms identified in nuisance species that are not found in beneficial ones. Likewise, the concurrent use of eco-friendly compounds called surfactants helps confine herbicides and algaecides to the affected area without migrating elsewhere. Historically, herbicides have been applied by licensed professional ground crews, but new industry technologies like drones are making it possible to remotely apply products with more accuracy and efficiency, particularly in areas that are hard to reach or unsafe to navigate by foot. 

All herbicides must be evaluated and registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to collaborating with scientific authorities throughout the US, the EPA also carries out bilateral cooperative programs with the World Health Organization (WHO) and many other countries around the world. Once approved, all herbicides are subject to compliance monitoring and periodic reevaluation processes to ensure lasting safety and success. 

 

  1. All freshwater management programs are the same

It’s not uncommon for a property manager to assume that the solutions used on a friend or colleague’s lake or pond will work on theirs. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to lake and pond problems because no two aquatic ecosystems are the same. 

Your waterbody’s unique makeup and the way it responds to different treatments can be dictated by many factors, including water use, location, surroundings, plant and animal presence, pollution, and weather – just to name a few. Likewise, every stakeholder has different goals and budget requirements. That’s why freshwater management programs are most effective when customized for your unique aquatic environment. 

Typically, the program design process begins by establishing a baseline of your waterbody through a visual survey of the property and comprehensive water quality testing. Your Aquatic Specialist should work with you to identify the challenges your aquatic ecosystem is facing and determine the best course of action based on your needs and limitations. And because all of these factors can change over time, these conversations should continue on a regular basis. 

 

The management of lakes and ponds is truly a science and should be treated as such. When considering a management program, look for a freshwater management firm that prioritizes getting to know you and your aquatic ecosystem before implementing any services. Seek out an Aquatic Specialist who is educated about the responsible use of herbicides and is capable of sharing that knowledge with you in a clear manner. Our lakes and ponds are valued features that our communities rely on every day. If you oversee the management of these water resources, make sure you’re investing in both the present and its future.

 

 

Trent Nelson is an Aquatic Specialist at SOLitude Lake Management, the nation’s leading freshwater management firm specializing in the management of lakes, stormwater ponds, wetlands, and fisheries. Learn more about this topic at www.solitudelakemanagement.com/knowledge. 

 

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Exciting Fountain & Aeration Deal Won’t Last! Time is running out on our amazing offer… By SOLitude

Exciting Fountain & Aeration Deal Won’t Last! Time is running out on our amazing offer… By SOLitude

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Exciting Fountain & Aeration Deal Won’t Last!

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