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“Why Are These Plants Behind My House?” by Allstate Resource Management

“Why Are These Plants Behind My House?” by Allstate Resource Management

  • Posted: Mar 01, 2021
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“Why Are These Plants Behind My House?”

by Allstate Resource Management

Many homeowners in South Florida have properties that are adjacent to mitigation areas but very few have an understanding as to what they are or why they are there.  This article will answer some of these questions and give you a better understanding about the role mitigation sites play in your community.

Homeowners have all sorts of names for the planted areas by their homes.  Some call them preserves, some call them swamps, some call them natural areas but they all share a common origin and purpose.  Whether they are full of trees or stretches of plants along a lake shoreline, they are all what are known as mitigation.  Mitigation is an attempt to lessen or alleviate the environmental impact of development and construction in our area.  When a developer plans to build a community the location must first be surveyed to determine if important natural resources and sensitive areas will be disturbed due to the project.  Before any construction can begin, the developer must submit a plan to create and maintain areas that will replace what is lost when the development is built.  Once the plan is approved, a permit is issued for the mitigation and the project can begin.  Without the mitigation, your neighborhood could not even exist.  When the builder turns the property over to a homeowners association, the association then assumes the responsibility for the mitigation and its care.

There are three basic kinds of mitigation areas: wetland preserves, upland preserves and littoral zones.  Wetland preserves are lower lying areas that are partly to completely flooded most of the year and are largely comprised of aquatic plants and grasses, and may have tree islands or deep water pools.  Upland preserves are wooded areas that sit at higher elevations and tend to have drier soils and are usually comprised of more trees and shrubs.  Littoral zones are submersed shelves that run around the perimeter of lakes and are planted with a variety of plants that can grow in flooded conditions.

Quarterly inspections and status reports are required by the agency that issued the mitigation permit for your community.  These are to ensure that the site lives up to its required environmental obligation and that it complies with agency standards.  Regular maintenance visits, by trained and licensed personnel, are necessary to keep mitigation areas in compliance.  In order to be in compliance the areas must be covered by the proper percentage of beneficial, native plants and be within the acceptable limit of invasive, exotic plants.

Mitigation sites are designed to replace a natural ecosystem and are not meant to be perfectly manicured landscapes.  Homeowners should never take it upon themselves to remove plants, trim or cut plants or add plants to mitigation areas.  Remember, these areas are permitted and unapproved alterations could result in complications or fines, just like any other permit you have when you do work on your house.  Homeowners should also be sure that their landscapers do not dump debris such as palm fronds, hedge trimmings and grass clippings into the mitigation by their homes.  All mitigation is monitored for compliance.  When the standards set by the oversight agency are not met, the entity responsible for the upkeep of the site may be financially liable to bring the site back into compliance.

Many homeowners don’t realize the benefits of these re-created natural areas.  They see them as a burden with no redeeming qualities but there are several that are commonly overlooked.  These areas provide habitat to several native species, some of which are threatened or even endangered.  In addition to habitat for animals mitigation provides a pathway to replenish the aquifers that supply the drinking water here in South Florida.  As more and more development occurs, we are essentially “capping” our water supply’s recharge mechanism with concrete and asphalt.  Increased population creates increased demand for water.  At the same time our system’s ability to provide the needed water is being reduced.  Wetlands and preserves act like a sponge to capture water that would normally be lost to storm drains and funnels it into our depleted aquifers.  This sponge affect also aids in flood prevention.  Wetlands can hold a considerable amount of storm flow and alleviate your community’s storm water drainage system.  Littoral plantings around your lake also help absorb nutrient runoff.  Florida lawns don’t get green by themselves.  We use a lot of fertilizer and when the rains come and the grounds get soaked, some of that fertilizer ends up in our lakes.  This then feeds algae in the lakes and creates those unpleasant mats of floating, green algae around the water body.  The bands of wetland plants around the shoreline act as a buffer and absorb some of the nutrient runoff as it enters the water.

Our staff at Allstate realizes that your mitigation maintenance is an important responsibility.  We hope that this has shed some light on the questions you may have.  One of our goals in our pledge to service to you is educating the homeowners and helping everyone understand the value of the aquatic resources within your community.  If we can provide any further guidance or assistance please feel free to call our office.

 

By: Stephen Montgomery

Allstate Resource Management

6900 SW 21st Court, Building #9

Davie, Florida 33317

Phone: (954) 382-9766

Fax: (954) 382-9770

 

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We all have fond memories of time spent on the water, but bad odors, algae, aquatic weeds, and other imbalances can distract you from the fun and serenity your waterbody provides by SOLitude

We all have fond memories of time spent on the water, but bad odors, algae, aquatic weeds, and other imbalances can distract you from the fun and serenity your waterbody provides by SOLitude

  • Posted: Feb 18, 2021
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We all have fond memories of time spent on the water, but bad odors, algae, aquatic weeds, and other imbalances can distract you from the fun and serenity your waterbody provides

by SOLitude Lake Management

 

Dive Deeper with a Water Quality Assessment

We all have fond memories of time spent on the water, but bad odors, algae, aquatic weeds, and other imbalances can distract you from the fun and serenity your waterbody provides. Professional water quality assessments are a key tool to not only help resolve these issues, but prevent them from reoccurring.

Lake and pond management is a complex field that presents never-ending puzzles and surprising challenges. Like a fingerprint, no two bodies of water are exactly the same—and they are always in a state of continuous change based on how the water is used, the surroundings, and even the weather. When diagnosing and designing a solution for a problem like bad odors or nuisance algae growth, professionals take all of this information into account, but it doesn’t provide a complete picture of what’s going on below the surface.

Comprehensive Lake & Pond Assessments

Understand Your Waterbody Inside and Out

 

A professional assessment is the first step to achieve a comprehensive view of your lake or pond’s health. Think of this like a physical for your waterbody. An array of scientific tests are conducted to check its vitals and establish an initial baseline of health. Over time, the comprehensive scientific data can be used to:

  • Identify root causes of recurring issues
  • Predict and prevent the onset of future water quality problems
  • Make better informed proactive management decisions
  • Achieve more impactful and long-lasting results
  • Reduce your environmental footprint and cut management costs

SOLitude offers a variety of waterbody assessment options. Each package includes the creation of a customized, comprehensive report for you and your stakeholders. Your freshwater management professional can help you determine which package is most appropriate based on the history of the waterbody, as well as your unique goals and budget.

Find out more…

 

 


You’re In Good Hands! Meet Our Industry Leaders

The aquatic management industry is burgeoning with scientists, researchers, and other passionate experts. SOLitude is the proud home to many of these thought leaders who have steered the industry towards innovation, technological advancement, and holistic management strategies through the roles they hold in various environmental organizations and authority groups.

SOLitude Lake Management is the proud home of many industry experts who hold prestigious roles in a variety of environmental organizations, including the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS), and other authority groups. As industry thought leaders, these colleagues go above and beyond to demonstrate SOLitude’s commitment to science, technology, innovation, and holistic lake and pond management strategies. We believe that these tenets create the foundation for memorable experiences around the water and encourage the long lasting functionality of these precious aquatic resources.

Marc Bellaud, President – Aquatic Biologist & Director of Technical Services – MAmarc-bellaud-web-new

Marc Bellaud has more than 25 years of experience in lake, pond and wetland management, and has been actively involved in advancing the science of the freshwater management industry. He currently serves as Director of the Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS). Previously, he was the President and Director of the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS) and has remained involved with the organization since it was initially founded in 1999. Bellaud also served as a Director of the New York State Aquatic Managers Association (NYSAMA). In addition, he was a contributing author and co-editor for the third edition of the BMP Manual by the Aquatic Ecosystem Research Foundation (AERF).

Glenn Sullivan, Environmental Scientist & Certified Lake Manager – NY

glenn-sullivan-web-newGlenn Sullivan entered the aquatics industry in 1993 and is currently the President of the New York State Aquatic Managers Association (NYSAMA). He is also a former member of the Board of Directors for the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS). Over the course of 20 years, he held many roles including President, Director, Treasurer, and Editor, and continues to serve as a committee co-chair. In 2015, he was named Preferred Applicator of the Year by SePRO Corporation. He is also the recipient of multiple awards recognizing environmental stewardship, best management practices and sustainable leadership.

 

Will Stevenson, Director of Integration – MA

Will_Stevenson_web

William Stevenson is the Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors and past President of the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS). Before joining SOLitude, He also serves on the Massachusetts Audubon Council and as a Vice President of Timber Owners of New England, an organization dedicated to preserving multi use forested land.

 

Bob Schindler – Aquatic Biologist & Project Manager – PA

Bob_Schindler_web2

Bob Schindler is a two-time president and current Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS), through which he coordinates educational opportunities and annual conferences. He also helps PALMS administer a grant program through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener program. Schindler has served on the PALMS.

 

Shannon Junior, Aquatic Ecologist – VAshannon-junior-web-new

Shannon Junior is the Editor for Women of Aquatics (WOA), an organization founded to promote and support women in the lake and pond management industry through professional advancement, continuing education opportunities and peer mentorship programs. She also serves on the Virginia Leadership Retreat Committee. Junior has worked in the lake and pond management industry since 2000. In 2013, she received the SePRO Applicator of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual who shows leadership in advancing the science of aquatic plant management.

Emily Mayer, Aquatic Biologist & Project Manager – NJEmily_Mayer_web-1

Emily Mayer is a 10-year veteran in the lake management industry and serves on the board of directors for the Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society (NEAPMS). She is the editor of the organization’s newsletter and assists with the organization of the NEAPMS annual conference. Previously, she served as a student director, a role through which she encouraged student involvement and helped increase awareness of the organization across social media. In addition to her longstanding involvement with NEAPMS, Emily is currently a member of the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team (NJISST), the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), and Lower Hudson PRISM – a group which seeks to protect the rich biodiversity and ecosystems in the Mid-Atlantic.

Kim Niesel, Senior Business Development Consultant – VA

Kim_Niesel_web_12.15Kim Niesel holds her CMCA (certified manager of community associations) designation, as administered by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board and is involved in several industry-related organizations, including the Southeastern Virginia and Central Virginia chapters of Community Associations Institute (CAI). She has served as a board member and president for both of these associations. Kim is also one of the founders of the Virginia Leadership Retreat and has been recognized several times for her volunteer involvement. She currently serves on the Board for the Virginia Leadership Retreat and is the Chairperson for the Communications Committee of the Southeastern VA CAI.

 

 

 

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Differentiating Class A, B, and C Office Space by SFPMA

Differentiating Class A, B, and C Office Space by SFPMA

  • Posted: Feb 17, 2021
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Differentiating Class A, B, and C Office Space

 

Many of our members take the time to complete projects using the County Codes that are in place, While there are so many companies that cut corners or a Management company that looks at prices we have to ask? How do you Value the Buildings you manage?

We have one of the Top Condo, HOA and Property Management Directories in Florida. Through the many Categories clients can find only the Best of the Best to have their maintenance requests performed on time, up to Code in their buildings and properties from Jacksonville to the Keys.

Search our Directory

When only the best will do, Find companies all over Florida ready to help you!

Remember: “Skilled labor isn’t cheap; cheap labor isn’t skilled”. by James Terry of GreenTeam Service Corp.

 

Office buildings are generally classified into one of three categories: Class A, Class B, or Class C. Standards vary by market, and each category is defined in relation to its counterparts. Building classification allows a user to differentiate buildings and rationalize market data — that said, classification is an art, not a science. While a definitive formula for each class does not exist, the general characteristics are as follows:

Class A
These buildings represent the newest and highest quality buildings in their market. They are generally the best looking buildings with the best construction, and possess high-quality building infrastructure. Class A buildings also are well located, have good access, and are professionally managed. As a result of this, they attract the highest quality tenants and also command the highest rents.

Class B
This is the next notch down. Class B buildings are generally a little older, but still have good quality management and tenants. Oftentimes, value-added investors target these buildings as investments since well-located Class B buildings can be returned to their Class A glory through renovations such as facade and common area improvements. Class B buildings should generally not be functionally obsolete and should be well maintained.

Class C
The lowest classification of office building and space is Class C. These are older buildings and are located in less desirable areas and are often in need of extensive renovation. Architecturally, these buildings are the least desirable, and building infrastructure and technology is outdated. As a result, Class C buildings have the lowest rental rates, take the longest time to lease, and are often targeted as re-development opportunities.

The above is just a general guideline of building classifications. No formal standard exists for classifying a building. Buildings must be viewed in the context of their sub-market; i.e., a Class A building in one neighborhood may not be a Class A building in another.

 

 

 

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Last Chance: Fountain & Aeration Deal of the Year! by SOLitude Lake Management

Last Chance: Fountain & Aeration Deal of the Year! by SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Dec 02, 2020
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Last Chance: Fountain & Aeration Deal of the Year!

by SOLitude Lake Management

The holiday season is here. Treat your lake or pond to a new fountain or aeration system! After this difficult year, both you and your waterbody deserve a fresh start. Purchase a new fountain or aeration system and receive FREE installation before 12/31*. This is your last opportunity to save up to $700! 

*Free basic installation, or $700 off installation, with purchase of new fountain or aeration system. Installation date must be prior to 12/31/20.

Secure my Savings Today

 


SOLitude Lake Management has a new Business Development Consultant in Florida! 

SOLitude Lake Management is committed to providing full-service lake and pond management solutions that improve water quality, preserve natural resources, and reduce our environmental footprint.

Our services include lake, pond, wetland and fisheries management programs, algae and aquatic weed control, mechanical harvesting, hydro-raking, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, water quality testing and restoration, bathymetry, lake vegetation studies, biological assessments, habitat assessments, invasive species management and nuisance wildlife management.

 

Josh McGarry
Business Development Consultant
SOLitude Lake Management
Info@solitudelake.com
(888)480-5253

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5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement By SOLitude Lake Management

5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement By SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Nov 19, 2020
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5 Surprising Ways to Prolong Your Pond’s Retirement

By SOLitude Lake Management, Nov 19, 2020

AS SEEN IN National Community Association Institute’s (CAI) publication, Common Ground

The very first fish I remember catching was a bullhead catfish. It was in a small pond in my grandparents’ HOA community that is still there today. Well, sort of. Though the pond had once been deep enough for fishing and stormwater collection, its depth is now best measured in inches rather than feet. The cattails that were once clustered near the outflow are now abundant throughout the pond. Today, the waterbody resembles the nearby wetland more than it does a pond. In the 55 years of its existence, no measures have ever been taken to mitigate against the natural process of succession.

Lake and pond succession is the natural lifecycle of any waterbody. The very tributaries that supply a waterbody with its water also carry sediment, which over time accumulates and decreases the water depth. Aquatic weeds and nuisance vegetation decompose and create additional organic sediment. And the shallower the pond becomes, the more vegetation it produces—accelerating the aging process.

Read more »

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Top 5 Pond Management Articles of 2020 By SOLitude Lake Management

Top 5 Pond Management Articles of 2020 By SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Nov 09, 2020
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Top 5 Pond Management Articles of 2020

By SOLitude Lake Management

That’s a wrap! What a year it has been. In honor of a new start on 2021, it’s important to reflect on where we’ve been. So, we gathered all of our educational materials and picked our top five lake and pond management articles. Read our most popular articles covering toxic algae, aquatic weed control, fisheries and wildlife management and new innovations and technologies.


Blog Mini Square Pics - things-to-do-during-social-distancing-top-five-articles-of2-2-5. Social Distancing? Here’s 15 Things To Do On or Around Your Waterbody

In the face of COVID-19, many of us have traded large gatherings and public outings for seclusion in our homes, and this can lead to feelings of loneliness or cabin-fever. Time spent in nature, particularly around the water, can help counteract these feelings. In fact, science proves it! Get out there and have fun with our 15 social distancing activities.


Blog Mini Square Pics - water quality testing-top-5-articles-of-20204. How Data Collection Helps Build Successful Management Plans

Clean water enhances our communities in many ways. And the health of these systems is dependent on many measurable factors. Learn how data can be leveraged to uphold the natural balance of your lake or pond so it can continue to meet your unique goals – whatever they may be!


Blog Mini Square Pics -erosion-control-top-five-articles-in 20203. Shoreline Restoration With Erosion Control Technology

No matter how much you enjoy your waterbody, eroded shorelines can significantly detract from your experience AND pose serious dangers to the community. Luckily, new solutions can be used to revitalize damage and erosion. See how one HOA community was completely transformed using this advanced, eco-friendly technology.


Blog Mini Square Pics-top-five-articles-of-2020-submersed-aeration-fountain-nanobubble2. Back to Basics: Nanobubbles vs. Fountains vs. Aeration

The water quality benefits of dissolved oxygen are extensive in lakes and ponds, which is why there are an array of solutions available to help circulate and oxygenate your waterbody. When considering an aeration solution, it’s important to understand the benefits and limitations of each option available to you. Here’s the rundown.


Harmful Algal Bloom1. Nutrient Loading May be Fueling Toxic Algae in Your Community

Nutrients play an important role in our environment, but an excess of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen can have devastating effects in lakes and ponds. Beyond the algae and nuisance weeds, excess nutrients can fuel harmful cyanobacteria, which are known to produce toxins linked to neurological diseases. Review the facts so you can protect yourself.

 

 

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Top 5 Rules for Pond Management By SOLitude Lake Management

Top 5 Rules for Pond Management By SOLitude Lake Management

  • Posted: Nov 04, 2020
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BLOG | Top 5 Rules for Pond Management

By SOLitude Lake Management, Nov 04, 2020

Park-and-Recreation-Lake-Management

Written by Greg Blackham, Aquatic Specialist

AS SEEN IN Parks and Rec Business publication.

Whether you’ve recently stepped into a new role as a community manager or parks manager, or simply decided to turn more attention to the aesthetic needs of your facilities, there’s a good chance your responsibilities include overseeing a lake or stormwater pond. Maintaining a fully interactive aquatic ecosystem that is aesthetically pleasing, functional, and safe for the community can be daunting! Some choose to take this on “in-house” (either to cut down on costs or because they enjoy the challenge it brings) but it’s important to recognize possible complications and dangers that make professional intervention necessary.

There’s no true “how-to” guide for the management of freshwater resources; each waterbody and the management challenges that come with it are completely unique. However, all lakes and ponds can benefit from proactive, sustainable management efforts. Here are some rules of thumb that every facilities manager can benefit from keeping in mind…

https://www.solitudelakemanagement.com/blog/top-five-rules-pond-management

 

 

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Exclusive Year-End Savings On Fountains & Aeration by SOLitude

Exclusive Year-End Savings On Fountains & Aeration by SOLitude

  • Posted: Oct 15, 2020
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Exclusive Year-End Savings On Fountains & Aeration

by SOLitude

For most of us, 2020 has been rough and next year can’t come soon enough. As a small way of helping out, we are pleased to offer some year-end savings to our loyal clients and followers. Purchase any new fountain or aeration system and receive FREE installation services*. Contact us today to maximize your savings!

Receive FREE basic installation, or $700 off installation, with purchase of a new fountain or aeration system. Offer is valid for contracts signed after 10/14/20. Installation date must be prior to 12/31/20.

 

Contact us Today for Savings before the years end!

 

 

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Gear Up For Autumn With Our Pond Management Tips by SOLitude Lake Management

Gear Up For Autumn With Our Pond Management Tips by SOLitude Lake Management

Gear Up For Autumn With Our Pond Management Tips

by SOLitude Lake Management

It’s important to keep up with lake management this autumn to allow for fall recreation and ensure your waterbody is balanced and beautiful come spring.

 

Your Fall Pond Management Checklist:

☑ Restore eroded shorelines
☑ Manage shoreline plants and trees
☑ Restore depth through hydro-raking
☑ Execute your fountain & aeration plan
☑ Identify changes in your waterbody with bathymetric mapping
☑ Stock winter sport fish

 

It’s important to consider your pond goals for 2021: how can you best prepare? Learn how each of these solutions can help improve water quality and beauty.

 

 

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