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Allstate Resource Management, We are a family-owned and operated business for over 25+ years in South Florida!

Allstate Resource Management, We are a family-owned and operated business for over 25+ years in South Florida!

  • Posted: Mar 20, 2022
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Allstate Resource Management, We are a family-owned and operated business

for over 25+ years in South Florida!

 

Here is what some of our Property Managers are saying about us!

“Allstate is the best Lake Company I’ve worked with; they are professional, very knowledgeable, and respond immediately to anything we need for many years now. We also sincerely appreciate the quality of work they provide on a constant basis.
Thank you, Allstate!”
“Allstate Resource Management has been a wonderful company to work with. They are quick and efficient in getting the inspections and maintenance for the stormwater for several of our locations in Florida done. A++ for Wendy, she has been making sure that we are on top of our permits and has suggestions to help the process run smoothly.”
“Allstate is the best Lake Company I’ve worked with; they are professional, very knowledgeable, and respond immediately to anything we need for many years now. We also sincerely appreciate the quality of work they provide on a constant basis.
Thank you Allstate!”
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 managementwetland managementstormwater drain cleaning and maintenance, erosion controlfish stockingnative plantingsdebris removalwater qualityaquatic 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.
NEW Continuing Education Course Offering! How Sustainable Lake Management Creates Happier, Healthier Communities (1 CE Credit).

NEW Continuing Education Course Offering! How Sustainable Lake Management Creates Happier, Healthier Communities (1 CE Credit).

  • Posted: Mar 03, 2022
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NEW Continuing Education Course Offering!

How Sustainable Lake Management Creates Happier, Healthier Communities (1 CE Credit).

You may have noticed the positive effects on your health and happiness when spending time around the water, but do you know the science behind this phenomenon? Humans have an undeniable connection to waterbodies. This underscores the importance of continuous freshwater management and the prioritization of sustainable techniques.

In this presentation, attendees will learn:

  • Common lake & pond challenges property managers face in their communities
  • Best practices to implement in lakes and ponds on a recurring or annual basis
  • New technologies to make freshwater management more efficient & cost-effective
  • Strategies that help enhance increase property values & enhance brand image

Partner with the aquatic management experts at SOLitude for your continuing education needs in 2022. Reply to this email to schedule a presentation in your area today!

Contact SOLitude Lake Management

SOLitude Lake Management is a nationwide environmental firm with local offices throughout the U.S. We are dedicated to making water a more healthy and beautiful part of our world. In that pursuit, SOLitude offers sustainable solutions that improve water quality, enhance beauty, preserve natural resources and reduce our environmental footprint. Do you have a lake, stormwater pond, wetland, or fisheries management question or concern?

Call us at 866-996-3294 or simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you right away.

How Can We Conserve Wetlands in Florida?

How Can We Conserve Wetlands in Florida?

Wetlands play an extremely important role in the ecosystem, particularly in Florida. In addition to their cultural relevance, they are a central feature that is home to thousands of incredible species. Preserving them is not only beneficial to the natural ecosystem, it benefits our communities in many ways.

Simply put, wetlands are lands that transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments. More specifically, wetlands contain soils that are inundated long enough to support the growth and reproduction of diverse vegetation.

The plants that grow in wetlands have adapted in a way that lets them survive in the hydric or wet soils. Swamps, marshes, bayheads, bogs, cypress domes and strands, sloughs, wet prairies, riverine swamps, mangrove swamps, and other similar areas meet the criteria of wetlands.

There are wetlands on every continent. Although the Everglades are the most well-known wetlands in Florida, there are many other wetland areas throughout the state. A healthy wetland supports a wide range of wildlife such as birds, amphibians, crustaceans, fish, and reptiles.

 

What Problems Do Wetlands Face?

The aquatic freshwater and marine life of Florida depend on wetlands for feeding grounds and nurseries for their young. In addition, wetlands also offer outstanding recreational opportunities for fishing, boating, bird watching, and photography – to name just a few. Unfortunately, wetlands face many threats:

florida-preserve

Human Use

Wetlands originally covered approximately 60% of the state’s land, but over time, wetlands have been reduced by urban development to less than half of that amount. Human activities are arguably the greatest threat to wetlands due to the draining of these lands for agriculture or development. Historically, wetlands were considered wastelands and were drained and cleared of vegetation without a second thought to make way for homes, roads, and shopping centers.

Loss of wetlands habitat not only affects animals and plants, but it also diminishes the water supply for the human population, since wetlands hold, filter, and slowly release immense amounts of rainwater into the aquifers that serve as central and south Florida’s only source of freshwater.

 

invasive-species-wetland-management

Invasive Species

Like all ecosystems, the survival of the plants and animal species that live in wetlands depend on a delicately balanced environment. When non-native species are brought in, either on purpose or accidentally, it can unbalance the existing system. Invasive species compete with native species for limited resources. When native species start to die off as a result of competition with an invasive species, the food chain of the ecosystem is disrupted.

For example, some wetlands are being overrun by water hyacinth. This plant is held in check in its native environment, but in North American habitats, it spreads at an alarming rate. Similarly, Burmese pythons were brought into the country as pets and released into local wetlands where they grow too big to be sufficiently supported by their environment. These large snakes thrive in wetlands like the Everglades and threaten the survival of endangered species.

 

lake-pond-pollution

Pollution

Wetlands work as natural water filtration units. Polluted water washes into the wetlands and is purified as it flows through and out of the wetlands. The pollutants either settle to the bottom of the wetlands or are used by the plants growing in these habitats. But if the concentration of pollutants reaches and then crosses the saturation level, and toxic contaminants continue entering the wetlands, the plants and animals struggle to survive.

In addition, wetlands are often used as dumping grounds for industrial and household waste and sewage. High pollution rates in wetlands kill off fish, wildlife, and plants, destroying the habitat.

 

drought-dried-pond

Climate Change

Like other ecosystems and habitats, wetlands are also affected by alterations to the environment caused by climate change. Sea-level rise caused by warming temperature is submerging or drowning wetlands, while extreme weather such as drought is drying them out. Higher water levels and lower water levels are caused by the various effects of climate change.

 

river-dam

Dams

The construction of dams that alter the natural flow of a river also has a huge impact on the environment where it is built. Altering the flow of a river disturbs the ecosystems that depend on that river. Wetlands like swamps or marshes suffer from a higher or lower flow of water when a dam is built. Dams can permanently damage wetland ecosystems.

 

Why We Need to Conserve Wetlands

Wetlands are productive ecosystems that provide environmental benefits to the areas that surround them. Waterfowl and migratory birds, and other wildlife make wetlands their home. As important as that is, these dynamic natural systems provide services such as removing harmful chemicals and excess nutrients from storm runoff, recharging aquifers used for drinking water and irrigation, and protecting communities from coastal storm surges and flooding.

Coastal wetlands and estuaries support diverse habitats that provide shelter and food for recreational and commercial fisheries, which in turn contribute to local economies. People are often drawn to wetlands for outdoor recreation and wellness. Outdoor recreation is important for the health of the population as well as the economy.

 

Best Way to Conserve Wetlands

These important functions make wetlands a vital part of our environment. Maintaining and improving the health of wetlands support plants, animals, and people. Here are five ways to help conserve Florida’s wetlands:

1. Create Native Plant Buffers

Improve the health of wetlands by planting buffer strips of native plants near and around water resources. These buffers can help filter out fertilizers and pollutants before they enter the water and cause environmental imbalances. They also help hold soil in place for lasting structure and aesthetic appeal.

2. Eradicate Invasive Species

Non-native plants that quickly become invasive can have devastating consequences on wetlands. They choke out native species and change the function of the wetlands. Likewise, invasive animals compete with native wildlife for food and habitat, creating a negative cycle within the food web. Monitor the area and report the presence of any invasive species immediately.

3. Reduce the Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers

Avoid using pesticides and fertilizers for lawn or garden care. These chemicals can harm aquatic species and wildlife by negatively affecting water quality and encouraging invasive plant growth. When absolutely necessary, use organic products in place of chemicals.

4. Clean Up after Pets

Animal waste can wreak havoc on wetlands and their population. Make sure that pet waste is kept out of wetlands by keeping dogs fenced in or leashed, and keeping your cats inside as much as possible. When walking pets or playing outdoors, always pick up and properly dispose of any waste.

5. Monitor Regularly

Wetlands are amazing ecosystems containing a complex web of plants, animals, fish, and organisms. Change is always occurring, so it’s important to stay informed about the health of the environment. Freshwater management professionals are experienced in monitoring and maintenance solutions aimed at preserving the health and beauty of these habitats. Consider implementing an annual management program to preserve wetlands in your area.

Protecting Florida Wetlands

Florida is known for its magnificent wetlands, but that doesn’t mean they will be around forever. Through urban development, invasive species introduction, pollution, and other factors, humans have expedited the deterioration of wetland areas. We should each play an active role in the protection of these unique aquatic ecosystems so that we can enjoy, admire, and benefit from them for as long as possible.

Contact Us to Protect Your Wetland & Preservation

 


$10,000 Extreme Shoreline Makeover Giveaway!

Is your waterbody suffering from erosion damage? Enter to win a $10,000 shoreline makeover for a chance to enhance your waterbody. Entries due March 31, 2022.

Join Here: 


 

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Humans have a powerful connection to water. Learn how consistent lake management can help create happier, healthier communities.

Humans have a powerful connection to water. Learn how consistent lake management can help create happier, healthier communities.

  • Posted: Feb 18, 2022
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Improve YOUR Wellness with Healthy Water

Humans have a powerful connection to water. Learn how consistent lake management can help create happier, healthier communities.

 

It is scientifically proven that being around healthy, beautiful water can reduce anxiety and stress, boost creativity and improve our overall wellness. This is one of the many reasons why our community’s freshwater resources should be maintained with diligence. Discover how to best manage water quality issues and create a more relaxing, enjoyable space you, your loved ones, and your community can enjoy.

 

How Consistent Lake Management Helps Create Happier, Healthier Communities

Lakes, rivers, beaches, and even swimming pools have beneficial effects on the well-being of visitors that are hard to define. Water is not only essential for our survival, it has a profoundly relaxing and refreshing impact on people’s mental health and happiness. Human beings will always be inextricably connected to water physically, mentally, and spiritually. This helps explain why communities near large water systems are common vacation destinations and highly desirable places for residential communities. It also underscores the importance of preserving our precious aquatic resources.

The Effects of Poor Water Quality

Maintaining balanced aquatic ecosystems is more important than ever as water scarcity, eutrophication, drought, and increasing demand continue to cause depletion and degradation of water quality worldwide. Water pollution can lead to Harmful Algal Blooms, toxicity, nuisance and invasive aquatic weed growth, bad odors, and taste issues in drinking water reservoirs – among many other issues. These types of water quality challenges can lead to diminished property values and will undoubtedly have a negative effect on swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and overall enjoyment of nature.

Understanding the Cause of Water Quality Issues

In many areas, it’s common for water quality problems to shut down lakes and beaches throughout the summer, but few people are cognizant of why these problems occur and how significantly they can threaten our innate connection with the water. Assessing and addressing issues with water quality requires the experience and knowledge of experts who focus on optimizing all the benefits that balanced water can provide.

Preserving and enhancing water quality calls for successful proactive management with long-term results in mind. Lake and pond management is a science and taking all variables into account is the only way to address water quality issues at their root causes. Aquatic biologists pay close attention to detail and consider the entire aquatic ecosystem when collecting sound physical, chemical, and biological data.

Set A Management Baseline with Water Quality Assessments

Water quality assessments are a common starting point to uncover this important information and identify potential nutrient imbalances, pollutants, watershed inputs, algal populations, or other problems. With every visit to your waterbody, aquatic biologists can learn more from each new water sample.  This data creates a basis for management recommendations and informs the use of eco-friendly tools and advanced technologies.

Determining the Best Solutions for Your Waterbody

Depending on the challenges your waterbody faces, it may require a combination of solutions. Fountains and submersed aerators are excellent at increasing healthy dissolved oxygen levels in the water while circulating different areas of the water column. Likewise, new aeration solutions like side stream supersaturation are changing the game by making it possible to directly inject oxygen into the water to correct deficiencies, eliminate bottom muck, and potentially end reliance on herbicides.

Utilizing New Technologies

In the event that herbicides are required to achieve lasting aquatic weed control, advanced drone technology is now available to efficiently and precisely target affected areas. Drones also aid in surveillance, making it easier than ever to identify problems such as eroded shorelines, which can be rebuilt with innovative mesh technologies that integrate seamlessly into the landscape for lasting stabilization. These efforts are often paired with sediment removal strategies like hydro-raking and the application of nutrient management products that prevent future algae and aquatic weed growth. These steps can be further supported with the introduction of deep-rooted native vegetation, which form beneficial shoreline buffers that prevent undesirable nutrients and pollutants from entering the water.

Reach Your Goals with an Annual Management Program

These solutions provide immediate benefits, but they are not permanent. Lakes and ponds require year-round care for long-term success. An annual management program comprehensively supports aquatic ecosystems with many of these solutions and others that nurture waterbody health and functionality. When an annual plan is uniquely tailored to the individual characteristics of your waterbody, you can maximize the many physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of time spent in and around the water.

 

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We’re excited to give away a $10,000 shoreline makeover to help enhance one lucky winner’s waterbody! by SOLitude

We’re excited to give away a $10,000 shoreline makeover to help enhance one lucky winner’s waterbody! by SOLitude

  • Posted: Feb 12, 2022
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Win a $10,000

Extreme Shoreline Makeover

Is your eroded shoreline hindering the enjoyment of your waterbody? Enter to win a shoreline makeover and enhance your lake or pond.

We believe balanced, healthy waterbodies help create meaningful experiences on and around the water, but erosion damage creates dangerous shorelines that severely affect our ability to enjoy our lakes and ponds. That’s why we’re excited to give away a $10,000 shoreline makeover to help enhance one lucky winner’s waterbody!

HOW TO ENTER:

Click the button below and submit a photo(s) of your eroding shoreline along with a few sentences sharing why your waterbody deserves this $10,000 makeover.

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Run a better building. helping property managers provide a superior experience to residents. / BuildingLink

Run a better building. helping property managers provide a superior experience to residents. / BuildingLink

  • Posted: Feb 06, 2022
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Run your building better. Are you using buildinglink?

Have it all or choose the features that suit your building.

Package Tracking

Package Tracking

Key Tracking

Maintenance & Work Orders

Visitor Permissions

Resident Profiles

Document Library

Amenity Reservations

Parking & Vehicle Management

Asset & Inventory Tracking

Automatic Notifications

Management Analytics

Resident Portal & App

3rd-Party Software Integration

Employee Attendance

Specialized Hardware

Let’s talk

BuildingLink can help you save time, run better, and keep residents happy and safe.

Let us show you how. Ask for Richard Worth SFPMA’s Contact.

Keep everyone engaged and informed.

A branded web portal and mobile app make it easy for residents to:

  • Request maintenance
  • Book amenities
  • Track packages
  • List Guests
  • Interact with neighbors
  • Access benefits from local vendors

The system automatically notifies residents, board members, and staff, based on their role and notification preferences. In case of an emergency, management has the power to broadcast announcements using voice, text, and email.

Read more about our resident experience and messaging tools.

Keep track of packages, valuables, and guests.

Maintain a detailed record of anyone and anything that passes through your building. Let residents register guests, set special permissions, and receive real time updates on pickups and deliveries.

BuildingLink’s hardware integrations allow you to scan incoming packages and collect signatures, and the patented KeyLink system lets you share apartment keys with safety and ease.

Read more about our hardware integrationspackage module, and KeyLink by BuildingLink.

Streamline maintenance and operations.

BuildingLink works like magic to save your employees time, delight your residents, and give you the insights on your building that you need to tackle issues and avoid costly mistakes. Our central dashboard lets you track, search, and monitor everything that matters:

  • Service tickets
  • Inventory levels
  • Employee performance
  • Legal documents
  • The latest shift
  • Your resident’s preferences and requests.
  • And even more management tools!

Read more about management tools.

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How to Manage Littoral Zones in Florida by SOLitude

How to Manage Littoral Zones in Florida by SOLitude

  • Posted: Jan 30, 2022
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How to Manage Littoral Zones in Florida

Littoral Zones in Florida Waterbodies

Florida is famous for its beautiful wetlands, but these natural treasures are threatened by hundreds of different factors, from the composition of bottom sediments to features in the surrounding landscape. The space where these environments meet provides valuable insight about the health and diversity of an aquatic ecosystem. This unique area is called the littoral zone.

What Is a Littoral Zone?

The littoral zone is the down-sloping shelf of a pond or lake. This is the area that stretches from the high-water mark to the shore and into the area where sunlight penetrates through to the sediments at the bottom of a waterbody. Although the exact definition of littoral zone can change depending on the waterbody, it is generally considered the shallow area close to the shore in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

When healthy, the littoral zone looks like a miniature wetland. The beneficial plants that grow here often feature purple, white, yellow, or blue flowers that usually bloom all year long in Florida’s climates. These plants may include Golden Canna, Pickerelweed, Southern Blue Flag Iris, Fragrant Water Lily, and Florida Swamp-Lily.

Importance of a Littoral Zone

The littoral zone or littoral shelf supports a large number of native plants and aquatic life. Because Florida’s aquatic species are so diverse, some plants can survive partially or completely submerged while others do just fine floating on the water’s surface. Waterbodies that support a wide variety of native plant species tend to provide more nutrients to the native wildlife that are key to maintaining cover and habitat. In addition to supplying food to ponds and lake fish, local plants help maintain balanced levels of oxygen and other key elements.

Benefits of a Littoral Zone

In addition to protecting the health of lakes or ponds, the littoral zone can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any Florida waterbody. When filled with thriving plants and wildlife, a well-tended littoral zone adds value to the shoreline and even the surrounding property.

A littoral zone helps improve water quality by fostering beneficial species that consume the excess nutrients that contribute to nuisance algae and invasive aquatic weed growth. Additionally, when located near a flow structure, the littoral shelf helps filter out the minerals and nutrients in water before it leaves the lake or pond. This improved water quality has the added benefit of keeping mosquitos at bay and reducing foul odors exuding from the water.

Littoral shelves also help maintain the shoreline and prevent erosion. The native plant roots hold the soil and make the banks more stable and durable, which in turn helps reduce the need for extensive restoration or dredging projects in the future.

Littoral Zone Maintenance

Because the littoral zone transitions from dry land to the aquatic environment, it responds to natural and human influences and activities in the land ecosystem as well as the aquatic one. And because it is important for many industrial and recreational purposes, the littoral shelf is often drastically affected by human activities that amplify algal and weed growth, nutrient loading, overgrowth of invasive species as well as cause acidification and fluctuations in the water level. This underscores the importance of the littoral zone and littoral shelf maintenance for the health of lakes and ponds.

Establish A SOL Pro Plan for A Balanced, Healthy Waterbody

When properly established and managed, the littoral zone is less likely to require herbicide or algaecide applications. Recurring proactive management strategies such as nutrient remediation, biological bacteria applications, water quality testingaerationOxygen Saturation Technology (OST), and other sustainable solutions can have a lasting positive impact in Florida’s delicate aquatic environments. A SOL Pro Annual Management program will help any property owner prolong the balance and beauty of their lake or pond’s littoral zone.

 

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At International Subsea Services LLC, we are focused on providing Subsea Solution services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction  832-257-0813

At International Subsea Services LLC, we are focused on providing Subsea Solution services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction  832-257-0813

  • Posted: Jan 29, 2022
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International Subsea Services LLC

832-257-0813

At International Subsea Services LLC, we are focused on providing Subsea Solution services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction –

We will do everything we can to meet your expectations with a variety of offerings to choose from, we’re sure you’ll be happy working with us. I am currently an independent contractor and have been in the commercial offshore industry for the past 14 years. I have worked as a Project Manager that produces results for a wide variety of clientele. The base of my experience is in Diving/ ROV operations/ subsea installations and construction projects worldwide. I have performed a variety of jobs such as offshore oil rig subsea operations and completions, flow line jumper, measurement and construction of flexible and rigid jumper pipeline, seabed and rig surveys, onsite intervention projects of various natures in remote locations, First subsea pipeline repair done exclusively with ROV and intervention tooling. ROV intervention SIT’s and FAT’s for a wide variety of equipment including ROV access and tooling interface. We look forward to working with you and joining you Project management team.

International Subsea Services

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Are Algal Blooms Harmful to Humans? by SOLitude

Are Algal Blooms Harmful to Humans? by SOLitude

  • Posted: Jan 26, 2022
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Are Algal Blooms Harmful to Humans?

by SOLitude Lake Management

 

Are Lake & Pond Algal Blooms Harmful to Humans?

During the summer, we all look forward to recreational activities on local lakes and ponds; however, sometimes our plans are canceled due to unsightly, smelly, harmful algal blooms. Knowing a little about how HABs form can help us understand their health effects, ways to identify them, and strategies to prevent them.

How Do Harmful Algal Blooms Form in a Lake?

Algae are a natural feature in many aquatic ecosystems. Most lakes have some algae growth on a regular basis, especially during the warm summer months, but it is crucial to stay on top of the algae development since blooms can happen quickly – before you know it, there are ugly floating mats on the lake’s surface. Likewise, certain species like cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) can create concerning conditions by releasing dangerous toxins into the water.

Here are some signs that a bloom may be harmful:

  • Visible pond scum on the lake’s surface
  • Various colors such as reddish-brown, blue-green, or pea soup color
  • Often looks like paint floating on the water

Toxicity of Blue-Green Algae

Each bloom’s toxicity can vary and it’s hard to predict how dangerous a bloom will be as its toxicity changes daily. If the lake on your property looks like it may be developing dangerous levels of algae growth, take immediate steps. Not all blooms are toxic, and the only way to be sure that a bloom may become toxic is through laboratory testing. However, it can take a few days to collect and test samples, and by then, it may be too late.

Why Do Lakes Have Algal Blooms?

Most often, harmful and toxic algal blooms occur because a lake or pond is not healthy. The lake may have an excess nutrient load due to the presence of too much phosphorus and nitrogen. When there are too many of these nutrients in the lake water, algae can overgrow or bloom.

A waterbody’s health can change year over year, depending on the weather and other factors in its surrounding environment. This is why a lake that was seemingly healthy suddenly experiences a bloom. This doesn’t necessarily mean the lake is destined for poor health, but it does indicate that there are imbalances that must be addressed.

Conditions that may change lake health and cause a harmful algal bloom include:

  • Changing weather and climate—longer dry spells can lead to more algal blooms.
  • Excess nutrients in sediment—nutrients are absorbed by the lake’s sediment but are sometimes released due to a variety of conditions that are difficult to predict
  • Development around a lake—if the lake or pond area is developed and the vegetation removed, there can be more pollution in the waterbody due to runoff
  • Water flow changes—if the water flow is no longer adequate, it may become stagnant and the temperature may rise, creating conditions that are favorable for algae blooms

What Are the Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms?

The toxins produced by harmful algal blooms can cause serious health impacts to pets, people, wildlife, and livestock. These health effects can range from skin irritation and rashes, gastrointestinal illnesses, neurological problems, and even death.

 

Strategies to Manage Harmful Algal Blooms

Once algae have overgrown enough to cause a large bloom, management can be challenging. Prevention is the best way to ensure harmful algal blooms don’t occur. Association boards and community managers can help prevent or minimize the risk of harmful algal blooms by taking the following steps:

  • Ensure there is plenty of water movement and dissolved oxygen by installing fountains and submersed aerators.
  • Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste, which is a common source of excess bacteria and nutrients.
  • Implement landscaping strategies such as xeriscaping that help improve groundwater filtration before the water enters the lake.
  • Replace manicured lawns or cement banking around the lake with native plants for additional filtration and shoreline stabilization. Allow native deep-rooted plants to grow close to the water’s edge.
  • Promptly remove grass clippings and leaves to prevent their decomposition in and around lakes and ponds.
  • Reduce nutrient-rich runoff by using phosphorus-free fertilizers and detergents.
  • Stock fish, such as triploid grass carp, that feed on algae and nuisance aquatic plants. Triploid grass carp are not legal in all states. Make sure to check your state regulations before stocking.

Maintaining Balanced Water Quality

To eliminate algae, the best course of action is to contact a freshwater management professional who can monitor and maintain balanced water quality and advise and apply appropriate management solutions. These professionals will ensure that the lake or pond’s water is clean and healthy and that the levels of algae remain at beneficial, manageable levels.

DOWNLOAD A FREE TOXIC ALGAE GUIDE

 

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Should I feed the ducks? by Allstate Resource Management

Should I feed the ducks? by Allstate Resource Management

Should I feed the ducks?

Allstate Resource Management

First of all, it is not healthy for them as they become dependent on people for food. The best food for ducks is what they eat naturally— algae, insects and a variety of plants which are abundant in our subtropical climate. Humans most often feed them bread and similar items. These have no nutritional value for the duck. Additionally, feeding by humans makes the ducks reliant on such hand-outs, too lazy to continue foraging for their natural dietary items and uneaten “human” food will rot quickly in warm weather.

Second, feeding ducks encourages them to use the neighborhood as their bathroom, leaving droppings on patios, sidewalks and porches. As a result, controversies frequently arise between residents who enjoy the birds and residents who consider them a nuisance. Even duck lovers have complained about the problem of duck droppings on the lawns, drive-ways, patios, and even in their swimming pools. This is not healthy for people, particularly for the children playing in these areas. Wild ducks can spread disease to humans.  When small children, the elderly and persons with immune system problems directly handle newly-hatched chicks, they may be exposed to salmonella. Muscovies can also transmit disease to wild waterfowl. All confirmed outbreaks of DVE, also known as duck plague (a sometimes-devastating viral infection) in wild waterfowl have been linked to domestic ducks. Fowl cholera is another serious disease that is transmittable between domestic and wild waterfowl. Although we have had no major outbreaks reported yet in Florida, the potential for Muscovies to spread this disease to wild waterfowl is a biological concern.

Second, feeding ducks encourages them to use the neighborhood as their bathroom, leaving droppings on patios, sidewalks, and porches. As a result, controversies frequently arise between residents who enjoy the birds and residents who consider them a nuisance.

Feeding ducks is a fun. But before you head off to your local pond, here are a few things to keep in mind:

DON’T: Feed ducks bread or junk food. Foods like bread and crackers have no nutritional value to ducks and can cause malnutrition and painful deformities if consumed too much.

DON’T: Leave uneaten food lying around. Leftover food in the water can rot and cause deadly algae blooms that affect local wildlife.

DON’T: Try to pet wild ducks. They may not appreciate your efforts!

Keep a respectful distance and remain nonthreatening, especially to ducklings who may become stressed or injured more easily.

 

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