GPS Lake Mapping in Action: Locating Trophy Bass in Georgia

Bathymetric Lake Mapping was performed by Greg Grimes with Aquatic Environmental Services for a homeowners association in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia.  To read more about the mapping project click here.  During the mapping process in the field, Mr. Grimes was able to notice the main creek channel.  They made sure to collect plenty of data in this area and sure enough the maps showed a defined meandering creek channel.

Mr. Grimes discusses the lake mapping and fish shocking survey process: “When mapping we used our shock boat so knowing this service was part of our management services we performed this service upon completion of mapping.   We shocked up many good bass. The real hot spot was the meandering creek.  Luckily while mapping we tossed out a few marker buoys.  Many large bass floated up right near the markers of the creek channel.  One really cool thing that I would also like to share is that we tagged a bass at the boat ramp and 400 yards away it was shocked an hour later in the creek channel.  It is amazing in a 32 acre lake to get a bass we just shocked but even more amazing is how far the bass traveled in short time.”

So after the fish survey and mapping for the sedimentation it became clear they also were going to use this map for fishing.  During the data processing phase, The Mapping Network provided Aquatic Environmental Services a few GPS coordinates of the hotspots and now the residents can go back and find these locations.  Resident Phyllis Lea did just that; she took her granddaughter to the creek channel using the maps and knowledge it provided and had a morning to remember.

While bathymetric mapping might be primarily for monitoring sediment, never underestimate the power it can have for finding fish as well!

Combining the accuracy of GPS mapping technology and

professional electrofishing management techniques to

create a fishing hot spot map.  An example of the Trophy

Bass found in this lake in Georgia.

The Mapping Network provides the highest quality and is the most affordable bathymetric mapping system on the market today.  If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Aquatic Environmental Services, Inc offers a wide range of lake management and fisheries management services to residential, commercial, and private lake owners throughout Georgia and the southeast. We have been providing these quality services since 1996. AES has the experience and education necessary to provide unsurpassed lake and fishery services.  We have selected only the best products available for resale to our customers. Since the year 2000 we have performed services on over 2000 bodies of water.
Aquatic Environmental Services, Inc now has two divisions. Our Lake Management Division (LMD) emphasis is on maximizing the aesthetic appeal of a body of water while our Fishery Management Division (FMD) travels the southeast helping our clients grow big fish. Please visit these pages to find out more specific information on how we can help you with your lake management.

Our staff is comprised of three degreed fishery biologists. Mike Rosa heads LMD and has his B.S. in Fisheries from the University of Georgia. Matthew Morgan is supervisor for FMD and obtained his degree from the famed fishery management program at Auburn University. Greg Grimes, President of AES, obtained his masters in Fisheries from the University of Georgia in 1998 at which time he began the expansion of AES that continues today.

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Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas Lake Mapping

Bathymetric Lake Mapping was performed by Trent Lewis with Pond Medics, Inc., for a private homeowner in a suburb northwest of Dallas, Texas.  The purpose of this project was to create a base map of lake depths and locate areas of sediment accumulation.  The mapping techniques utilized in this project and subsequent lake mapping results allowed Pond Medics to devise an accurate resource management plan for the association.

Mr. Lewis says to “think of your lake map as a window into an unseen world. The lake map can be used to track changes in this dynamic environment. Use it as a planning and budgeting tool in your community. The sooner a lake is mapped, the more informed your lake management decisions will be.”

The finished project included a Bathymetric Lake Map with 3D Color-shaded depths and contour map with locations of high risk sediment areas.

Color-shaded depth map of a pond mapped by Pond Medics

For more information on Pond Medics, Inc. please contact:

Trent Lewis

phone: (972) 334-0104

e-mail:  info@pondmedics.com

website:  www.pondmedics.com

The Mapping Network:  www.TheMappingNetwork.com

A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

GPS Lake Map

GPS Bathymetric Lake Map

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Lake Bathymetry in St. Louis, MO

Using a GPS Lake Map to Create Management Plan

Jim Darlington, President of Leisure Ponds, mapped a  small pond in the St. Louis area for a residential Home Owners Association.

The pond surveyed was approximately 0.8 acres and had shown warning signs of significant sedimentation.  GPS Lake mapping was conducted on site to reveal the true lake depths of the ponds.  In addition to the bathymetric survey, sedimentation depths were collected and a model of sedimentation levels was created to estimate the volume of sludge in the lake.  During the mapping process, the HOA found out that the middle of the lake had roughly 6 to 7 feet of sedimentation accumulation.  This information provided the baseline depth profile needed for long-term sedimentation monitoring and dredging plans.  The mapping techniques utilized in this project allows Leisure Ponds to accurately isolate areas of high sedimentation for removal and help lake managers budget accordingly.

Contour map of a pond for a Home Owners Association in St. Louis, MO

Leisure Ponds specializes in improving the functional and aesthetic value of urban problem ponds.  For more information on Lake Mapping and Management in the St. Louis area please contact:

Jim Darlington

636-346-6228

www.leisureponds.com

The Mapping Network: www.TheMappingNetwork.com A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

GPS Lake Map on YouTube Video

GPS Bathymetric Lake Map

View all Virtual 3D Lake Mapping on YouTube from The Mapping Network here: YouTube Videos

GPS Lake Map Guides Lake Management Plan

GPS Bathymetric Lake Mapping by The Mapping Network

On the surface, a lake or pond seems serene and effortless to maintain, but under the surface is a complex, dynamic organism requiring expert knowledge to produce a perfect balance.  To fully enjoy your lake or pond it is essential to know the facts.  Exact acreage, depths, and chemistry of your lake are critical factors for making the best management decisions.  Armed with this knowledge you will be able to properly place structure, deliver appropriate stocking densities, select the correct fish species, apply the right amount of weed control, and of course gain a better idea where those bass may be hiding!  The Mapping Network maps lakes throughout the entire year but typically the best time to map a lake is from fall until spring, while the weeds are down.  An accurate lake map provides the information needed to make the most of your aquatic resource.   The Mapping Network provides the highest quality and is the most affordable bathymetric mapping system on the market today.  If you are serious about maintaining  a high-quality lake or pond, be sure you have the ability to make the best decisions,  get your lake mapped by the professionals at The Mapping Network.   Give us a call or send an e-mail to find out more details.

phone:  (402) 241-8177

e-mail: info@themappingnetwork.com

website: www.themappingnetwork.com

Powerful, Proven Results:

Bathymetric Lake Mapping was performed by Trent Lewis with Pond Medics, Inc., for a homeowners association in a suburb northeast of Dallas, Texas.  The purpose of this project was to create a base map of lake depths and locate areas of sediment accumulation.  The mapping techniques utilized in this project and subsequent lake mapping results allowed Pond Medics to devise an accurate resource management plan for the association.

Mr. Lewis says to “think of your lake map as a window into an unseen world. The lake map can be used to track changes in this dynamic environment. Use it as a planning and budgeting tool in your community. The sooner a lake is mapped, the more informed your lake management decisions will be.”

The finished project included a Bathymetric Lake Map with 3D Color-shaded depths and contour map with locations of high risk sediment areas.

3D Color-Shaded Depth Map of a Series of Lakes

For more information on Pond Medics, Inc. please contact:

Trent Lewis

phone: (972) 334-0104

e-mail:  info@pondmedics.com

website:  www.pondmedics.com

The Mapping Network:  www.TheMappingNetwork.com

A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

GPS Lake Map

GPS Bathymetric Lake Map

New Pond Design and Contruction

New Pond Construction by Wade Bales, Quality Lakes, Inc. – www.qualitylakes.com

Quality Lakes Inc. was contracted to design a pond for a client to use as a back-up fishing location for their guests on days the St. John’s River was too rough for a guided trip.  The challenge was meeting the permit requirements for maximum surface acreage and maximum storage capacity which limited the overall size of the pond.  By utilizing the lake design tools available through our partnership with The Mapping Network, we were able to design a pond to meet permitting specifications while maximizing fish habitat and access by bank anglers to all regions of the pond.  Construction is underway and should be wrapped up in October.

New lake construction is well underway using the design created by Quality Lakes and The Mapping Network

Lake design created by Quality Lakes and The Mapping Network with an emphasis on creating a premium fishery

More information on Quality Lakes, Inc. can be found at their website: www.qualitylakes.com

The Mapping Network:  www.TheMappingNetwork.com

A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

GPS Lake Map

GPS Bathymetric Lake Map

GPS Maps of Hunting Land and Lakes – Improve Property Management

With the fall hunting season just getting started, how would you like to have a detailed map of your property with the latest aerial imagery?  Want your deer stands, trails, food plots, property boundary, ponds, streams, deer cameras, etc placed on a master map?  The Mapping Network, and its mapping partners offer an extensive set of land and habitat GPS mapping services involving the use of highly accurate data collection methods, state of the art GIS and GPS technology and satellite imagery.  The Mapping Network offers a variety of mapping services and products for real estate professionals, private landowners, fishing and hunting clubs, habitat and lake developers, hunting lease managers, timber management firms, and recreational land companies.  The Mapping Network has service providers conveniently located throughout the country with the experience to handle mapping projects in any terrain or environment.  Common client requests include, but are not limited to, aquatic vegetation beds, wetlands, streams, irrigation canals, inlet and outlet features, dam facilities, habitat structures, boat ramps, fishing piers, duck blinds, waterfowl nests and site-specific channels.  Our mapping specialists will assist in the collection of key property data and work with you throughout the map making process.

A recent project for a client included creating a detailed Nebraska habitat plan to allow the land owner to visualize and study the feasibility of constructing a world-class hunting and fishing destination.  Mapping the three lakes on the property allows proper management of largemouth bass by knowing exact depths and acreage for stocking densities and vegetation control.  The maps are a handy tool for guests to the ranch by showing all trails and fishing hot spots.

To locate a GPS mapping provider near you please check out the The Mapping Network’s Partner Page:  http://www.TheMappingNetwork.com

GPS Habitat and Lake Map

The Mapping Network:  www.TheMappingNetwork.com

A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

Smith Mountain Lake Benefits from Bathymetry Survey

Engineers Developing Dredging Plan and Dock Placement Select Local Expert for Bathymetry Study

Smith Mountain Lake is a gorgeous, 40-mile long, 20,600 acre lake, with 500 miles of shoreline, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of rural southwestern Virginia.  Part of an ongoing improvement project required small sections ranging from 0.25 to 3 acres to be dredged due to sedimentation and safety issues.   Another area of the lake was preparing for the installation of several docks for the increase in boaters.  In both cases, accurate bathymetric lake mapping conducted by Virginia Lake Management and The Mapping Network was used as a tool for measuring lake depth and sediment volume to assist the lake in finding the best methods of dock placement and dredging techniques.  Engineers now have an updated basemap to monitor future sediment levels and keep boats traveling safely through the lake.

How accurate is your lake data? Did you know that many lake maps currently used by decision makers and the general public are either very old (often from the 1950’s) or were the original design plans (usually very inaccurate).  Don’t base your management and safety decisions on data that can be several feet off – have your lake mapped by the premier bathymetry survey providers in the country!  Only select companies undergo the detailed training provided through The Mapping Network.  This group of professional lake mappers have the local knowledge and reputation to proficiently map your lake.

Creating an accurate, up-to-date lake map of a cove. This information assists in construction and dredging plans by showing contractors and lake managers exactly what the bottom of the lake looks like.

More information on Virginia Lake Management can be found on their website:  www.virginialakemanagement.com

Kevin Tucker is the president of Virginia Lake Management Company, specializing in pond and lake management.  VLM also controls pond management interests in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and North Carolina.

phone: (866) 697-2584

website:  www.virginialakemanagement.com

Color-Shaded Depth Map of a lake mapped by Virginia Lake Management

The Mapping Network:  www.TheMappingNetwork.com

A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

GPS Lake Map

GPS Bathymetric Lake Mapping

For the best results in mapping, it’s best to consult with a lake management company equipped with the very latest in GPS mapping technology.  Along with standard contour maps, The Mapping Network creates virtual media solutions on YouTube including a fly-over video and virtual underwater virtual swim-through.  With this knowledge, you can add layers of depth to the information you seek to maintain a beautiful lake.

Engineering Company Select Virginia Lake Managment for Bathymetric Mapping

Engineers Select Local Expert for Bathymetry Study

Virginia Lake Management provided a bathymetric lake mapping survey for a lake in Virginia.  Engineers recently performed a flood study on the dam and found the spillway insufficient.  While preparing an engineering report to propose upgrade options the only bathymetric data available was hand collected in the 1950′s.  As a local expert on bathymetric mapping, Virgina Lake Management was able to conduct an accurate, up-to-date lake depth map for the engineer’s report.  This new lake survey will provide the precise lake depths needed to create the best dam upgrade options.   In addition, the data from the new survey will assist engineers in determining the amount of volume reduction achieved if the decision is made to lower the lake level a few feet.

More information on Virginia Lake Management can be found on their website:  www.virginialakemanagement.com

Kevin Tucker is the president of Virginia Lake Management Company, specializing in pond and lake management.  VLM also controls pond management interests in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and North Carolina.

phone: (866) 697-2584

website:  www.virginialakemanagement.com

Color-Shaded Depth Map of a lake mapped by Virginia Lake Management

The Mapping Network:  www.TheMappingNetwork.com

A Nationwide Network of GPS Mapping Professionals

GPS Lake Map

GPS Bathymetric Lake Mapping

For the best results in mapping, it’s best to consult with a lake management company equipped with the very latest in GPS mapping technology.  Along with standard contour maps, The Mapping Network creates virtual media solutions on YouTube including a fly-over video and virtual underwater virtual swim-through.  With this knowledge, you can add layers of depth to the information you seek to maintain a beautiful lake.

USDA Announces Loan Program for Natural Resource Conservation

USDA Announces Loan Program for Natural Resource Conservation

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2010 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of a Conservation Loan (CL) program that will provide farm owners and farm-related business operators access to credit to implement conservation techniques that will conserve natural resources.

“This will give farmers who want to implement conservation measures on their lands a chance to do so by providing assistance with their up-front costs,” said Vilsack. “In return, these producers will help to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and promote sustainable and organic agricultural practices.”

CL funds can be used to implement conservation practices approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), such as the installation of conservation structures; establishment of forest cover; installation of water conservation measures; establishment or improvement of permanent pastures; implementation of manure management; and the adaptation of other emerging or existing conservation practices, techniques or technologies.

Direct CLs can be obtained through local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices with loan limits up to $300,000. Guaranteed CLs up to $1,112,000 are available from lenders working with FSA.

For more information on the Conservation Loan program, contact a local FSA office or visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov. For more information about this announcement please see the notice which will appear in the September 3 edition of the Federal Register: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/federalNotices?area=home&subject=lare&topic=frd-ii

Contact:

Kent Politsch (202) 720-7163

kent.politsch@wdc.usda.gov

Professional Lake Management Service Providers Need Your Help!

Many of you are aware of the recent movement by EPA to further regulate commercial pesticide use, of which aquatic herbicides are included.  EPA will be implementing another administrative layer in April 2011 that will require state permits for all properties that utilize pesticides in or adjacent to any waters.  While we applaud the promotion of wise use of such chemicals, this unfunded step that will be mandated to the states to administer will bring with it significant administrative time and permit fees to companies who already go through rigorous screening and education.  Unfortunately we will have to pass these costs on or at least a portion of our costs on to our clients.  This step is redundant in that we are already required to keep records of chemical applications and our applications follow label guidelines for all products we use. There are two bills in Congress now that would repeal this step being taken by EPA.  I ask that all of you utilize the ‘Take Action’ link below to let our representatives know that we are in favor of the bills.  If you would like to read more into the EPA effort I can provide you links to the appropriate sources. Professional Lake Management companies strive to utilize the lowest possible amount of chemicals necessary to meet their clients’ goals.  This translates into fewer chemicals entering our waterways and falls well within the label guidelines.  The fact that the chemicals used go through years of testing by EPA, specifically environmental impact monitoring post treatment, and these Professional Lake Management companies are licensed commercial applicators that attend annual training on the use of such chemicals, we feel further regulation of pesticide use only hurts the lake owner.  We feel if any further regulations are needed, the area of non-licensed applicators using these chemicals should be addressed. Please take a moment to respond to this important message below. Click on the TAKE ACTION and fill in the blanks. This is in support of Federal legislation that would allow the use of FIFRA labeled products to be used WITHOUT the NPDES PERMIT requirement in most states. This is the legislative fix you may have been hearing about and support is urgently needed in Washington . The window of opportunity is very small so please repsond ASAP This takes literally just a minute. The email will automatically be sent to your Congressmen and Senators is WA, DC

Take Action Now: S.3735/H.6087 Call to Action: NPDES Take Action! Dear Grassroots Advocate, We need your help to protect businesses and customers from increased costs and paperwork, and to ensure applicators’ ability to continue providing protection from harmful pests. Click Take Action now to contact your Senators and Representatives. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (AR-D) and ranking Member Saxby Chambliss (GA-R) recently introduced S.3735, the FIFRA Paperwork Reduction Act. Agriculture committee Ranking Member, Frank Lucan, introduced the House version H.R. 6087. This legislation would ensure that all pesticide uses would be under the legal primacy of FIFRA and restrict EPA from creating redundant environmental regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency continues to increase regulations on the pesticide industry. EPA is finalizing its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Pesticide General Permit (PGP), with plans to implement the regulation in April, 2011. The proposed regulations will affect any applicators who apply pesticides to, near, or above water. The regulation creates an unnecessary burden to permit holders, uncertain liability to all pesticide end-users, and an unrealistic timeframe for implementation. Click Take Action now to contact your legislators