Our Eco-Harvester: Preserving Moodus Reservoir
The Moodus Reservoir Preservation Group (MRPG) is dedicated to maintaining the health of our lake, and after extensive studies and trials, we've found that the Eco-Harvester is our most effective solution for weed control.
Why the Eco-Harvester?
Unlike traditional weed cutters, the Eco-Harvester uses a unique drum/conveyor system to pull aquatic weeds directly from their roots. It can also efficiently skim floating weeds from the surface. This method is crucial for the long-term health of Moodus Reservoir because it:
- Removes weeds at the source: By extracting the entire plant, including the root system, we prevent regrowth and significantly reduce the weed population over time.
- Eliminates the need for chemicals: This eco-friendly approach ensures no harmful substances are introduced into our beautiful lake.
- Minimizes disruption: The Eco-Harvester is designed to be the least invasive method for weed removal, causing minimal disturbance to the lake bottom compared to other techniques like dredging or chemical treatments.
The Eco-Harvester is highly effective at uprooting nearly all types of submerged vegetation, including milfoil, hydrilla, starry stonewort, and water chestnut, which are common in our area. It's also remarkably easy to operate, often requiring only one person for the entire process of unloading, operating, and trailering.
2024 Season Recap & 2025 Outlook
The 2024 weed harvesting season presented unexpected challenges. Unfortunately, a mouse infestation while the harvester was in storage last winter caused significant damage, leading to more time in the shop than on the water.
The good news is that the harvester has been fully repaired and is ready to go for the 2025 season! We are committed to maximizing machine time on the water to service the entire lake effectively.