I live in a very small subdivision (15 lots) on the west edge of Springfield, Illinois. Our tiny HOA recently acquired responsibility for 2 small retention ponds that are overgrown with small trees, pussy willows and algae. Wildlife that make their home in the ponds, include ducks, frogs, snakes, muskrat, turtles and a variety of birds. Last winter, the developer had the trees cut to water/ground level. We want to treat the water to control vegetation and maybe treat stumps but want to make sure that we maintain the habitat, not harm the wildlife not adversely impact other area ponds where "our" overflow ends up. Are there contractors who are certified to do this sort of work? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Was the information you received from Dave Shiley helpful?

I did not receive any information from a Dave Smiley. However, I did find an answer. It seems few people are certified to treat such ponds so that all environmental regulations and safeguards are met. One person is George Lang from nearby Pleasant Nursery. He used an herbicide to control the cattails and willows and a dye to kill the algae ($200). Follow-up applications will probably be needed as well as annual treatment. When the ponds are dry, we can pull up the cattail tubers. The wildlife in the ponds seems to be thriving.