Large beds of hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus) are absent or receding in Clark Lake areas where the vegetation once dominated. This bulrush is important ecologically as well as aesthetically. Bulrush can help reduce turbidity and erosion of the shorelines. Preventative measures should be taken to keep naturally vegetated shoreline areas which will not only maintain high water quality but also deter geese from inhabiting mowed shoreline areas to potentially reduce herbivory of bulrush nutlets.
Monitoring bulrush health in Clark Lake includes Annual Bulrush density survey at 5 sentinel sites and a once every 5 year mapping of the entire lake. As part of the mapping there is also a subjective evaluation of the density and health of each bulrush bed. see each of those sections for recent and historical reports.
The Bulrush FAQ section has a summary of information garnered from the references noted on that page. Links to the source material and also the experience of the Kangaroo Lake Association when attempting to re-establish bulrushes.