Before the Restoration, submergent and emergent vegetation on Rush Lake was in decline. The drawdown of the water level in 2006 and 2007 was intended to restore vegetation, including the native bulrush population. The drawdown was successful in restoring both submergent and emergent vegetation, however most of the new growth was cattail. Cattail provides no food value to waterfowl, and can completely overgrow areas of the lake. We aim to improve the mix of vegetation in and on Rush Lake.

Rush Lake Watershed Restoration, Inc. accomplishes this through the following projects:

Establish Populations of Native Species - We work to re-establish bulrush, duckweed and other native plant populations. This variety of plants provide an ideal food source for waterfowl and other wildlife that may live, nest, or migrate through the watershed. Cattail control - Controlling the cattail population is of utmost importance. This will allow native plant growth, and open areas of the lake that are now covered by stands of cattails. Opening up these areas will allow better opportunities for both wildlife and people to use the lake to its full potential. It may also prevent the establishment of "old bog", which has already occurred in areas of the lake. To control the population, we contract services to spray and mow areas of the lake. These projects cost a considerable amount, and require permits and specilized equipment. Spraying is done via helicopter and mowing is done with a "Swamp Devil".