Killearn Estates Takes Action to Restore Lake Killarney
In Killearn Estates, residents are breathing a sigh of relief as the Killearn Homeowners Association (KHA) has launched a significant project aimed at cleaning Lake Killarney. The project seeks to address the growing problem of unwanted vegetation that has overtaken the lake in recent years.
Details of the Project
On December 12, 2024, KHA President Steve Givens announced that the KHA Board has unanimously approved a capital project estimated to cost approximately $86,000. The funding for this initiative will be distributed over a three-year period.
The project is divided into two phases. The first phase involves the mechanical removal of “exotic nuisance vegetation” by Stones Aquatic Weed & Algae Removal, based in Valdosta, Georgia. The removal and disposal of larger vegetation is critical to restoring the health of the lake. This effort is a direct response to findings in the “2024 Lakes Monitoring Annual Report” published by the City of Tallahassee.
Work on this phase commenced in the first week of December and is expected to be completed by February 2025.
Ongoing Maintenance and Future Plans
Following the initial removal of vegetation, the project will transition into its second phase, which consists of applying herbicides to eliminate any remaining unwanted plants. Herb Harmon, a KHA Board member overseeing the project, emphasized the importance of developing an annual maintenance plan post-completion to prevent the lake from reverting to its current state.
Lake Killarney covers a surface area of 80 acres and has a maximum depth of 8 feet, with an average depth of 4 feet. As a shallow lake, it is more prone to drought conditions and can easily dry out. This vulnerability has intensified in recent years, with the area experiencing drought from 2017 to 2023.
Environmental Concerns
During dry periods, terrestrial grasses and plants begin to dominate the lake bottom. Upon the lake refilling with rainwater, these plants decompose and release nutrients, which can lead to harmful algal blooms characterized by high levels of Chlorophyll-a and organic nitrogen. Harmon’s concerns are echoed by many residents who have witnessed the changing conditions of Lake Killarney.
Additionally, the Red Hill clay soils in the drainage basin around the Killearn Chain of Lakes naturally contribute to elevated phosphorus levels. In past years, water levels in the lake were managed by pumping, which successfully deterred unwanted vegetation. However, regulations changed when the permit for this practice expired and was not renewed. Currently, the KHA is exploring ways to renew that permit, recognizing its importance in the long-term management of the lake.
Collaborative Efforts with the City
The KHA has collaborated with the City of Tallahassee for many years in an effort to improve Lake Killarney’s water quality. It is important to note that because Lake Killarney is a private lake, the city’s abilities to intervene are limited. A review of past city agendas shows that discussions regarding the lake’s maintenance have been ongoing for over three decades.
This comprehensive restoration project reflects the dedication of Killearn Estates residents to revitalize and maintain Lake Killarney. By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, the KHA is taking substantial steps toward restoring the lake to its former ecological state.
