rst hopes of a solution the Lake Mendota Association tried was spraying copper sulphate on the water. The copper would settle to the bottom of the water and act as an inhibitor of rooted weed growth. The copper sulphate, when applied to algae, would effectively kill and carry the algae to the bottom of the lake, thus clearing the lake and decreasing the odor created by the decomposing dead algae. Unfortunately, it was found that heavy concentrations of copper sulphate could kill small fish and possibly affect the food supply of other organisms. It also became a long term effect concern, not knowing exactly the adverse affect the copper sulphate could have on the lake. So the introduction of copper sulphate to the lake was stopped (4). Since the problem of Lake Mendota covers such a broad spectrum of science and action, efforts were made by the Lake Mendota Association to organize a series of committees, each to deal with a single aspect of the problem as a whole (4).Mentioned first, is the Wildlife Committee. The Wildlife Committee was established to study the conditions and factors of the wildlife in and around Lake Mendota. They were organized to work on problems and assist in preserving prime conditions for the wildlife of the lake and of the lake itself, while the Inspection and Testing Committee monitored the shoreline for sources of pollution (4). Then, there was the Educational Committee, designed to advise members of the Lake Mendota Association and the public of the progress on the work being done (4). Another committee started, was the Shoreline Committee, to encourage activities such as: picking up dead fish from the water and proper fertilizer use on lawns, gardens and fields (4). Dead fish were removed because otherwise the dead fish will sink to the bottom of the lake and refertilize the water. Fertilization techniques were advised, so farmers and gardeners wouldnt over fertilize their field and gardens. The W...
