Riparia Environmental (Riparia) recently completed aquatic vegetation removal at the North Pond in Medina Park for the City of Medina, WA (City). The project coincides with a larger effort to restore the health and appearance of the park’s two ponds through hands-on aquatic vegetation management.
While lily pads can provide shade and habitat for aquatic wildlife, excessive growth can quickly take over a pond and contribute to water quality concerns. This project focused on removing excess lily pads and associated aquatic vegetation while minimizing disturbance to the pond’s sediments, wildlife, and surrounding plant communities.
Before work began, Riparia coordinated with City staff during a site walk to identify priority removal areas and establish appropriate locations for staging and debris collection. This preparation gave the field team a clear plan for completing the work efficiently while helping protect the surrounding park environment.
Since the pond required a low-impact approach, our crews completed the removal using a combination of specialized hand tools and manual methods. We utilized pond weed razors to cut lily pad stalks below the water surface, allowing the team to target vegetation without the use of mechanical harvesters, excavation, or herbicides. Our crews then used floating rakes to collect the cut vegetation and accessible root structures.
For vegetation farther from shore, Riparia team members used kayaks to access the center of the pond and gather plant material that could not be reached from the shoreline. This hands-on approach allowed crews to selectively remove unwanted vegetation, while limiting sediment disturbance and impacts to the surrounding habitat.
The removed vegetation was collected throughout the project and cleared from the site each day to prevent plant material from reentering the pond. All debris was transported offsite for proper disposal. Riparia crews also kept fueling, equipment washing, and material storage away from the water to further protect pond conditions.
“Projects like this require a thoughtful approach because we are working in a sensitive environment that is also an important part of the community,” said Tommy Miller, Operations Manager at Riparia Environmental. “By using hands-on methods and carefully targeting excess vegetation, our team was able to improve conditions in the pond while minimizing impacts to the surrounding habitat. It is rewarding to help protect the health of these natural spaces while also making them more enjoyable for the community.”
With work at the North Pond now complete, the Riparia team is preparing to begin vegetation removal efforts at the South Pond. The completed work at the North Pond improved open-water conditions while demonstrating how thoughtful planning and hands-on fieldwork can support vegetation management in sensitive aquatic environments.
Riparia Environmental is proud to partner with the City of Medina to help care for Medina Park’s natural features and support healthy, enjoyable outdoor spaces for the community.
Does Riparia’s work at Medina Park sound like something your community needs? Discover how our team can bring the same thoughtful approach to your next project. Contact us at [email protected] to start the conversation!
