Phosphorus is often the #1 driver of algae blooms in Wisconsin lakes and it supercharge algae blooms.
Leaves contain phosphorus and nitrogen and these nutrients dissolve into runoff or lake water and can settle into the lake bottom. Burning leaves creates ash which is concentrated phosphorus and can runoff during rain events.
Decomposition steals oxygen from the water and as leaves rot, bacteria consume oxygen to break them down. Dissolved oxygen drops, especially near the bottom where low oxygen can stress or kill fish and eliminate habitat for insects and aquatic life.
McFarland residents can take leaves to: McFarland Drop Off Site
In the Township of Dunn leaf sites (only leaves) will be up no later than November 1st at these locations:
Camp Leonard Road
Crescent Drive
Dunn Heritage Park
Goodland County Park Parking Lot
McConnell Street