The Shallow Lakes Tour for Resource Managers held on the 31st August 2010 by NZ Landcare Trust attracted 40 participants from a range of agencies.

The event began with an overview of management at Lake Serpentine delivered by Amy McDonald and John Gumbley from DOC. 

James Sukias from NIWA promoted the recent guidelines on Constructed Wetland Treatment of Tile Drains which are available to download>

Mike Lake from Kessels and Associates Ltd talked about the lake's rudd control programme using fine netting. Some discussion took place about the use of chemical sprays as an alternative means of control.

Rob Mourits, landowner alongside Lake Serpentine gave a personal account of the lake history and farm management practices he undertakes to ensure the lake is protected.

The tour then moved to Lake Mangahia where landowner Joy van Dongen, spoke about the lakes QEII National Trust status and some of the work they have recently been doing to protect it. They have formed a care group and organise planting days where members of the local community come along to help. DOC and EW are amoung those to have contributed funds to help with plants, weed control and maintenance.

Lunch was taken at the Rukuhia Hall, catered by Stellar Kitchen, and provided by the NZ Landcare Trust.

Mary de Winton was due to deliver a presentation on the impacts of nutrients on shallow lakes, however she could not attend so James Sukias from NIWA stepped in on her behalf.

Finally Bala Tikkisetty from Environment Waikato facilitated a discussion on environmental impacts of farming around the shallow lakes where he focused on four different impacts and collated the responses from participants.

A full summary of the tour including details of Bala's facilitated discussion, can be found in the summary document available for download on the side.