Lake Management & Stormwater with Sonja (That Pond Girl) Wixom, MS from TIGRIS

Oct 8 2024 • 46 mins

Stormwater World Episode 033: Lake Management & Stormwater with Sonja (That Pond Girl) Wixom, MS from TIGRIS.

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Key Points Discussed

[00:00:00] Introduction

Ty introduces Sonja and shares her background in lake and stormwater management, including her work with TIGRIS Aquatic Services.

[00:03:00] The Importance of Communication in Lake Management

Sonja discusses how communication is crucial for lake and stormwater management.
Quote: “No one knows what you're doing unless you're communicating about it.” — Sonja Wixsom

[00:06:00] Differences Between Lake Management and Stormwater

Sonja breaks down the distinctions between lake management and stormwater services, highlighting the different stakeholders and challenges.
Quote: “People come to lake managers with problems that they need help with.” — Sonja Wixsom

[00:09:00] The Disconnect Between Lake Management and Stormwater

A discussion about the lack of awareness and the disconnect between stormwater professionals and lake managers.
Quote: "I do see it as being totally separate fields." — Sonja Wixsom

[00:12:00] Managing Stormwater Ponds vs. Natural Lakes

Sonja explains the blurred lines between stormwater ponds and lake management, and the challenge of community expectations.
Quote: “People want their pond to be a lake. Sometimes it's just about managing expectations.” — Sonja Wixsom

[00:26:00] Common Issues in Lake and Pond Management

Sonja highlights national water quality concerns, invasive species, and harmful algal blooms.
Quote: “Water quality and harmful algal blooms have really risen to the top.” — Sonja Wixsom

[00:32:00] Sonja’s Work with Tigris and Advice for Pond Owners

- Sonja shares advice for pond owners, stressing the importance of understanding water inputs and building relationships with knowledgeable professionals.
- Quote: "Google isn’t always your friend. Reach out to professionals near you and build a good relationship.” — Sonja Wixsom

“What would I tell a pond owner for management? One point I’d like to make is that management is an ongoing task for as long as the pond is there. It’s not a one and done action.” — Sonja Wixsom

In this episode of the Stormwater World Podcast, host Ty Garmon and guest host Maryella Begley-Garmon deep dive into the complexities of lake management and how it intersects with stormwater services with That Pond Girl, Sonja Wixom, MS. Sonja shares her insights from working across different regions, emphasizing the critical role of communication and proper management strategies. From handling invasive species to bridging the gap between stormwater and lake management, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for professionals in the field. Whether you’re a pond owner or a lake management expert, Sonja’s experience provides practical advice and valuable takeaways.

The views expressed are that of the individual and do not represent the opinions of any companies past, present or future.

Connect with Sonja Wixom, MS from TIGRIS:

Connect with Sonja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-wixom-that-pond-girl/

Email: swixom@tigrisusa.com

TIGRIS Website:https://tigrisusa.com/

Women of Aquatics: https://womenofaquatics.org/

That Pond Girl Podcast: https://thatpondgirlpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Connect with Maryella Begley-Garmon, PE:

Connect with Ty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryella-begley-garmon-p-e-16772157/

Email: maryella@digitalstormwater.com

Digital Stormwater Website: https://digitalstormwater.com/

Connect with Ty Garmon, LEED AP: