DNR cleans carp out of Lake Tomah

TOMAH (AP) - Lake Tomah is getting a new start.

The state Department of Natural Resources has wiped out thousands of stunted carp in the lake by dropping rotenone, an organic pesticide, on them from a helicopter. The agency says the carp had rooted up all the aquatic vegetation, destroying the habitat until even the carp themselves couldn't grow.

The DNR will keep the lake three feet below normal until late next summer to allow vegetation to take root again. Plans also call for restocking game fish, reinforcing the lake's islands with rocks and building reefs to minimize erosion.

• Click here to learn more about the project.