Dominic Hill is on a mission to restore Fairmont’s lakes, battling the invasive Curly Leaf Pondweed while undergoing a personal transformation. His story goes beyond environmental concerns—it’s about reclaiming a life and a community.

A Turning Point in Life and Nature

In Fairmont, the Curly Leaf Pondweed has disrupted daily life. It affects fishing, swimming, and the overall joy of living by the lakes. For Dominic Hill, this wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. Four years ago, he turned his life around after struggling with addiction. His newfound purpose? Cleaning up the very lakes that shaped his childhood. As he often says, “I want our lakes to be how they were when I was a kid.” This dream motivates him to return the waters to their former glory.

Hill began his journey two years back, initially helping neighbors clean up their properties. His small efforts gave him the confidence to turn this passion into a full-time job. As he puts it, “This is really something you could do to make our lakes better.”

The Challenge of Certification

Cleaning lakes is not as simple as it sounds. Hill explains that becoming certified to remove invasive species through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires dedication. It includes a rigorous 50-question test and ongoing education to keep up with new regulations. If he fails, he must wait a year to retry.

“The odds are not in your favor if you don’t study,” Hill states. He took it upon himself to learn about various aquatic weeds, even those that aren’t present in Fairmont. This commitment ensures he can safely and effectively remove the pondweed.

Tools of the Trade

When he started, Hill’s equipment consisted of basic tools. Today, he uses specialized gear designed for maximum efficiency. “I started with a rock rake, the hardest way possible,” he recounts. Now, he employs a unique rake that resembles a “big samurai sword on a stick.” This, combined with a water pump and a deck brush, allows him to handle the job with precision.

At the start of each job, he meticulously surveys the lake. “I like to do it by hand,” he says, emphasizing the care he puts into each task. This hands-on approach allows him to feel the textures of the pondweed, helping him to distinguish between what needs to be removed and what can stay.

Year-Round Commitment

Currently, Fairmont’s lakes are experiencing what Hill describes as their “worst shape.” The pondweed is in its second bloom stage, making it crucial to act promptly. “I aim to remove a couple tons of weed,” he adds. Each summer, he hopes to work nearly every day to achieve this goal.

Hill’s dedication is more than about the lakes; it plays a crucial role in his recovery from addiction. “Starting this and having all these people support me… your self-esteem goes from down here to now it just keeps growing,” he reflects. Looking ahead, he dreams not only of improving Fairmont’s lakes but also of expanding his business to hire others like himself, providing them a new beginning.

What this means for you

The tale of Dominic Hill illustrates how one person’s efforts can make a significant impact on a community. Just like understanding any contract or agreement, engaging with local issues like environmental clean-up requires clarity and commitment. If you ever need to review environmental compliance documents, AI legalese decoder can help decode the fine print into plain English.

Source: https://www.fairmontsentinel.com/news/local-news/2026/06/06/weed-removal-business-helps-local-find-the-right-path/