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CURLY
LEAF PONDWEED HERBICIDE TREATEMENT UPDATE
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Dear
Friends of the Lake,
On May 17th, 2011, 168 acres of the invasive weed species Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) was chemically treated by Lake Management, Inc. This represents an increase of 13 acres from last year. The treatment materials and process was done under DNR approval and protocol. A map of the treated areas (in green) in Lakes 1, 2 and 3 follows:
On May 17th, 2011, 168 acres of the invasive weed species Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) was chemically treated by Lake Management, Inc. This represents an increase of 13 acres from last year. The treatment materials and process was done under DNR approval and protocol. A map of the treated areas (in green) in Lakes 1, 2 and 3 follows:
WHY
Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP) is a nuisance
invasive weed species in Forest Lake. It grows rapidly in less than 15 ft
of water to form a mat like structure near the surface. This formation
restricts boating, water skiing, swimming and jet skiing. It chokes out native
weed species. It dies in early July and floats to shore just in time for your 4th of July parties! The dead CLP
releases phosphorus that supports summer algae blooms. Its turions(
seeds) can germinate up to three years later.
COST
The cost of the treatment was $35,020. The
City provided $25,000 and the FLLA provided $10,020.
PLAN
2011 represents the third year of DNR
approved large area treatment on Forest Lake to control CLP (100,155, and 168
acres). The current plan is to maintain treatment at the 170 acre level. After
three years of treatment in one area, we hope to start to move treatment to
other CLP beds as approved by the DNR. To help us decide when and where to
switch future treatments, the CLFL Watershed District (Doug Thomas,
Administrator) has allocated a budget to hire consultant Steve McComas of
Blue Water Science Inc. Steve will evaluate the treated areas for CLP stem
densities and determine if and when treatment can be moved to new CLP
beds. The evaluations will be completed in the spring and fall of 2011 to
provide direction for the 2012 CLP control program.
THANKS
Special thanks to Doug Thomas and the CLFL
Watershed District Board for their support of our lake improvement efforts and
to the City for partnering with us to maintain this valuable community
asset. None of the programs, however, could be implemented without the
financial backing of you our Lake Association members. Thank you for your
continuing support.
The FLLA Board
Steve Schmaltz, President
The FLLA Board
Steve Schmaltz, President
