7102-R4_LSLA_2020_SummerNewsletter_Web

Milfoil Militia Variable Milfoil Vigilance Pam Wilkinson & Time Greer

Meet our veteran diver-Jim MacNaught Invasive Milfoil Plant underwater

Jim pulling the milfoil root from the lake’s bottom and feeding it into the boat’s suction hose.

The Milfoil Militia team will begin identifying areas to prioritize in June. In July, when the milfoil has had time to grow or lift from the bottom, the team will begin removing milfoil in areas of the lake that have high boat traffic and in shallow coves where boats travel to and from the shore and are favorite fishing areas. Our diver said he is getting a lot more exercise swimming due to the plants being sparse and scattered. Our team responded to lake residents who called to report suspicious plants. It is encouraging that people are becoming more aware of what is beyond their shorelines. When we responded to requests to check areas of concern, some areas were found to be just native plants growing quickly and taking over certain areas. Keeping native plants is encouraged in order to discourage invasive milfoil from growing in that area. In other reported areas, we removed the milfoil and documented to return next year. It was concerning that we recorded new “hot spots” in the middle lake. This is why it is important for you to “Adopt Your Shoreline” and be aware of changes below the surface of the water. It is equally important that the land leading to the lake and your shoreline maintains the canopyIt

is also important to implement measures to avoid run-off into the lake and to keep the shoreline natural. Sand is our enemy, providing phosphorous which is fertilizer for the lake, making all plants growmore quickly. Last September we circled the lake one more time trying to hit all spots before ending the season. We were amazed on how much some plants rebounded. We plan on running the operation until October, weather permitting. It is important for everyone to become educated on what to look for, remember to look at the lake’s bottom, and do all you can to implement the best management practices for your property leading to the lake. Educate yourself on the difference between these two plants:

Native Water Marigold plant-uneven branches

Invasive Water Marigold plant-uneven branches

24