By Annette Newcomb/Editor
The fight to stop Euraisan Water Milfoil from spreading in Lake Mary and Lake Elizabeth continues.
Monday night during the Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District meeting, Twin Lakes Village Board members approved a contract with Stantec of Stevens Point, not to exceed $10,000.
Lake Commissioner Tony Migon said Lake Elizabeth was treated at the end of September and he is waiting to see the results of that.
“I doubt we will see early growth this year, due to the ice on the lake,” he said.
Migon also said Stantec, which is the eight largest environmental consulting firm in North America, came down on their prices.
Village administrator Jennifer Pollitt said the company also has an office in Madison, which is good in case there are ran days.
Eurasian water milfoil was accidentally introduced to North America from Europe. Spread westward into inland lakes primarily by boats and also by water birds, it reached Midwestern states between the 1950s and 1980s.
In nutrient-rich lakes, such as Lake Mary and Lake Elizabeth, it can form thick underwater stands of tangled stems and vast mats of vegetation at the water’s surface. It can grow 3 to 33 feet in length. As of last year it was confirmed in 400 Wisconsin lakes.
In shallow areas the plant can interfere with water recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
The plant’s floating canopy can also crowd out important native water plants.
A key factor in the plant’s success is its ability to reproduce through stem fragmentation and runners. A single segment of stem and leaves can take root and form a new colony.
Fragments clinging to boats and trailers can spread the plant from lake to lake. It is extremely important for boaters to remove all aquatic plants, animals and mud before leaving the water access. Drain water from the boat, motor bilge, live wells and bait containers. Dispose of unwanted bait in trash and spray down equipment. Allow a boat and trailer to dry for five days before placing in a new body of water. The DNR says boaters should run their motors for 5 to 10 seconds on the trailer to blow out excess water from the engine.
During Monday’s meeting the Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District Commissioners also approved a contract of $925 with Contour Innovations LLC for web services for the lake district and budged up to, but not to exceed, $1,000 for DNR permit fees and postage to notify riparian owners of pending chemical treatment.
As in the past, signs will be posted around town in high traffic areas when treatment is pending, which is weather dependent. Treatment will take place between May and September of this year.
There is a 24-hour ban on swimming at the shore treated areas only. This treatment does not affect the consumption of fish, however, residents should not use lake water on lawns and gardens within 48 hours after the lake is treated. This information will be included in the letter riparian owners receive prior to treatment.