Invasive
Weeds in Long Lake
Curly-leaf Pondweed
Eurasian Water-milfoil
In 2002 Curly-leaf Pondweed and
Eurasian Water-milfoil were identified by the Wisconsin DNR in our
lakes. These weeds start growing in spring, spread fast, and float
on the surface creating navigation problems and choking out the
desirable native weeds which are required for healthy fish habitat.
Efforts to control these species
began in 2007. Since then the LLPA was formed and we have been able
to complete an annual herbicide treatment along with harvesting in
2010. Now, with having been awarded the significant Invasive Species
Grant from the State of Wisconsin we must follow a very specific,
professionally developed “wholelake” treatment plan and fulfill a
significant list of area-wide environmentally focused educational
deliverables through our association volunteers.
These efforts must be ongoing since
these invasive weeds are robust and aggressive. The DNR’s first
priority is Eurasian Watermilfoil, which spreads by fragmentation
(meaning that when this weed is cut or broken the pieces will start
a new colony wherever they settle). The DNR’s second priority is
Curly-leaf Pondweed which may already cover as much as 40 acres.
This weed spreads by seeds, which can lay dormant for several years.
To insure that the dormant seeds that mature are also treated, we
must remain committed and focused on our efforts to eradicate these
weeds from our lake.
The Association Plan
The Long Lake
Preservation Association was formed to deal with Eurasian
Water-milfoil and Curly-leaf Pondweed. Through the dedicated efforts
of our board and other volunteers, we have been able to secure two
significant grants through the State of Wisconsin, both of which are
75% cost sharing grants. The first, an Early Detection Rapid
Response grant for Eurasian Water-milfoil provided up to $10,000
during the 2008 & 2009 seasons. The second grant, valued at up to
$150,000 was awarded late in 2010 and will provide 75% funding for a
focused, planned treatment of both Curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian
Water-milfoil for the 2011-2013 seasons. Our organization is
required to contribute approximately $37,500 over a three-year
period, which includes funding from our membership and friends and
credit for volunteer hours worked as we strive to fulfill our
mission and grant requirements. Volunteer hours count as $12.50 per
hour toward the grant, with pontoon use slightly more. Both
financial contributions and volunteer time are necessary for
success.
We need your
support to fulfill and fully achieve all grant
requirements. Please help us!
The Association Goal
Our goal for the Long Lake Preservation Association
is to apply 100% of dues and donations each year toward getting and
keeping control over these two exotic weed species.
Presentation
The association has prepared a slide
presentation explaining the objectives and plans. This is a
PowerPoint presentation. To see each slide, click on a
"Thumbnail" below.
|
