A crew from Professional Lake Management (PLM) is on the lake today gathering information to help thwart the spread of invasive weeds. Clark Lake’s hybrid or hybrids of Eurasian water milfoil (HEWM) are proving somewhat resistant to treatment. For that reason, treatment was omitted this season with the goal of determining a more effective approach next year. A number of scientific tests are being conducted, and the visit to Clark Lake today is part of that process. PLM’s was also at the lake in August. They found the results of treatment were better than they once thought. But the lack water clarity in August hindered a more accurate assessment.
PLM visit to Clark Lake on September 18, 2017
John Deming, chairman of the Invasive Species Committee commented this morning, “in a recent examination of the lake, I was encouraged to find the HEWM was not as extensive as some thought it might be, and that was confirmed by PLM’s check in August. That suggests the 2016 treatment was somewhat effective.”
Photo from August 2017
This invasive species multiplies quickly and is notorious for taking over lakes. It curtails recreational uses such as boating and fishing, destroys wildlife habitat and impairs navigation. Lakes that stood idly by watched property values plunge.
Ninety-five percent of lake front property owners contacted by the Invasive Species Committee signed a petition asking for action. As a result, Columbia Township formed a special assessment district (SAD) that allows treatment anywhere HEWM exists in the lake and supports the cost through property taxes.
