Clark Lake delivers a different view everyday.  Sunday was rainy, Saturday was bright, sunny, and the air, clear.  For the purpose of photography, it was also a day of high contrast as you will see in the video.  After viewing, you may have a question.  The info that follows the video attempts to address the question.  

These circular images have appeared before.  A similar video last year revealed their presence, but not as dramatically as in this one.  Here are two photos taken a lake-level at a similar spot at the east end of the lake:

A PLM rep took a look at the two lake level photos.  Are these weeds a threat?  James Scherer response suggests not.  In contrast to the invasive species that PLM works to eliminate, he says “I would have to say native.”  He adds that he has “been seeing a lot of native milfoil on other lakes this spring so [this sighting] would follow the pattern.”  PLM’s Steve Hanson adds “We will be looking for EWM [Eurasian water milfoil] regrowth and starry stonewort [at Clark Lake].  If there is a need for treatment, we will schedule for the week of June 7th.”

Until the highly successful treatment two years ago, it looked like Clark Lake would be the victim of an EWM hybrid [HEWM].  A small cutting can spread to other parts of the lake, and did.  The HEWM found in Clark Lake multiplied quickly.  Lakes that didn’t take action found that it restricted recreational use, destroyed natural habitats, and diminished property values.  Lakefront property owners overwhelmingly signed a petition to establish a special assessment district (SAD) so the lake be effectively treated. 

The last major treatment took out most evidence of HEWM.  More recently starry stonewort has been detected in the lake, but so far appears to be segregated to local areas and has been treated in those spots.  That’s another invasive specie that has devastated some lakes.   

To learn more about weeds at Clark Lake, please click here.  For more on the quality of Clark Lake’s water, please click here.

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