See the year-end report from AquaTechnex below!!

By Lee Evans LMD Chair

The Loon Lake community has overwhelmingly approved a New 5-Year Lake Management district for the treatment of invasive aquatic plants in our lake. The results of the October ballot are Proposition 1 creation of a Loon Lake LMD to combat invasive aquatic plants. Prop. 1 passed with a 90.7% favorable margin. Proposition 2 was to allow remaining funds from expiring Loon Lake LMD to roll to the new LMD. Prop.2 also passed with a 91.8% favorable vote.

The newly passed Lake Management District will need volunteers from our community to join the Advisory/Steering committee. The goal for the advisory group is to have 10 members for a diverse group willing to attend monthly meetings April to October usually lasting 1 hour. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. (lgevans@spocom.com)

IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST AND WISH TO SERVE, PLEASE CONTACT STEVENS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER WITH A REQUEST TO BE INCLUDED AS A STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER. THERE IS A TRUE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL HELP WITH THIS PROGRAM

2023 Invasive Aquatic Weed
Treatments on Loon Lake

By Aquatechnex

Aquatechnex performed the first round of aquatic invasive species management applications to Loon Lake on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023.

Shoreline sign notices were posted the day before treatment on Monday, June 5th to all affected properties.  These were properties adjacent to the treatment zones and within 400 feet of a treatment zone.

The first treatment of the year targeted newer invasive species called Curly Leaf Pondweed.  Half of the treatment zones on the lake were treated with the systemic herbicide Galleon SC.  There are no restrictions on water use except for a 3-day restriction on drawing water from the treatment zone to irrigate plants and turf grass.  It was safe to swim, fish, and drink potable water out of the lake immediately following treatment in all Galleon zones.  

The following link connects to the treatment zone map: https://arcg.is/1qnLq00

Using the above map link you can determine where we plan to apply the two different herbicides on Loon Lake and if these applications impact your lakefront. Submit questions to 509-960-8133.

Aquatechnex returned to the lake for additional Eurasian/Hybrid Milfoil treatments the following week on June 13th, 2023. 

Milfoil

What is it: 

Milfoil is an aggressive noxious aquatic plant invader in Washington state.  Within a few years of introduction, it forms dense mats that shade and crowd out other aquatic native plants, can alter aquatic ecosystems, degrades water quality, inhibits water flow, impacts recreational activities, and reduces habitat quality for fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife.  The dense growth also can be a hazard to swimmers and a nuisance to boaters.  

Curly-Leaf Pondweed

What is it:

Curly-leaf pondweed is a Eurasian native, which is now found nearly worldwide. It can become invasive, forming dense surface mats that choke out native plants and affect recreational uses. Since it starts growing earlier in the spring than most native pondweeds, it can often outcompete other plants. Curly-leaf pondweed reproduces by seed, rhizome, plant fragments and turions (hardened stem tips that drop to the sediment), all of which can be dispersed by water, boating equipment, or clinging to animals. It grows in still or slow-flowing, shallow to deep, freshwater. Curly-leaf pondweed is tolerant of disturbance, low light, and slightly brackish water. It grows best in cool water, going dormant as the water warms. In Washington State, curly-leaf pondweed is a C-class noxious weed. It has been found in many sites scattered around the state.

Lake Management District (LMD):

The Lake Management District was established to help with the control of milfoil and other potential aquatic and/or riparian noxious weeds.  The citizens steering committee provides advice and makes recommendations to the county as to the management and administration of the lake management district and the control of the Eurasian Milfoil, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, and other potential aquatic and/or riparian noxious weeds.

Herbicide Control:

The use of pesticides in water is regulated in Washington State. All applicators must have an aquatic endorsement on their pesticide applicators license, which is issued by the Washington Department of Agriculture. In addition, coverage under a permit issued by the Department of Ecology is required.

Loon Lake will be treated with Galleon, Aquathol K, Aquathol Super K Aquatic Herbicide, and ProcellaCOR Aquatic Herbicide.  

The applicator (AquaTechnex) will post signs in the treated and potentially affected areas no more than 48 hours prior to treatment.  The signs will describe any water use restrictions or advisories. 

Please refer to http://loonlakewa.wordpress.com/ for the most up-to-date treatment information.  Treatments will not take place on weekends or holidays. 

We appreciate your cooperation while the application is taking place.