Invasive Aquatic Plants & Treatment

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, and Aquathol Super K Aquatic Herbicide on or about June 27th-July 8th, 2022, and another one or two rounds of ProcellaCOR Aquatic Herbicide treatments will occur July 11th-August 19, 2022, weather permitting.  Up to three applications are planned. 

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.