News / Events
Eurasian Water Milfoil treatment
In the next few days we will be delivering the following letter to you, please consider membership options of renewing or joining for the first time, as well as a donation speficially for the treatment plan. Thank you!!
The Comfort Lake Association (CLA) is embarking on an initiative to address the influx of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) in Comfort Lake. As a fast growing, fast spreading aquatic plant with a quick recovery rate, this invasive species has not been effectively controlled on Comfort Lake following practices recommended in the past. Those past EWM treatments completed in some parts of the lake, done in early summer, resulted in a wide spread presence in the fall.
Historical sources such as the DNR, Chisago County and the Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed (CLFLWD) are no longer viable funding options, in part, because our lake is already infected.
But there are promising practices, taken on by nearby lake associations. Big Marine and Green Lake Associations both have been fully engaged in DNR approved, herbicide treatments by conducting early spring treatments, followed up by spot treatments to control invasive species prior to lily pad emersion. In those lakes, homeowners no longer arrange for treatment of their lakefront but rely on the operations of their lake association. With consistent treatment over a six-year period, one association observed 23 non-invasive plant species return to their lake, along with a 90% reduction of EWM. We are planning, with your support, to pursue similar pathways. Over time, the strategy will work, but we all need to be involved.
EWM is one of a number of invasive species infecting lakes in Minnesota. Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP), another invasive species is making a comeback on Comfort Lake, despite the efforts conducted over the past few years. We need to take charge. Invasive species have a direct impact on home values and disrupt lake usage. Other agencies are doing little to assist us. We must begin taking responsibility. The CLA will provide that leadership. We will be taking on the herbicide treatments to control invasive species next summer and into the future.
The CLA is a tax-exempt organization. Board members and neighbors have already begun to plan for the Spring of 2019. Volunteer contributions of time and materials have already begun. Your membership in the lake association along with cash or check contributions, will underwrite our local effort to control EWM and CLP making this initiative successful. Instead of arranging to have your lakefront treated by a private enterprise, we are asking you to contribute that amount, to assist us in this ongoing process. Please contact us with any questions or concerns and watch for more information.
Blog Categories: Big Comfort Lake