Lake of the Woods weed management update

​The following information is for our review regarding the aquatic management program for Lake of the Woods for the 2017 season. 
The 2016 was a successful yet challenging year in regards to exotic plant control.  We observed more Eurasian watermilfoil this year than we have seen in the past ten years.  Treatments were successful in maintaining control but more aggressive management will be needed in 2017.  We are therefore recommending Sonar.  We have scheduled these several times in the past but milfoil never got to levels where it was needed.  Based on current conditions, it is the best option. 
 
Management program for 2017 using Fluridone (Sonar A.S.):
April/May of 2017:  Weed treatment of entire lake, applying restrictive product Sonar A.S. ”Fluridone” for the control of exotic plant species.  If required an algae treatment will be performed in conjunction with initial treatment free of charge
Note: Treatments of Eurasian Watermilfoil for the 2018 season will be limited and/or may not be required.  Fluridone treatments may have residual effect on Milfoil growth two to four years after initial treatment.  Curly Leaf Pondweed may require treatment in the following seasons.
 
Water Quality Program:  The water quality program consists of two samples, occurring in the spring, and late summer each season.
The program also tests our water for Fecal bacteria (E. Coli), in midsummer which can determine the condition of our lake and if the water is safe for swimming.  Reports are issued annually in the fall.
 
Information reagarding propoed treatments dates will be mailed in early spring of 2017
 
A Sonar success story:  Lake Fenton is a 845 acre lake in Genesee County, MI.  PLM was contacted in 2014 to help address Eurasian watermilfoil.  The initial treatment of Sonar was conducted in May 2015.  A bump up treatment was conducted a few weeks later.  By mid-summer 2015, the EWM was reduced substantially and by September, 2015 EWM could not be found in the lake.  During this time period, native plants that were once suppressed by the EWM began to flourish.  During the 2015 and 2016 seasons, native plants were able to reestablish in areas that were once dominated by EWM.
​Bob Richter LOWIA