Many of you were not at the Muskellunge Lake Assn. annual meeting last week. At that meeting we got an update on the Eurasian Water Milfoil situation on our lake. You may have seen DNR personnel, our consultant and some of your neighbors out on the lake. They were doing detailed sampling and mapping of the plants in our lake. They also documented the locations and the ex-tent of the invasive species.
The results of this work has led to a Rapid Response Management Plan that will remove the Eurasian Water Milfoil in areas where it has been found. You will likely see professional divers on our lake August 17th and 18th. Their efforts over several days will remove what invasive plants they can find. To be clear, this may not be a one time fix! This plant has a habit of spreading easily so it is important that we get in front of these early invasions. It will be equally important to continue to monitor and sample around the lake on an ongoing basis.
Our lake is the community and neighborhood we all share and enjoy. Like any neighborhood watch program, it needs the help of everyone to be effective. Unchecked, Eurasian Water Milfoil or other invasive plants will negatively affect how you use the lake. Please consider the following.
1. Learn to identify Eurasian Water Milfoil and keep a mindful watch out for new invasions. Contact musky.board@gmail.com with areas of concern.
2. Stay away from locations where this plant has taken root. This plant spreads easily through fragmentation. Motoring through these areas or even fishing near these will only serve to increase the likelihood of its spreading to new areas.
3. Be mindful when pulling or cutting weeds on your lake front. Remove from the lake all of what you displace. What gets away from you may be your neighbors next invasion.
4. Our lake association only works with your help. Let us know if you can volunteer for various activities on the lake. If you are not a member please join. It is only $40 a year to stay informed.
5. Follow CBCW procedures when coming or going with your boat from our lake. Eurasian Water Milfoil isn’t the only invasive in the area.