This past summer has been a good indicator of what we will be doing in the future regarding the Eurasian Water Milfoil (Milfoil) in our beloved Pine Lake

As required by our grant, Wisconsin Lake & Pond Resource completed early spring and late fall surveys of the lake.

You may recall from the spring newsletter, WDNR would not give us a permit to use any herbicide treatments this year. For that reason, and based on the early spring survey results, (we had some big patches in high traffic areas that were sure to spread a lot of milfoil around the lake) the Board was forced to rely on DASH (Diver Assisted Harvesting) to help control the milfoil remaining in the lake.

Aquatic Plant Management performed two separate DASH harvests this summer. The two harvests were a total of six days on the water. While the DASH did not eradicate the milfoil in the lake, it is helping keep it under control, which is our main goal.

The largest patch in the west lobe was pretty much decimated. Patches along the eastern edge of the lake were also hit hard. It was a successful harvest year all things considered.

It is important to remember we will never completely get rid of the milfoil, we can only keep it under control.

All remaining grant money was used for this year’s harvesting.

Preliminary estimates to continue using DASH for the next three years is approximately $56,250.00. For that reason, the Board has applied for another three-year grant, asking for an additional $42,187.50 from DNR leaving PLPOA with a bill over the next three years of $14,062.50.

These estimates include permit fees, spring and fall surveys and the DASH harvesting combined.

We hope all of you will help by watching for milfoil patches in the lake and hand pulling plants along your shoreline. If you find any milfoil, please pass the location on to any of the Board members.

-Fred Koch