2008-08-06 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 of2 after 2001, the Coontail appeared to be damaged and mostly Curlyleaftook over. In the last couple years, the Coontail seems to be recovering. This year, there's a new phenomenon, Coontail mats are appearing in the south part of the lake. Established Coontail in south part of the lake might be a good thing. What might be done about all this? In 1988, I started a Lake Association and we tried to control the Curlyleaf. In the end, I would say it was unsuccessful. Commercial harvesting was too expensive. We built cutters ourselves and I personally expended huge efforts to pitch fork cut Curly leaf from the lake. It met some success but the effort was overwhelming. Homeowners just do not have the equipment or time to deal with the massive Curly leaf problem. Not removing cut plants spreads Milfoil and does not help the lake. The DNR states, "Vegetation that is cut or pulled must be immediately and permanently removed from the water and disposed of on high ground where it will not re-enter the lake." Areas larger than 2,500 square feet require a DNR permit. However, the DNR also states "A property owner may physically or mechanically clear without a permit: submerged vegetation: An area for swimming or boat docking not exceeding 2,500 square feet and not extending more than 50 feet or one- half the length of the owner's shoreline frontage (whichever is less)..." How about chemicals? Peltier Lake is designated a "Natural Lake" and herbicides are currently not allowed. Because Peltier Lake is designated an impaired water by the MPCA, a Total Maximum Daily Load study has been done. This study looks at lake loading of nutrients and makes recommendations. Some ideas are to draw down the lake to freeze out the bulk ofthe Curlyleaf(I have experience with a 3' drawdown) or to reduce the number of carp which stir up the bottom releasing nutrients. Or, perhaps the watershed district could figure out the use of herbicides. Homeowners can help. Don't mow next to wetlands. Establish buffers or natural vegetation on shorelines to reduce erosion. Don't fertilize by the lake. See www.BlueThumb.org for more information. Wayne LeBlanc serves on the Rice Creek Watershed District Advisory Committee, does volunteer lake sampling for RCWD, MPCA, and the Sentinel Lakes Program, monitors stream health with SHEP, has nearly 30 years experience with lake issues, helps monitor the Great Blue Herons, and completed the Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer program. See also www.PeltierLake.Org or send email to MonitorPeltier@comcast.net or phone 651- 785-3775. Wayne LeBlanc, July 2008 7 n. 1 f")(\(\Q