THREE LAKES WATERFRONT ASSOCIATION: Virgin Lake EWM Early Detection Response Project

Purpose

Three Lakes Waterfront Association, Inc. is sponsoring an Early Detection Response project focusing on surveying, monitoring, mapping, hand-pulling, and chemically treating the new discovery of EWM in Virgin Lake, Oneida County. Project activities include: 1) Conduct annual spring pre-treatment, early-season AIS and peak-biomass surveys; 2) Conduct volunteer AIS and chemical concentration monitoring; 3) Control EWM by hand removal efforts and chemical treatments; 4) Develop annual maps and letter report. Project deliverables include: 1) EWM survey data and maps; 2) Annual letter report describing the findings of the pre-treatment survey, early-spring survey, peak-biomass survey, chemical treatments, hand-pulling efforts, and guidance for continued control actions. Specific conditions for this project: Annual letter report needs Department review and approval. WDNR Lakes Management Coordinator will be provided with an electronic (pdf or word) copy of letter reports, all maps, and all aquatic plant and GIS data.

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Aquatic Invasives Grant
Aquatic Invasives Early Detection and Response
AIRR-147-13
2012
Complete
 
Reports and Documents
In 2009, a multi-phased project began which aimed to create a full chain-wide management plan as well as individual plans for each lake in the Three Lakes Chain. Lake management planning is a process that begins with a full examination of a lake’s ecological components, including a lake’s water quality, watershed, aquatic plants, shoreland areas, fishery, and habitat condition. Next, the perceptions, needs and concerns of the lake’s stakeholders inventoried and described through anonymous surveys and public meetings. These elements are combined in a holistic package that attempts to describe the conditions of the lake, document challenges (ecological impairments, stakeholder concerns, etc.) and produce goals and actions which guide managers in preserving lake conditions and protecting it from future threats
The 2015 control actions (herbicide application and professional hand-removal) were assessed during an EWM Peak-Biomass survey, completed on September 22, 2015. During the late summer, EWM is typically at its peak growth state which allows for easy viewing of the plant and plant colonies. The herbicide treatment site (A-15) as well as the multiple hand-removal sites were visited and a visual inspection completed for EWM occurrences. Additionally, the Onterra crew meandered the entire lake to document any occurrences outside of the control areas. Ultimately, this survey allows for an understanding of control action effectiveness but also aids in data collection for next year’s planning.
Map of 2014 EWM survey report and 2015 Conditional Control Strategies
Approval of a permit application to chemically treat Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) on Virgin Lake in Oneida County, along with conditions that needed to be met in order for treatment to keep the permit.
 
Activities & Recommendations
Grant Awarded
Monitor Pre and Post Treatment
APM Chemical Permit Request
APM Mechanical Permit Request
Aquatic Plant Monitoring or Survey
Project Deliverable
Annual letter report describing the findings of the pre-treatment survey, early-spring survey, peak-biomass survey, chemical treatments, hand-pulling efforts, and guidance for continued control actions
 
Watershed
 
Waters