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.

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