From the GM

June 7, 2024

Nuisance Aquatic Growth Update

The coontail and curly leaf pondweed are growing back to the surface again in some of the East Lake Coves after our last treatment. We had good results going into Memorial Day weekend and now as planned, we are going to treat again going into Fourth of July Weekend. Its important to know that we are only able to knock down the plants with our chemical applications at this point. We cannot spray true herbicide like ‘Sonar’, that will kill the plant,  as it will be drawn into members irrigation systems and it will kill or damage their lawns. From our drone video, we estimate that growth is now limited to about 10 acres. Out of the 365 Acres of Lake, this represents 2.7% of the Lake surface area. This is stated for context but not to minimize the problem because it seems like 100% when you can see it out your back window. Our professionals, Blue Valley Laboratory, will be out to treat this aquatic growth in optimal conditions possibly as early as June 19^th, but no later than June 26^th. We will have the coves looking good again for the holiday weekend. With the treatment plan we are on currently, we will probably require an additional treatment before Labor Day.

The Board of Directors will be discussing a long term Lake Management Plan in their June Board Meeting. As the Lake is Lakewood’s no. 1 amenity, a much more costly annual management plan, including mechanical harvesting on a large scale, will be weighed against the benefits we get from the relatively inexpensive plan we are currently executing with Blue Valley Laboratory.

Have a great weekend and enjoy this wonderful Summer weather.

Best Regards,

Mark Reid