INVASIVE WEEDS

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Many residents have noticed the significant reduction of Curlyleaf on Harrisons Bay. In May, sixty-seven of the 215 acres were treated with a diquat specific for Curlyleaf and young Milfoil. The Curlyleaf died back within a few days, as did the young Milfoil. That is the GOOD news. 

When it came time to survey for Milfoil in August, none was found, however, a weed looking like Milfoil, called Coontail, was in abundance in shallow waters. 

Why was there no Milfoil? 

Here’s the UGLY news: the algae bloom was so thick that sunlight did not reach the bottom of our bay at depths where Milfoil grow. Our bay is phosphorous-rich due to street run off and nutrients entering from Painters Creek. The planned milfoil treatment is expensive. The money raised for treatment this year has been put in a savings account for next year.
 

We will need to continue the process of survey and treat each year. Curlyleaf drops turons that can live in the bottom of the bay for 7 years. By treating annually we hope to reduce the amount of turons and the area that needs treatment each year.