Weed Control
SLPOA Weed Control Task Force
Over the 2022 winter, a handful of SLPOA volunteers regularly met to research and plan for the future of weed control on Saddle Lake. Their efforts focussed on:
assessing the current treatment plan.
researching options for an updated study of the lake to ensure the best weed control methods are being used.
management options for the entire lake, as well as for individual property owners.
Current Weed Control Program
The current weed control program -- established based on a 1982 rehabilitation study of the lake -- is managed and performed by PLM Land & Lake Management Inc., and is focused on invasive species (e.g. milfoil), and not native plants (e.g. cattails, lilly pads). PLM also offers individual SLPOA members additional lakefront treatments (as allowed by the state), which are organized through the Association.
New Weed Control Initiatives
New Ecological Study
The task force determined that a new study of the lake will provide informed guidance on the options and management requirements going forward.
As noted in the minutes from the 2022 Spring SLPOA meeting, in order to ensure the continued enjoyment, longevity and health of Saddle Lake, the SLPOA membership voted to move forward on the Weed Task Force's recommendation to engage Restorative Lake Sciences (RLS) for a new ecological study of the lake. The results of such a study will inform the best methods and practices for weed control and maintenance for years to come. The last study done was in 1982. This is an opportunity to see what progress has been made and what should be done differently going forward.
It was also agreed that the study will be funded 50% through request from the Special Assessment District (SAD) budget, and 50% from contributions from all of us who enjoy and love Saddle Lake. We are pleased to report that we recevied contributions from many members and neighbors to quickly reach this goal.
Mechanical Weed Harvesting
The membership additionally voted to engage PLM for a mechanical weed harvesting and removal program targeting targeting Large leaf and Robbins pondweed on acres where plants interfere with the use of the lake (not specific lake frontages), as shown on the map below.
In August of 2022 two mechanical harvesters worked for three days to remove plant material from approximately 42 acres across the lake. PLM cut (to a depth of about 4 1⁄2 feet) and load until the pile reached about 3 feet then move them to the boat trailer where weeds were then hauled away to a garden plot. Many residents have expressed support for additional harvesting, which will be a discussion for the next association meeting.
Thank you!
We are immensely grateful to the residents who contributed financially, the time and efforts of the volunteers of the Weed Control Subcomittee (Jeff Bledsoe, Tom Broz, Eric Carlson, Deryck Gruber, Steve Horvat, Chris Jepson, Greg Nyczak, Jeff Postma), SLPOA president Jeff Postma for coordinating the harvesting effort with PLM, and in particular to Lisa Faircloth who graciously allowed PLM to use her property to offload material from the harvester.
SLPOA Financial Management
The Special Assessment District (SAD) is the structure run by Columbia Township that applies a special tax to Saddle Lake Riparians that covers the lake management fees. These fees included permitting, water quality testing, efforts around reduction/elimination of aquatic weeds and the current aeration program (including required associated water quality monitoring and permitting).
This assessment is up for renewal in 2024, and therefore it is critical that a plan and budget be established in advance, to ensure that weed control and management efforts can continue. The goals of Saddle Lake management will be re-evaluated and a budget established to obtain those goals, with approval from the SLPOA membership.
