Invasive Weed Treatment Program Explained

​​​Based on feedback from residents regarding the non-native weed growth in the lake, your LFPOA Board of Directors supported the renewal of the lake-wide invasive species weed treatment program. We made this decision after gathering all the facts and talking to many other lake associations in Michigan who have similar lake management plans. We feel that this program will help keep our lake healthy, promote better native weed growth for improved fish reproduction, and help sustain long-term property values.

This renewal will be for five years and continues the same program we’ve had for the last 10 years beginning in 2015. If you are a riparian owner you’ve seen it for 10 years on your township property tax bill. If the SAD is approved, nothing will change.
 
A bit of background: Prior to treating the whole lake, each year the Lake Fenton Property Owners Association (LFPOA) would get a lake-wide permit, and individuals could contract with us for individual treatments. This saved the riparian owners the cost and work of getting a permit. But it was also less effective as it was not treating the entire lake for invasive weeds, specifically Starry Stonewort and Eurasian Milfoil. These non-native weeds were not only strangling parts of the lake but were interfering with our native fish habitat.
 
To solve the “spot treatment” problem, The LFPOA worked with the Township to create a Special Assessment District (SAD) to fund a lake-wide invasive weed treatment program.
 
George Dyball, the former president of the LFPOA oversaw the petition drive 10 years ago to obtain the SAD to fund the weed program. The SAD must be renewed every 5 years. George is also the LFPOA representative that works directly with Steve Hansen at PLM, our weed treatment contractor. PLM services hundreds of lakes like ours across the Midwest.
 
If you want to learn more about the importance of this project, Steve will be the guest speaker at the LFPOA August 13 Board meeting at the Fenton Township Hall at 7pm. He will talk about what chemicals are used, their safety, and answer any questions residents may have. All are welcome to attend.
 
At the last Fenton Township board meeting, the SAD was authorized for the lake. A public hearing to determine how SAD will be paid for will be held August 20th at 7pm at the Fenton Township Hall. We urge you to attend.
 
I think we can all agree that the most likely cause of invasive species are boats coming into the lake from other lakes. The DNR recommends public boat wash stations. The LFPOA is investigating the need and cost for wash stations at the public launch. 
 
As riparian owners on Lake Fenton we need to do everything we can to keep the lake clean and safe for all that use it.  The weed program is one tool that helps us do that. It not only helps to control invasive species but adds to the value of our homes.