Lake Tapps is infested with invasive Eurasian milfoil and neighbors raised concerns. Cascade listened and is undertaking an aggressive multiyear effort to eradicate it. Cascade has hired an environmental consultant, Tetra Tech, to research the current conditions and make recommendations to the community and Cascade. On March 31, over 120 community members came to the first of three public meetings on milfoil hosted by Cascade. At this meeting, Tetra Tech talked about different eradication strategies and the pros and cons of each, and introduced the plan and general timeline for implementation. Community members had lots of questions and were eager to share their concerns and learn more.
On May 11, Cascade came back to the community with two eradication scenarios and the early results of the infestation mapping survey. The third public milfoil meeting is set for June 10. On June 10, Tetra Tech will present the final plan and discuss the timeline for implementation. Community members are encouraged to attend and ask questions. “We can’t do this without the partnership of the community,” says Joe Mickelson, Lake Tapps Manager.
In May Cascade was awarded a $30,000 grant from the State Department of Ecology (DOE) to develop a plan for the eradication of milfoil. The grant was one of 12 awarded for projects that control invasive, non-native plants in Washington lakes. Work could begin on initial steps as early as this summer.
Milfoil poses environmental and maintenance challenges for a healthy lake. According to the DOE, milfoil starts its spring growth earlier than native aquatic plants and can shade out these beneficial plants. Because it is widely distributed and difficult to control, DOE says milfoil is considered the most problematic plant in Washington State.
“Our board is committed to making sure Lake Tapps is as healthy as it is beautiful. That is why we approved funding to address this issue and will adopt the best, most promising treatment – which will begin this summer,” adds Chuck Clarke, CEO.
3rd Public Milfoil Meeting
Thursday, June 10
6 to 8 pm
North Tapps Middle School
Questions and comments about milfoil in Lake Tapps can be sent to Jon Shimada, Capital Projects Director, at contact@cascadewater.org, or call Cascade’s toll free number 1.877.299.0930.
