Urgent EWM Message
The results of the lake surveys for EWM are in and the news is not good. After three years of almost no EWM, the numbers shot up substantially this year. Thanks to little snow on the ice and early ice out, the plants had plenty of time to develop. Emily has 22.7 acres of EWM, the most since 2016. It is concentrated in 5 different areas ranging in size from 2.9 to 7.4 acres. Another concern is that much of this EWM is the hybrid type – a cross between Eurasian and native milfoil. The bulk of the EWM is in the northern part of Emily. Mary is the bright spot with only 1.2 acres, concentrated in one spot on the south shore.
Nearby lake associations are reporting similar spikes in EWM this year. RALALA found 40 acres in Roosevelt versus 15 acres last year. Ruth has 20.1 acres this year versus 6.7 acres last year. According to PLM, our AIS treatment company, many lake associations are seeing double or triple what they normally see.
ELRA’s dilemma, despite being frugal and banking unspent AIS money from prior years, does not have enough funds to treat every hot spot. The cost to survey and treat the large areas in the lakes is $38,768. We were awarded $8,238 in grants from local, county and state sources. This leaves ELRA to cover the remaining $30,530. Using most of the funds in our treasury leaves us about $5,000 short.
Not treating the lakes is not a good option, since EWM will continue to spread. The board is exploring all options to find additional funds. But we do not have much time, since treatments must be done in September or October.
This current survey result is a financial strain to stay on top of the success we have achieved together to date. We need your help! If you can contribute any amount to help close our funding gap, we urge you to do so ASAP. We need every property owner to step up and continue being a good steward of our valuable lakes. Send in your donation today, please no later than October 1.
Donations can be mailed to ELRA at P.O. Box 111, Emily, MN 56447 or you can donate on emilylakes.org using PayPal or credit/debit card.
Notice
Emily Lakes and Rivers Association
P.O. Box 111
Emily, MN 56447
The Emily Lakes and Rivers Association has contracted to treat Eurasian Watermilfoil, an Aquatic Invasive Species in Lake Emily and Lake Mary in 2024.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has granted the Emily Lakes and Rivers Association a waiver of the requirement that the association obtain the signatures of approval of owners of lake-shore property. Instead, the Emily Lakes and Rivers Association will notify property owners of the treatment through alternate forms. This notice is one form that the Emily Lakes and Rivers Association is using to notify property owners. Other forms include but are not limited to notification through the association’s web page, member newsletter and annual meeting.
With regards to the treatment for this year, 2024:
1. The proposed date for treatment: June 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024
2. The target species for the treatment: Eurasian Watermilfoil
3. The method of control or product being used: EPA and MDA registered aquatic herbicides, such as but not limited to Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl, Diquat Dibromide.
4. How landowners may request that control not occur adjacent to the landowner's property: If you desire that the treatment of Eurasian Watermilfoil not occur adjacent to your property, please notify the Emily Lakes and Rivers Association immediately at the following address and email address below:
Emily Lakes and River Association
P.O. Box 111
Emily, MN 56447
Supporting Our Lakes and Rivers
Emily Lakes and Rivers Association is a non-profit organization created in August 2002 with the adoption of the Corporation Articles and By-Laws.
The mission of ELRA is to preserve and support our Emily, Mary, Dahler Lakes and the connecting Little Pine River. Our goal is to enhance the lake experience of our lake and river residents. From fish stocking and aquatic invasive species treatment and monitoring, to lake education and water quality monitoring, we are committed to maintaining and improving the health of our lakes and rivers.