For the past few years, the Drag and Spruce Lakes Property Owners Association has been monitoring an outbreak of an invasive aquatic species, Eurasian Watermilfoil, in Drag Lake. This summer we took action to begin the defense of our lakes from this threat.
Our Lake Steward, Bert Bicknell, has completed one deployment of biodegradable matting on Drag Lake and is busy preparing for the second deployment on September 12. We appreciate that many property owners are curious about the process and might be tempted to observe up close in a boat. This interest is understandable but can interfere with the deployment and might also contribute to the spread of weed clippings. For that reason, we ask that you show your support from a distance – we will post a progress report, including pictures, following the deployment to keep you informed.
This week we started a fundraising campaign to provide the resources needed to control these and future outbreaks of Eurasian Watermilfoil. I am pleased to report that we are off to an encouragingly good start. As of 6 pm today we have received contributions from 102 donors totalling $17,300! Thank-you to everyone who has taken the time to use the new PayPal donation option on our website, make an e-Transfer to dragandsprucelakes@gmail.com or send a cheque to PO Box 603 in Haliburton. Thanks as well to those who have not yet made their donation but intend to do so. To those who are undecided, please have a look at the Eurasian Watermilfoil information on our website and Facebook page. Most of the Facebook comments have come from your neighbours because they are concerned about the future health of Drag and Spruce Lakes.
We will provide regular updates to keep all Drag and Spruce Lake property owners aware of our progress with respect to Eurasian Watermilfoil control and fundraising. If you have questions for the Eurasian Watermilfoil Working Group or wish to report a possible outbreak, send an email to us at DSLPOAEWM@gmail.com.