We are in need of volunteers to help establish the extent of the Eurasian Watermilfoil invasion of our lakes. As you know we have 4 verified outbreaks, one now encroaching on the docks of two properties. Unchecked these outbreaks can become a serious issue for all property owners.
We require 6 volunteers with boats who can lead the verification and documentation of new outbreaks as reports come to the Working Group. These team leaders will each need one or 2 other people to assist in this verification activity. If an EWM outbreak is verified, documentation would include GPS location (easy to do if you have a smart phone), in-water pictures, proximity pictures and taking a sample to help with the identification. Not all will be EWM as we have indigenous weeds in Ontario which also grow in our lakes.
If you want to participate in this important part of our EWM Identification and Control Program, please send me an e-mail and indicate whether you prefer a team leader or helper assignment. Include your availability, could be weekend, or weekdays. Let me know also where your property is located and I will try to assign you to a team close to your property.
This should not take a lot of your time and will greatly assist our efforts to manage these outbreaks, and on the plus side, you get to spend some time on the water.
In the interest of consistency, training will be provided. It won’t take more than an hour of your time and will most likely be done as a Zoom meeting.
If you are able and willing to assist, please send an email to Dominique Binckly @ dbinckly@yahoo.ca or Jim Miners at dslpoaewm@gmail.com.
THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE COMPLACENT
We are all aware of the consequences of doing nothing, loss of enjoyment of your property, loss of valuable waterfront, decrease in property value, and so on.
Time to step up…
Dominique Binckly,
Volunteer coordinator,
For The Eurasian Watermilfoil Working Group
Follow us at Drag and Spruce Lakes Property Owners’ Association
1029 Stirrup drive, Haliburton
905-617-5712