The strategic deployment of biodegradable matting over Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) outbreaks has been an important and effective part of the Drag and Spruce Lakes EWM Management Program each of the past 6 summers. This year the DSLPOA will again make application to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), seeking permission to deploy either untreated burlap or coconut fiber mats at the following 7 locations.
| Site | Description | GPS | |
| EWM 1 | South of Harris Beach | 45.07504 | -78.40421 |
| EWM 2 | North of Blueberry Island | 45.07844 | -78.39329 |
| EWM 3 | South of Podmore Beach | 45.08458 | -78.39936 |
| EWM 4 | East End of Bonham's Bay | 45.07072 | -78.43500 |
| EWM 11 | Northwest of Drag Lake Lodge | 45.05136 | -78.42099 |
| EWM 13 | Near End of True North Rd | 45.09400 | -78.41181 |
| EWM 18 | Southwest of Pine Tree Point | 45.07907 | -78.40846 |
You may also refer to the map of EWM outbreak locations on the DSLPOA website by following this link. The decision on which outbreaks will receive benthic mats as a control measure is made by the Working Group (WG) in early July following visual inspection of the 7 approved locations. Last year mats were placed only on sites 1 and 18. Although this work can be approved to be done anytime between July 16 and September 30, the WG is requesting approval to begin work at Site 1 as early as July 12.
If your property is adjacent to one of these 7 locations and you would like to express your concern to the MNRF, please contact the Parry Sound District MNRF office contact information as indicated below:
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
7A Bay Street, Parry Sound ON, P2A 1S4
If your have any questions about EWM inspection, monitoring or control activities on Drag or Spruce Lakes please contact the WG by email.
Jim Miners
For the Working Group