A visual survey of Lake Tapps to evaluate success of last year’s milfoil treatment and to determine potential areas of treatment for 2011 will begin the last week of May, according to Cascade Water Alliance.

“Eurasion milfoil is a non-native, invasive aquatic plant that spreads rapidly, crowds out native plants, and forms dense surface mats on Lake Tapps.  If the milfoil is not contained or controlled, it will pose a serious threat to this lake,” said Jon Shimada, Cascade’s Capital Projects Director.

Milfoil is common throughout lakes in the Pacific Northwest.  It disrupts natural water flow, impacts water quality, and limits recreation, in particular, boating, swimming, and fishing and aesthetic enjoyment.

In 2010, during Cascade’s initial application, about 400 acres were treated with the aquatic herbicide fluridone.  The 2011 survey and mapping of the milfoil will assess the success of that treatment to determine the best approach for the second year of this program.

At this time, the tentative start date for treatment is mid-July to early August.  Lake Tapps residents will be notified of the actual start date.

-from a press release