2024 Lake Martha CLP treatment

March 13, 2024 3:46 PM

An email message from our President:

Residents,

I hope you have all been enjoying the warmer weather this early spring. April and I managed to get our dock partially in the other day when it was over 60 degrees, but boy, was that water still cold.

This is a friendly reminder that annual Lake Martha Improvement Association dues are due by 01 May. Dues are $100 for on lake residents, and $50 for off lake residents. Dues can be mailed to Curt Schmitz 606 Halsey Ave SE, Buffalo, MN 55313.

I am also happy to announce that a vote at our spring meeting has once again approved the full lake treatment for Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP). The treatment this year will cost about $9,200. Unfortunately, we did not receive any funding support from the DNR for this year. We have also applied for a grant with Wright County, which if it is approved, we expect to be similar in value to the last one which was $500. Therefore, we are asking lake residents and friends of the lake for CLP treatment donations. Our goal is to match or beat last year's participation. To cover the costs, with last year's participation numbers, we are asking for donations of $250. Donations can be made by check/cash to Lake Martha Improvement Association and mailed/delivered to Curt Schmitz. As always, any donation amount is greatly appreciated!

In the past, we had performed individual treatments, which only cover 50 feet of shoreline by 150 feet out from shore, and would cost around $200 per household. The downside to individual treatments is that they can't be completed until after June 1st, which is after CLP drops its seeds. These seeds take up to 10 years to develop into plants. Operating with this control method only partially controls the presence of CLP.  The full lake treatment is completed when the lake temperature reaches 50 F, before CLP drops its seeds. This control method drives to eradicate the invasive species by eliminating the seed replenishment from the bottom of the lake. It will take several more years of this treatment with many past years of seeds still lying dormant, however with time, the natural vegetation will have less competition and be allowed to reestablish itself.

Please let myself or any of the board members know if you have any questions in advance, or topics you wish to discuss. For additional information, including a history of lake treatments, please visit the Lake Martha website.

Thank you,

Patrick Barkuloo

President, Lake Martha Improvement Association