Lahontan working to curtail invasive weeds in Keys
Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board is looking to find ways to contain the aquatic weeds that are so prolific in the Tahoe Keys.
The state agency this week released a draft permit for public review, which aims to reduce and prevent the aquatic weed infestation in the 372-acre waterway in South Lake Tahoe.
Milfoil and curlyleaf pondweed compete with native species and present persistent navigation and swimming nuisances.
If the permit were awarded, it would allow the Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association to perform various land-based tasks to prevent nutrients and sediment from entering the waterways. Beyond outreach and education, it would include fertilizer and irrigation management, and promoting the retrofit of all properties with best management practices. The draft permit also will allow the homeowners’ association to lay bottom barriers over the invasive aquatic weeds to suffocate them.
People have until July 3 at noon comment.
For more information or questions about the proposed permit, contact Doug Smith at DFSmith@waterboards.ca.gov or 530.542.5453.
The board will discuss the issue at its July 16-17 meeting in South Lake Tahoe.
Wonder what effect a fish concert will have on the situation.
Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, Thank you so much for taking on the issue of the Milfoil and pondweed in the Keys. Long overdue! I spoke with Doug Smith and he was very helpful in answering my questions. He can be reached at 542-5453. Now if we can just stop all that lawn fertilzer and weed killer from entering the lake.
We’re stuck with the Keys so we may as well make the best of it. OLS
We create the ideal environment for weeds and then restrict the use of any thing to combat there elimination we have found the problem and it is us
Hey OLS–
While you are on the subject….how come you didn’t mention all the chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides it takes to keep the Tahoe Golf Courses green? Rather especially Edgwood.
Personally, I do not know of any restrictions or mitigation, but I must believe TRPA has some program going on.
The public would very much be interested.
observer, Yes, golf courses, espically Edgwood due to its close proximity to the lake are adding to the nutrient level and chemicals flowing into the lake.
There are some alternatives to chemical fertilizers.Organic natural compost. While still high in nutrients it comes from a natural process. With borders around the golf course the direct run off could be slowed or completely stopped.
As far as weed killers go that are not harmful and loaded with some nasty chemicals, there are alternatives, although I’ve never used this as of yet. I just pull my weeds out by hand, (oh my achin’ back!). I’ve been told this works pretty good. One simple one is a gallon of vinegar mixed with a cup of sugar to kill weeds. Apply and the weed dies.
Just a few ideas. We can do much better in protecting the lake! There’s LOTS that needs to be done. OLS