05-12-2025 Agenda Packet Cc - regular meeting

Home Browse Search

• BWTs are performed on many lakes throughout the state. • “Point-intercept” surveys (PIS) are required to be performed annually by third parties. Maps are drawn (as you saw in the presentation by Karena Casey) to compare with past maps and show eiectiveness. Also, locations for future treatments are identified. Eventually, only spot treatments are needed with continued BWTs. • Lake Minnetonka is the most heavily populated and used lake in the state and Midwest. We should all be concerned about the lake’s health. • No organizations are addressing AIS on L. Mtka except citizens who step up, organize to fundraise and form LIDs. o The LMCD, MCWD, and DNR are unwilling and unable to treat the AIS. • When the invasives are knocked back, the native plants fill in, giving the impression that the BWTs aren't working. This confuses homeowners and they often ask, "Why should I give to the BWT program when the weeds are so bad anyway?" o Our answer is: "Because it's a lot worse with AIS infestations if we don't do BWT programs. You can treat at your own home if you are so inclined. But please support the BWT program so you can boat, swim, fish, and preserve your property values and the entire bay’s health." o If homeowners spend money on their individual treatments, they are less inclined to donate to BWT fundraising eiorts. North Arm Bay BWT – A Success Story We have participated in a LMA BWT program on North Arm Bay for about 10 years. Because of this ongoing program, our average annual costs have decreased over time, our treatments have required less chemicals, and there are fewer treatment locations. • The BWT costs have been between $0 and $15,000 per year now. The costs were as high as $42,000 at the beginning of our treatment program. These costs include required third- party PIS ($3,000 per year) to determine eiectiveness and the next year’s treatment plans. • The initial (and expensive) eiort knocked out EWM for about 5 years and has required only spot treatments since. • CLP is less pervasive now but it has taken several years to treatments to accomplish this. • The treatment amount varies from year to year based on weather, propagation and AIS transported to North Arm from other bays. • We have been diligent about annual fundraising with homeowners, and about 30% contribute, with a few generous people giving several $ thousand per year because they know how important BWTs are to the bay's health. 79