Ask the Board: Plan for 2026 Treatments?

We’re starting a new feature, responding to questions directed to the SRCLA Board. Here’s a question submitted to the board via the “Contact’ page:

“Last year the Horseshoe lake chain was treated for weeds which resulted in an enormous improvement in weed reduction. Are there any plans to do the same thing this year? If so, will it be more, less or about the same. Thanks!”

From Richard Gallea, SRCLA President: We've actually treated as much of the Chain as we're allowed to for many years.  But we're constrained by the DNR's permitting process, which strictly regulates where we can treat, how much, and with what chemicals.  To obtain permits, we engage professional contractors to survey the Chain by boat, documenting via GPS what species they found and where.  The treatment locations and chemicals applied vary each year depending on what the surveys tell us about a given year's "crop".  We budget enough money to get that done, however often it makes sense to.

But even if we document undesirable weeds in various locations, there are stringent limits that affect the permits we receive.  Overall, DNR policy prohibits treating more than 15% of the surface area of any body of water.  And generally, we can't treat within 150 feet of shore, as it’s up to individual shoreline owners to manage that area (again, by DNR policy).  

We recently worked out an exception to the 150' rule by negotiating with the DNR to allow us to open up weed-clogged 'channels' that are preventing boaters from accessing the main parts of the Chain.  These permits are easier to obtain and will even cover non-invasive native species (like coontail) if they impede access.

Chemical treatments are not allowed on Becker as it's designated as an Environmental lake, so our only option for control there is via mechanical harvesting, which we do on Becker and selectively on other lakes, as well.

And finally, the effectiveness of treatments can vary year by year due to a variety of factors, such as low/no snow and ice cover the previous winter, fueling the perception that the weed treatments in some years are more effective than others.

We post maps of treatment areas on our website, so you can monitor a given year's treatment plan that way. AND this is a reminder that NOW is the time to apply for your own 2026 shoreline weed treatment permits—don’t wait until spring! Getting your permit early ensures you’ll be ready to tackle aquatic weeds and maintain access when the season starts. Early applications help avoid delays and ensure a smooth treatment process.

💻 Learn more: https://www.srcl.org/chainlinksp24/battling?rq=weeds

 Thanks for the great question! Keep them coming!