On June 1, 2015, the first meandering plant survey was conducted on the lake. The results of EWM infestation were mixed following last year’s treatment and issues related to lake flooding. The infestation of the shoal area in the southern basin and adjacent south shoreline of Gilmore Lake had developed and spread at an alarming rate. It was hypothesized that this early development of heavy EWM was augmented by lengthy cool temperatures this Spring. EWM starts developing at about 50° F while most other aquatic plants need 60° F temperatures or higher. We had an extended period of time when temperatures were in the 50-60° F range, allowing the EWM to get a great jump start over other plants.
The EWM infestation on Little Gilmore was a different story. EWM infestation was cut back significantly from last year. We estimated that 90% of the infestation has been eliminated. Little Gilmore has benefitted from aggressive chemical control and stable lake levels, which have resulted in no back flow of water from Gilmore Lake since last summer. We have moderate spring rains and the help of our beaver’s dam construction activities in the Lake outlet to thank for these positive results.
On June 8th, the problem areas in Big Gilmore were treated and spot treatment was conducted in Little Gilmore. Buoys have been placed on the shoal and shore areas of Big Gilmore to warn boaters to avoid these areas. Boat traffic, including fishing, PWC’s, and other recreational activities are a significant problem in spreading EWM to other parts of the lake. Be sure to avoid these marked areas and warn others to avoid them as well. A map has been placed in the Kiosk delineating the problem areas.
Later this summer, Matt Berg, our aquatic plant consultant, will be conducting additional surveys and we should have additional information to report on the health of our lake.
A 2012 map of EWM infestation: ewm 2012
A June 2015 map of EWM infestation:
