The state Department of Ecology opposes the use of herbicides to eradicate a pesky underwater weed in Lake Sutherland, the county’s noxious weed control board coordinator said Monday.
“Herbicides are not recommended for anything less than three acres,” said Cathy Lucero. “We have a city lot.”
An Ecology grant to control growth of non-native Eurasian watermilfoil has only supported underwater hand-pulling of milfoil by divers, Lucero said.
For the past three years, volunteer divers have also been spreading a weed-blocking fabric on parts of the lake where milfoil is a problem.
Lucero was responding to recent comments made by Lake Sutherland residents who oppose formation of a lake management district that could assess property owners up to $50 a year per parcel.
About 360 lakeside property owners would be eligible to vote on forming the lake management district.
Some recommend using herbicides and fabric on parts of the lake where milfoil grows.
The assessment, however, could be less than $50 a year, said Lucero. The decision rests with the residents, she added.