October, 2018

Eurasian Milfoil was discovered in Lake L’Homme Dieu in 2011.  It was limited to a localized area in the northwest section of the lake.  It was treated with removal by scuba diver and herbicide.

The involved area had slowly spread but continued to be in the northwest corner.  The area treated also increased and in 2017 was 11 acres.  The cost of the slow release granular herbicide also increased from $700/acre in 2011 to $1,600/acre in 2017.

The DNR survey in 2018 found 3 isolated infestations of milfoil in the same general area and they again recommended treating 11 acres.  This would cost $2,100/acre.  Our consultant, PLM from Brainerd, Minnesota, suggested treating just the infested areas with a stronger but less expensive herbicide.  The DNR agreed and these areas were treated for a total cost of $500.

The Lake L’Homme Dieu Association board had hired a total lake survey in 2015, and no further milfoil was found.  Having some additional funds available due to the decreased cost of treatment this year, we decided to do a more detailed survey.  We hired RMB labs from Detroit Lakes to survey the entire lake.  Sadly, they found 3 additional scattered areas of milfoil.  No further treatment is recommended at this time of the year.

We are still processing this upsetting news.  We will continue to work with the DNR and our consultants to use the best possible methods of control.  I was recently at an AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) seminar at the University of Minnesota and learned that slow progress is being made, but there is no method of eradication at this time.

Steve Henry

Membership gives you all the information about our lake, and you receive this sticker to display on your mailbox so all can see that you support LLHDA!

A basic annual Membership is only $35, and since we are a 501(c)3 charitable organization, your donation is tax deductible.

Before you and your family get out on the water this year, grab a life jacket and “Wear It!” Nearly 85 percent of those who drown while boating were not wearing a life jacket.

Wearing a life jacket is one of the most effective and simple life-saving strategies for safe recreational boating. Boaters are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket on board for every passenger on their vessel.

Lake L’ Homme Dieu Association and Lake Carlos Association have directed Alex Rubbish to provide three large garbage containers to each of the three public boat accesses; Krueger’s Creek, Rotary Beach, and West Lake Carlos. They have been placed this week, and the per month cost of $26.00 each, will be shared by both Lake Associations. We hope they will be used appropriately.

Photo courtesy of 100th Meridian Initiative

In case you missed it, our Guest Speaker at our Annual Meeting, Dr. Michael McCartney, the lead zebra mussel researcher of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC), spoke about the possibilities of using genetic modification as a possible prevention or elimination of these invasive mussels. The Star Tribune published very good articles all about zebra mussels in two parts, Sunday and Monday, which featured some of Dr. McCartney’s research.

To read these articles go to…
http://www.startribune.com/how-the-scourge-of-zebra-muss…/…/
and
http://www.startribune.com/meet-the-scientists-fighting-…/…/

In an effort to relieve congestion when passing through the channel between L’ Homme Dieu and Carlos, we have new signage on both sides of the bridge!