Crooked Lakes Weed Control Debated Thursday Night Crooked Lakes Weed Control Debated Thursday Night

11/30/12 - Several dozen people gathered for a meeting Thursday night about weed control on two lakes in Genoa Township. There has been disagreement among residents when it comes to how to best control the weeds and an old Tri Lakes Association went defunct so now, the newly formed East and West Crooked Lakes Riparian Association is spearheading the fight to form a Special Assessment District for aquatic weed control, mostly with the use of chemicals. The new association has petitioned the Genoa Township Board to create the SAD, but it only serves as a funding mechanism. Association Board President Mike Breazeale tells WHMI they’re not selling the use of chemicals but feel that’s the only way to get the weeds under control at this point and the goal is to improve the quality of the lake. He says selective harvesting is also part of the plan and the association, which was legally formed, wants to craft the best plan for all of the homeowners. Some residents like Yvonne Balanga, who lives on East Crooked Lake, are against the use of chemicals. After much research, she favors fundraising efforts to try harvesting the weeds first but added she’s frustrated by the lack of communication between residents and the new lake association. There are 449 homeowners and others with lake access or boat slips deemed to receive a benefit that have been included in the district and if approved, the tax would cost roughly $50 annually and generate a total budget of $100,000 for the proposed five years. That cost is based on figures from Professional Lakes Management and a representative indicated at last night’s meeting they have been surveying the lakes since the 1990’s. He also explained that Eurasian Milfoil cannot be reduced by harvesting as it grows back rapidly and out-competes native plants. It says the chemicals selectively remove the exotic species and the proposed treatment plan also includes water quality testing and a lake management plan. Another public hearing on the proposed SAD will take place at the Genoa Township Board meeting on Monday night at 6:30pm. A link to the association website is posted below, along with an independent attachment from Balanga. (JM)