Lake sampling shows negative eDNA result; group to apply for water-diversion permit

Chair opened discussion of the lake monitoring program and recent survey work, saying the group had contracted sampling and a meander-intercept survey and that the estimated field and lab costs would be roughly $8,000.

"Joel's estimate comes out at 7,827," the Chair said, noting the board's H2O testing budget is $14,600, leaving room for additional analyses. The Chair asked the monitoring team to re-sample any areas omitted from the initial survey.

Presenter, who runs the sampling protocol, described how eDNA samples were shipped overnight to Maine and said the first batch "came back negative," adding that the team will repeat eDNA sampling monthly. The Presenter also described nutrient sampling sent to Iowa State University: "We sent 11 samples — five dry-stream, five wet-stream and one lake sample — by three-day express with cold packs," and said nutrient shipments will occur roughly quarterly.

Members discussed the priorities for lab work and agreed to focus on total nitrogen, total phosphorus, Secchi-disk clarity readings and eDNA as the most useful indicators for near-term management.

On permits, the Chair said the group "has permission now to apply for our water diversion permit," which would authorize opening and closing the sluice gate. The Chair reported an application fee of $3,000 and noted that $6,888 in capital carryover funds are reserved for sluice-gate work.

The meeting concluded with members asking the monitoring team to circulate results to the group when available and to schedule the September meander-intercept survey if needed.

The group did not take a formal vote related to the testing program or permit application at the meeting; the Chair said staff will follow up on the permit timeline and funding at a later date.