Lauderdale Lakes submits five-year aquatic-plant plan to DNR after starry stonewort detection

The Lauderdale Lakes Lake Management District told commissioners it has been working with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Committee (SEWRPC) on a five-year aquatic plant management plan required to obtain a weed-harvesting permit; the plan was submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources a little over a month before the April 25 meeting and staff said the board is awaiting DNR feedback.

Members reported a detection of the invasive species starry stonewort in the lake last September and said they expect a DNR expert to advise on allowable responses. The board also confirmed a signed contract with McLeod Aquatics to remove purple loosestrife during the coming season.

Refurbishment of the district’s 1991 harvester was delayed after a technician left Aquarius; the contractor now estimates completion in mid-July and will provide a rental unit for $1 in the interim. Harvesting was expected to begin in late May pending the refurbished unit or rental availability.