Lauderdale Lakes board advances weed-harvester refurbishment, seeks 50% reimbursement from state fund

The Lauderdale Lakes Lake Management District on Jan. 24 received an update on weed-harvester refurbishment and equipment replacement and approved continuing work while seeking grant support.

The district acquired a slightly used stainless-steel barge from Aquarius to replace an aging carbon-steel barge whose structure had been rotting. Refurbishment work is underway and expected to be completed by the beginning of the cutting season. The total refurbishment is estimated at $176,000; the district plans to pay half and submitted a request to the Wisconsin Waterways Commission for 50% reimbursement. Meeting materials indicate the expected reimbursement would arrive in late 2026 if approved.

Board members also reviewed aquatic-plant management coordination: last year’s harvesting output was shared with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and entered into the agency’s site. SEWRPC is assisting the district with a new five-year aquatic plant management plan to support renewal of the district’s permit. The board noted the Eurasian watermilfoil invasive population has declined substantially.

The board did not record a separate vote on the funding request in the minutes; the refurbishment and the Waterways Commission application were presented as ongoing operations and grant-seeking activities.