Act now to save lake from weed problem
For those of us fortunate enough to live on the lake in Grayslake or to use it whether swimming, sailing, kayaking etc., it is, or should I say, was, a beautiful experience. This summer has seen a bountiful crop of vegetation blossom, and I am curious as to when someone, whomever it is that is on the lake management board, will wake up? Several years ago a neighbor and I got involved in the lake management and caused quiet a stir. I was in the paper with a handful of weeds and we attended several meetings. Finally, after a long-fought battle, the committee bowed and allowed Sonar, a chemical used to treat Milfoil to be applied, but sparingly. There was some success, and I believe from meeting with those representing the applicator, county and manufacture we would have had much more had the percentage been increased to recommended levels. I know everyone freaks out about chemicals being added to the lake and so on, but go on line and just check out Milfoil, there are several chemical and manual eradication options, but whatever, don't bring back the weed eater, it has been proven to help spread Milfoil.
Back to today. What happened? I know the excessive rains resulted in run off bringing fertilizers, bird and dog "droppings" into the water, the geese, birds from the landfill, water quality and on and on. The point being, the amount and or type of weed control used is insufficient and ineffective. The board members should take out a sailboat (good luck) and see for themselves just how ineffective the application has been. From my past 50 years of enjoying Grayslake, I know the lake is boarding on unsafe in several areas due to weed congestion and I also know that if something is not planned for next year, the lake will be in dire straits. Milfoil can take over a lake within two years, depleting water oxygen levels, impacting fish and swimming and is a known habitat for mosquitos. Wake boys and girls, this is a natural spring-fed lake, a compliment to our community and our home values. We need to address this issue now for next year.
Joseph Vassau
Grayslake