Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

Descant · 04-05-2015, 10:23 AM

Thanks to Misty Blue for a great post. I would add that the application of herbicides is not just a DES function. DES develops management plans for all the infested lakes and water bodies. When it is time, in the plan, to apply herbicides, there is an application process that involves local organizations, the professional application company, DES, Fish and Game and the Department of Agriculture. The permit includes specific dates, locations, size of the treatment area and related, specific, restrictions. Although there have been many studies over the years showing that herbicides can be used safely, not all permits are approved. One example that comes to mind is a request for herbicide treatment at Spinnaker Cove some years ago. It was denied due to the proximity to the Laconia Water Co. intake. Note that some matching funds come from your boat registration fees. The other part of the match comes from towns, lake associations and related groups. Before they spend their money, these groups, which include F & G , loon and water quality interests, etc. all have to agree that they want to move forward.
We have come a long way from 30 years ago when we used mowers to harvest (and break up) milfoil, to 20 years ago when the plan was to simply chemically treat every three years, to the current use of combined attacks, starting with Lake Hosts, using barriers, DASH, and quick response teams for new infestations and very selective use of herbicides.

04-05-2015, 10:23 AM	#35
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,039 Thanks: 1,212 Thanked 1,520 Times in 985 Posts	herbicide permits Thanks to Misty Blue for a great post. I would add that the application of herbicides is not just a DES function. DES develops management plans for all the infested lakes and water bodies. When it is time, in the plan, to apply herbicides, there is an application process that involves local organizations, the professional application company, DES, Fish and Game and the Department of Agriculture. The permit includes specific dates, locations, size of the treatment area and related, specific, restrictions. Although there have been many studies over the years showing that herbicides can be used safely, not all permits are approved. One example that comes to mind is a request for herbicide treatment at Spinnaker Cove some years ago. It was denied due to the proximity to the Laconia Water Co. intake. Note that some matching funds come from your boat registration fees. The other part of the match comes from towns, lake associations and related groups. Before they spend their money, these groups, which include F & G , loon and water quality interests, etc. all have to agree that they want to move forward. We have come a long way from 30 years ago when we used mowers to harvest (and break up) milfoil, to 20 years ago when the plan was to simply chemically treat every three years, to the current use of combined attacks, starting with Lake Hosts, using barriers, DASH, and quick response teams for new infestations and very selective use of herbicides.