Based on our benchmarking of other area lakes facing similar challenges, getting better results on weed management for Sherman
Lake will most likely require spending more on future treatment strategies than we have spent in past years.
Most lakes dealing
with milfoil and excessive pond weed growth are spending several times more per year on treatment strategies.
The most common
strategies in use are more aggressive and expensive chemical treatment programs and mechanical harvesting.
It is not uncommon
for lakes of similar size and condition to be spending between $35,000 and $55,000 per year or about $350 and $500 per property per
year. While temporary results are possible, it is widely acknowledged that chemical treatment and once a year harvesting does
little to address root cause and has neglible positive impact on the long term health of the lake.
The SLWA is committed
to finding alternative methods of treatment that will deliver a balance between short term results and long term impact at the lowest
possible cost for residents.
Getting better results will require an increase in funding. What's the payoff? Aside
from the obvious increased enjoyment of not having to deal with nuisance weeds and an improved fishery, water quality directly effects
property values.
Studies in several states have documented a direct correlation between water quality and lakefront property
values. Declining water quality and clarity has shown to result in a 20% or more decline in property values.
Links:
Special Assessment District Renewal for 2008
The most important thing we can do in 2007 is to vote to renew the Special Assessment
District beginning in 2008. This program allows the township to manage the process of collecting funds from all residents as
part of the regular property tax collection process.
We will be working hard to communicate continuously with residents throughout the year, culminating in a recommendation
and opportunity to vote in the fall of 2007. Without approval of another Special Assessment District, implementing
any coordinated Lake Management effort beyond 2007 will be extremely difficult.
In short, the future of Sherman Lake rests in
our hands. As residents, we need to decide how important it is to have a healthy lake fit for swimming, boating and fishing.
Contact
us if you have any input, feedback or questions about the Special Assessment District Process.
Supplemental Funding Sources
In
addition to the Special Assessment District, we will be actively seeking alternative funding sources in 2007and beyond. This includes
identifying and applying for applicable State and Federal Grants and other types of funding.
We really need help in this area!
If you have any experience in researching and applying for grant programs, we would love your help!
