The Glen Lake Association has been hard at work since the early September discovery of a few floating strands of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) in Little Glen. First, we hired Zero Gravity, LLC to conduct a drone flight over the entire deep basin of Little Glen. This systematic 24-mile flight path, pictured in the photo below, produced high-resolution video that was professionally analyzed by our team.
From the video footage, we identified 38 sites where EWM could have potentially taken root. Please note that the circles in the photo represent refueling spots, not the potential EWM sites. Out of an abundance of caution, each of these locations will be thoroughly inspected to confirm whether or not EWM is present.
The inspection process will employ multiple techniques, including the use of an underwater viewing device (“aquascope”), GoPro cameras, small underwater remote-operated vehicles, and scuba divers. Because we found the EWM fragments near the boat launch so quickly, we are hopeful that many (if not all) of the 38 sites will ultimately be ruled out as EWM colonies.
In addition, the video footage provided the GPS coordinates of each site. Along with a GPS anchor system, these coordinates will enable the inspection team to precisely locate and anchor its boat in place during the inspection process. However, the GLA does not own a GPS anchor system. If you’d like to make a donation toward the purchase of this critical technology, please call (231) 334-7645 or email contact@glenlakeassociation.org at your earliest convenience.
The GLA will continue this important endeavor throughout the fall of 2023 and in the spring of 2024. If we find any locations where EWM has taken root, we will formulate an eradication plan for the summer of 2024. Of course, we will also continue our vigilance at the boat launch, inspecting and washing watercraft before they enter the lake. We welcome your financial support of this important program too.
In addition to providing financial support through membership contributions and other donations, we urge you to support the GLA by encouraging friends and neighbors to become a member. Feel free to forward this email to someone you know who loves the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. Thank you for your partnership as we work together to “Keep It Blue!”
