The Offut Lake Management District Steering Committee and Herrera Environmental Consultants presented the first draft of the Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan (IAVMP) to the public on November 12, 2024, at Lady of the Lake Restaurant from 6:30-8:30pm. About 35 people attended the meeting. The OLMD and Herrera presentation was posted on our website prior to the public meeting (on November 2nd) to give interested parties the opportunity to read and reflect on the material prior to the meeting. The presentation can be viewed at this LINK.
The two topics in the presentation were: (1) identifying areas that have significant plant growth that impedes beneficial uses of the lake (Control Areas) and, (2) considering relevant strategies to address identified issues (Control Methods). After the presentation there was a Q and A session in which all aspects of the presentation were discussed.
There were some areas of concern raised in discussion that were outside of the scope of the IAVMP workplan. Those issues were noted and will be investigated by the Steering Committee in the coming months. Overall, we were very pleased that so many people were passionate about preserving Offut Lake.
After the discussion period a two-page Feedback Form was distributed. Some participants turned in their feedback form, others said they needed to take it with them and would return it later. The Feedback Form was also published on our website (LINK). This provided lake residents that were unable to attend the meeting the opportunity to provide their feedback. We received a total of 14 responses (in-person and online). What follows is a summary of the feedback we received. Note: You may still view the presentation and submit feedback using the links above.
CONTROL AREAS
There was general agreement with the workplan’s listing of Control Areas with this priority:
1st Lily Pads (north and south areas blocking lake access)
2nd Sunken Island
3rd Bronson Cove
An additional area that was proposed for inclusion was the area around the beaver dens. This area also has blocked lake access.
CONTROL METHODS
Most of the discussion time was devoted to the various Control Methods in the selected Control Areas. Here is a summary of the feedback received on this topic.
Methods for Lily Pads
There was a 7/7 split between those favoring harvesting and those favoring herbicides as the control method for the lily pads. Two people preferred dredging or excavating. These two methods are problematic with WDFW guidelines.
Control Methods for the Sunken Island
Six participants agreed with the draft workplan’s idea to use herbicide followed by a weed barrier. Four people preferred herbicide use without a barrier. Two people wanted a barrier without herbicide. One person wanted the area left as is. The Steering Committee is currently investigating the use of burlap as a biodegradable barrier.
Control Methods for Bronson Cove
Eleven people agreed with the workplan’s idea to use herbicides. Two people proposed to leave the area as it is.
What’s next?
The Steering Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 8th, at 6:30pm to discuss the received public feedback on the proposed workplan. That discussion will focus on any needed adjustments to the workplan. The public is always invited to attend our monthly Steering Committee (SC) meetings by using this Zoom LINK. The SC meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month. The January meeting was changed to January 8th because of New Year’s Day. The meeting dates and Zoom link are always present on the homepage of our website: LINK
Looking ahead…
The next public meeting for input on the IAVMP workplan will be on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6pm at Lady of the Lake Restaurant. We hope to see you there!
