Eurasian Watermilfoil is Back!!!  Even though the DLPA and the DNR (through the LARE grant program) have spent nearly $100,000 to eradicate Eurasian Watermilfoil in the last 4 years, it has returned to Dewart Lake. The DLPA may need everyone's help ($) to try to control it in 2010. History Eurasian Watermilfoil, an exotic invasive plant, has probably been in Dewart Lake since the 1990's.  In 2003/4 it became widespread in the lake and interfered with the growth of native plants, boating, swimming, and fishing. The DLPA applied and received a DNR LARE grant to treat the entire lake with SONAR (fluridone). This treatment occurred in 2006 at a cost of approximately $80,000 (10% DLPA share). The treatment was an apparent success because NO Eurasian Watermilfoil was found in the lake in 2007. However, 7 acres were found and spot treated with 2-4-D in 2008 at a cost of approximately $2,500 (10% DLPA share) and 44 acres were found and spot treated with 2-4-D in 2009 at a cost of approximately $16, 000 (10% DLPA share).  The 2009 treatment occurred in June as planned and seemed to be effective, but by late summer the milfoil had returned in many of the same areas that had been treated two months previously.   2010 The DLPA and the DNR expect at least as much (44 acres) Eurasian watermilfoil to be present in the lake in 2010 as in 2009. The DNR LARE grant program for lake weed control is typically only 3 or 4 consecutive years after which the DNR turns the lake weed problem completely over to the lake association. How will the DLPA pay for the treatment/control cost in 2010???  Here are two possibilities: 1) The DLPA will attend the DNR LARE weed meeting this winter as usual and plead our case for continued funding. Funding for our program is more likely since not as much LARE money is being spent on Lake Manitou because their very expensive project to control their invasive plant (Hydrilla) was apparently successful. 2) The DLPA may have to ask for significant donations from lake residents. The cost of treating 50 acres of Eurasian Watermilfoil will be about $20,000 if we use the same spot treatment method (2-4-D). We may need your monetary help in 2010.  The DLPA collects about $10,000 annually in dues. $20,000 is a lot of money for us. We may also need your ideas and expertise on how to control this invasive plant for years to come.