9e. letter of support for BMLA grant applicationc
SCANDIA
Staff Repovt
Date of Meeting: January 19, 2016
To: City Council
From: Neil Soltis, City Administrator
Re: Letter of support for Big Marine Lake Association grant
Background:
The BMLA is again applying for a grant from Washington County to control and kill Eurasian
Water Milfoil (EWM) in BML. In 2015 treatment was successful. Eight spots with a total area
of 19 acres were treated with the multiple treatment protocol developed by the BMLA and the
mid Sept survey indicated that the kill rate was about 40%. So, the BMLA expects that about
five small spots with a total area of eight to 12 acres will need treatment in 2016.
The BMLA, Steve McComas and PLM (applicator) met with the DNR on Dec 1 Oth. As a result
of that meeting and the work done by PLM in 2015, it was determined that the multi treatment
approach can be enhanced with a different herbicide mix. This will more than double the cost,
but there should be fewer acres requiring treatment.
The 2016 grant will request funds to hire Steve McComas (Blue Water Science) for pre and post
treatment analysis and to help pay for the increased herbicide cost.
Proposal Details:
BMLA has requested that the City write a letter of support for the 2016 grant application similar
to the 2015 letter with the last paragraph be changed as follows:
The City of Scandia approves the BMLA Aquatic Invasive Species grant application to fund pre
and post treatment Eurasian Water Milfoil delineation and a more effective treatment protocol
which has demonstrated the potential to ....... and downstream waters.
Options:
1. Approve the Letter of Support for the 2016 grant
2. Take no action on the request for a Letter of Support
Recommendation:
Option 1 — Approve the Letter of Support with the suggested language revision.
SCANDIA
February 4, 2015
Mike Blehert
Big Marine Lake Association President
12970182"d St
Scandia, MN 55073
Dear Mr. Blehert,
The City of Scandia supports your application to Washington County for an Aquatic Invasive Species
Prevention Grant for Big Marine Lake.
Big Marine Lake is the largest recreational lake in Scandia and draws hundreds of visitors each year. As
such it is important to continue to fight the spread of aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian Water
Milfoil (EWM). The City commends the Big Marine Lake Association's past efforts and success in
controlling the spread of EWM.
The City of Scandia approves the BMLA Aquatic Invasive Species Resolution and grant application since a
better understanding of the prime habitat for EWM and a more effective treatment protocol has the
potential to improve, control, and reduce the spread of EWM in Big Marine Lake and downstream
waters.
Thank you for all of your efforts to protect this valuable natural resource.
Sincerely,
Randall F. Simonson
Mayor, City of Scandia
14727 209i1 St. N., Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Phone (651) 433-2274 Fax (651) 433-5112 http://www.ci.scandia.mn.us