AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT Eurasian water milfoil (EWM) continues to spread in Connors Lake. Fortunately, no milfoil has been found in Lake of the Pines. The lake association is in the process of writing and updating a new aquatic plant management plan for 2024 through 2029. In this plan, Connors Lake is divided into 3 tolerance zones: zero tolerance, low tolerance, and mid tolerance. In 2023, a new 2.5-acre bed of milfoil was found in the west bay closest to the boat landing. This is in a zero-tolerance zone, which means it needs to be treated as soon as possible. Arrangements have been made, and this new area will be treated with the herbicide ProcellaCOR this summer (2024). Another 2.5-acre bed of milfoil has been discovered in the northeast bay, which is in a low tolerance zone. This area is being watched to see if it also needs treatment in the near future. A 15- acre milfoil bed, that was found several years ago in Muskie Bay, continues to grow and spread. This is a mid-tolerance zone, so no treatment is warranted at this time. This area was treated previously with the herbicide 2-4D. Milfoil spreads easily; even torn fragments can start a new bed. It is essential that we don’t transfer EWM to other parts of our two lakes. There are 3 buoys in Muskie Bay to keep boats out of that area. Our Clean Boats/Clean Water Program aims to prevent milfoil from coming into our lakes and also prevent it from transferring from our lakes to other bodies of water. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep our lakes clean and healthy for all of us to enjoy into the future. CLEAN BOATS CLEAN WATERS (CBCW) Remove plants and weeds from boats, personal watercraft, and trailers. These invasive plants and weeds can easily take over our lakes. Watch this video to see how boat inspections are done. CBCW helps to educate boaters and inspect watercraft that are entering and leaving Connors Lake and Lake of the Pines.

“JUST GIVE US TWO”

Volunteering for CBCW is the front line for our association. This is where we educate boaters about preventing invasive species from entering into our lakes. It is the most important thing we do as an association. If you want to make a big impact on the lakes’ ecosystems, volunteer for TWO HOURS with CBCW. This is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to volunteer. Anytime the lakes are busy, we need volunteers at the landings. If you want to volunteer, see any board member at one of the meetings to explain how to get started. Make a difference, get involved, and GIVE US TWO! If you can volunteer your time, please contact us.