Too Many Water Lilies on Lake Newport?

There are lots of water lilies at Lake Newport, which is either a blessing or a curse, depending on your preference.  Is this a problem should address?

RA North Point Director Mike Collins is asking for community input.

"I've had many conversations on this subject with people who live around the lake," Collins said. "Some people dislike the aesthetics of the large patches, especially in the coves. Certainly, heavy concentrations can make boating or fishing difficult or impossible, so some people would like to see the lilies brought under control if not eliminated. Others love the lilies just as they are or don't think they are a problem that warrants expenditure staff time or money right now. "

said the lilies do not pose an ecological problem.  They provide good habitats for fish and can improve water quality. On the other hand, they are very aggressive and can push out other species or create stagnant areas with low oxygen levels, Collins says.

Full eradication (or close) with herbicide would cost around $5,000 and will probably result in mats of decomposing lilies floating around the lake for a while, says Collins. Some mitigation in key areas, such as around docks, could be done for less money, but would need to be repeated every few years.

Collins points out that RA has not budgeted for the cost of eradication for 2012, but he wants to know how residents feel before proceeding.

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