INTEGRATED TREATMENT ACTION PLAN

Lake Leland Integrated Aquatic Plant Management Plan

In any water body, control of nuisance aquatic plants can be achieved at different scales: high intensity control, low intensity control, or no control. For example, high intensity control may be needed around docks and in swimming areas, whereas, low intensity control or no control would be suitable in most other areas.

At the present time, the steering committee feels that high intensity control of Brazilian elodea is appropriate around private docks, the boat launch, and swimming areas, and no control is appropriate for the rest of the lake (Figure 23). If in the future the spread of Brazilian elodea degrades the fishery, a low control (conservatively low stocking of grass carp) is deemed appropriate.

For the reed canary grass in the upper 2000 feet of Leland Creek, the committee feels a high intensity control is appropriate because of the flooding problem and its impact on on county and state roads, septic drainfields, and encroachment of the lake on adjacent lands.

At the present time, the yellow flag iris is not considered a serious problem and low intensity control would be appropriate.

Brazilian elodea

After spending several steering committee meetings looking at the available options for controlling Brazilian elodea, there is a consensus of opinion on one fact–at this point in time, there is no 100 percent method of control that is environmentally friendly, cost effective, and meets the needs of the community. The process of evaluation has come down to one of weighing the pros and cons for each scenario. The steering committee recognizes that the effective management of Brazilian elodea will be an on-going concern and will take a long term commitment. The management strategy is not static and may need to change over time as conditions change.

For the present, the steering committee recommends the following strategies to address the presence of Brazilian elodea in Lake Leland:

• Encourage a permanent role within the Leland Neighborhood Improvement Club (LNIC) to address lake water quality issues.
• Encourage a continued volunteer commitment from LNIC and other interested community members.
• Continue to monitor the lake for water quality and fish and wildlife habitat conditions (Ecology, WDFW).
• Continue mapping the spread of Brazilian elodea (Ecology, LNIC).
• Encourage small scale weed control around private docks and low bank swimming areas utilizing hand-pulling and bottom barrier methods (Residents, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation).
• Annual meeting of the LNIC for update on monitoring results, reevaluation of lake conditions, and contact with appropriate agencies if needed (LNIC).
• Revisit the IAVMP periodically to reevaluate the use of triploid grass carp (LNIC, Ecology, WDFW).
• Establish a link with the newly formed Jefferson County Weed Control Board.
• Establish a prevention strategy. Coordinate with Jefferson County Weed Board and Jefferson County Parks for public education projects and appropriate signs at Leland boat ramp and other lakes in the vicinity (LNIC).
• Continue public education using flyers for park visitors, newsletters, education of residents regarding watershed and lakeside Best Management Practices (LNIC, Jefferson County Weed Board, Jefferson County Parks).
• Establish a weed free zone around Park swimming and boat launch areas by vigorous hand removal of any new infestations detected in these areas or the use of bottom barriers if necessary (Jefferson County Parks).
• Continue to search for grant or other funding sources for education, monitoring and implementation purposes (LNIC, Jefferson County Parks).
• Establish a link with the Washington Lake Protection Association (LNIC).

Reed Canary Grass

The invasive reed canary grass that is causing flooding problems is only part of a complex problem. Because of the poor drainage resulting from a low gradient, Leland Creek not only needs a canary grass control program but also continual vigilance to keep the channel clear of beaver dams and other obstructions. The resumption of beaver trapping should be encouraged to keep the population in control. Research indicates that some communities have solved beaver problems with innovative ideas that allow humans and the beaver to coexist. It is recommended that Leland Neighborhood Improvement Club include reed canary grass and beaver control in LNIC concerns. As with Brazilian elodea control, this dilemma will require a long term commitment.

As a start for control, after much deliberation the steering committee recommends the use of the herbicide RODEO on the canary grass as the least damaging and most cost effective alternative. But there are several items of consideration with this strategy.

• Contact water right holders on Leland Creek and determine if there is any domestic use.
• Perform a selective hand spray so as not to damage bristly sedge, the sensitive plant identified by the Washington Natural Heritage Program.
• Perform a spring and fall follow-up eradication program and monitor in following years.
• Consider planting water tolerant trees, preferably conifers, along the treeless stretch of creek to provide cover to help eliminate grass. Trees will need animal damage controls.
• Be diligent and consistent.
• Link with Jefferson County Public Works as a possible funding source for canary grass control to eliminate road flooding.
• Consult with Clallam County Weed Board for results on their recent use of RODEO to control reed canary grass.

Yellow Flag Iris

Yellow flag iris, which has increasingly been spreading along the shore of the lake, can best be controlled by hand digging. Those residents who would like to see less of the plant along their shoreline are encouraged to selectively remove the plant.

• September, every year - Hold meeting to review conditions in Lake Leland and Leland Creek and to decide what action, if any, to take.

• October 1999 - Apply for a three year implementation grant to control reed canary grass in Leland Creek, conduct plant monitoring in Leland Creek and Lake Leland, and provide public education on noxious plant control and Best Management Practices. Estimated cost, $30,000.

 PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM

Throughout the IAPMP process, public outreach has been regularly occurring to keep the larger community informed on the status of the proceedings. Meetings, workshops, newsletters, and newspaper articles have been utilized in the past. These methods of education are expected to continue with the help of volunteers from the Leland Neighborhood Improvement Club. Information has also been disseminated through the Jefferson County Conservation District in the form of public displays. This form of awareness will be encouraged to continue.

Signs that bring attention to the Brazilian elodea problem in Lake Leland and show how to avoid the spread of noxious aquatic plants have been developed by Ecology. These are being installed at the Leland boat ramp and other nearby lakes. Similar notices are being placed on the campground bulletin board, and educational flyers are scheduled to be handed out to visitors and residents alike. Since noxious aquatic weeds are spread by transport on boat motors, trailers, and fishing gear, continued public outreach to boaters utilizing the public launch is highly recommended. Residents trained in the identification of noxious aquatic weeds should continue annual monitoring of lake vegetation for early detection of any new noxious infestations.

In addition to noxious aquatic weed information, the importance of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) should also be stressed to the community. These watershed stewardship activities should help reduce nutrient, contaminant, and sediment inputs into the lake. Ecology has a publication entitled Blueprint for a Lake-friendly Landscape (Appendix F) that addresses BMP’s for shoreline properties. It would be beneficial to distribute a copy to all lakeside residents on a yearly basis.  

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Questions about this page?
Contact Kathy Hamel by e-mail at kham461@ecy.wa.gov