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While it’s too early to make any final conclusions, we appear to be experiencing an algae invasion that is very similar to the 2009 experience. While the Keys have been heavily impacted by this problem, the south portion of the lake is essentially socked in along the shoreline. Here’s where we are.
- We have had to cease spray boat operations in certain heavily impacted areas of the Keys. Those areas are primarily on the Northwest side. In areas with heavy infestations, the spray boats are having little impact and we are concerned about burning up another spray boat motor. We will be running the harvester through those areas in an attempt to break up and sink the algae.
- We have had trouble obtaining booms, but we believe that we can borrow a set of booms from George Forni of Aquatic Environments, the firm that brought in the Mog last year. I will be hauling those booms up to the lake tomorrow, the 27th.
- We will be blocking off the entrances in the Island Circle/Lakeland area shortly. We will also be blocking the east channel at some point this week.
- We will begin the permit process this week to start a chemical test in the “horseshoe” area on the northwest side of the Keys. We hope to start the test within a week.
We still need additional volunteers. Here’s the deal.
- We are short volunteers everywhere, but the problem is especially pressing in the Zone bordered by Venus Village, Keys Blvd., the east channel, and the lake.
- Even if you are not comfortable running a spray boat, every spray boat needs a second person on board to act as an observer. If you can volunteer, please call me (Dennis Krentz, 707-998-8280) or Helene Montgomery (707-998-3804).