[Tomahawk, WI] – The Lake Nokomis Lake Association recently applied to the DNR to treat three areas of Lake Nokomis for Eurasion Watermilfoil, an invasive plant species that aggressively chokes out all native plants and threatens the lake’s health and usability. After years of approvals, this year the DNR broke precedent and denied the Lake Association two of the three locations they applied for. The agency is citing concerns that the herbicide being used, ProcellaCOR, could potentially drift downstream and impact Category 1 wild rice beds. Rep. Calvin Callahan (R-Tomahawk) has heard from many constituents – residents of Lake Nokomis – and has met with the president of the Lake Nokomis Lake Association, who also serves as a member of the Lake Nokomis Lake District, on the negative impact the DNR’s decision will have on the lake.
“For years, the Lake Association has worked in partnership with the DNR to responsibly manage milfoil outbreaks, ensuring recreational access, protecting the local ecosystem, and preserving water quality,” said Rep. Callahan. “I understand the importance of protecting native species, like wild rice, but this decision by the DNR doesn’t make sense. The agency should be working with local stakeholders, not against them.”
The Lake Association is continuing additional testing of the water at their expense, but preliminary results have shown there is no residual herbicide that would impact the wild rice further down the waterway. Rep. Callahan warns the DNR of their inconsistent application of standards and urges them to reconsider their position in light of the data and longstanding cooperation with the community.
“This is a dedicated group of volunteers doing everything by the book to protect a public resource,” Rep. Callahan added. “Pulling the rug out from under them now – without scientific backing – undermines trust and risks letting invasive species take over. My office will continue to keep a close eye on this situation. Let’s get this done.”
