forwarding an update from BLPOA president Jim DePrey...
By now I'm sure that many of you have heard the news that the DNR grant we were looking for to help cover the costs of dealing with the EWM problem on the lake was not awarded.  That news was very disappointing.  However the problem with the weeds is still there.  All of you who took your boats out of the water last fall via the public landing saw firsthand, this is a problem that must be dealt with very soon or it will become unmanageable.   

We are moving ahead with a contingency approach that involves several parts.  They are:  
1)  We are working with Aquatic Biologists, the firm that has applied chemical treatment to patches of mil-foil on the lake several times already, to produce a plan for chemical treatment, acquire the necessary permits to apply the treatment, and to do the actual application.  That application will be done in the Spring with a probable follow up in the fall based on a plan and a bid that is already being negotiated.  We will provide specifics when they are available, certainly before the work is done.
 
2) We will continue working with the Underhill Town Board to generate a working fund through a special assessment of something equal to or less than $200 per property owner.  This fund will be used to pay for the services of Aquatic Biologists and other expenses as needed.  This assessment was discussed at a special meeting of the Town Board in January will be further discussed and finalized at the March 6 meeting of the Underhill Town Board.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend in order to share their opinions on this topic.  
 
3)  We have asked Brian Ewart and the BLA to continue work to finish the required Aquatic Plant Management Plan and the grant application he has started.  I have asked Brian to deliver a draft of both of those no later than April 1, 2012, so that we can share them with all of you and seek your support for them prior to the August deadline for the next grant cycle.  

4)  We will be working with the new Invasive Species Coordinator for Oconto County to explore the potential benefits available through that professional resource.

5)  And most importantly, we will be promoting projects this summer, sponsored and managed by several groups and individuals, in which we will need your help.  These efforts will involve pulling weeds and monitoring the boat landing, among others.  Please, please help where ever you can.  In kind, labor is not only a requirement of the grants we are working for, they are also a very important and proven part of keeping the lake healthy.    I wish these problems were not introduced on Berry Lake.  But they are.  I feel strongly that with a few hours work and a few bucks from each of us, we can get down to what we come here for.  That is to enjoy the lake and hopefully leave it better than we found it.   I am looking forward to summer.  I promise to keep you posted.   

_IT'S OFFICIAL...WE'RE NOW A "QUALIFIED LAKE ASSOCIATION"!
The BLPOA has received confirmation from the DNR that they have approved our application to be a Qualified Lake Association!  This means that the BLPOA has the option to apply for lake planning and protection grants as well as aquatic invasive species grants under Wisconsin's Lake Planning and Protection Grant Program and Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant Program.