2010 WLA RAKING PROGRAM

2010-04-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

DUE TO THE HIGH CONCENTRATION OF INVASIVE PLANTS FOUND IN MOST RAKING AREA, THE SPRING RAKING WILL NOT OCCUR. IF YOU HAVE ANY INTEREST IN A FALL RAKING PLEASE CONTACT THE WLA BY AUGUST

WLA WEED RAKING PROGRAM

2009-08-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

WEBSTER LAKE RAKING HISTORY

Prior to 2004, raking was done indiscriminately on Webster Lake with limited regard for the spread of invasive species such as milfoil and fanwort. In several cases, the raking companies may not have obtained approval through the Webster Conservation Commission (ConCom). In any case, there were no current maps of the location of the various species on the Lake, nor was there any requirement for the raking companies to verify the presence of species that could be safely removed before raking.

Since 2004, the WLA has run a program, with the permission of the ConCom, to allow Lake Residents to easily contract raking for their property. To reduce the probability of the spread of invasive species, the WLA has implemented a “Protocol” for raking that is listed below. The WLA obtains a State and ConCom permit to not only rake, but to chemically treat invasive and/or nuisance plant species in the Lake.

The WLA does not have any power to prevent, or regulate, other than it’s contractual agreement with the WLA hired raking company, any Lake residents or other companies from raking on the Lake. These non-WLA entities are free to go through the town or state’s legal process to obtain permission to rake on Webster Lake. Any work done without the town or state’s permission, or not on the WLA’s Raking List, could be construed by the authorities as a violation of law.

WEED RAKING PROGRAM PROCEDURE

PURPOSE: To outline a procedure for removing vegetation, by mechanical means, on the waterfronts of Webster Lake in a manner that will reduce the probability of the spread of invasive plant species to other parts of Webster Lake.

1. At the beginning of March the WLA Weed Raking Coordinator (WWRC) will contact Aquatic Control Technology (ACT), or another chosen contractor, to determine the price and raking dates for the year. The final details of the application will be agreed upon by the WWRC and the contractor. The deadline for application submittal should be a minimum of 2-3 weeks prior to the raking week.

2. At the end of March the WWRC will forward on the application to the WLA Board for approval and emailing/mailing to the members at the beginning of April.

3. The WWRC will receive the applications at PO Box 66, make a list of applicants, denote their locations on a Master Map, and deposit their checks into the WLA Checking Account. The WWRC will be provided with a key to the PO Box, WLA deposit booklet, and check endorsement stamp.

4. At the deadline, a copy of the final list of names and the master map will be submitted to the WLA President so that a Raking Proposal letter can be sent to the Webster ConCom. Another copy will be also sent to the raking contractor, along with copies of all the applications.

5. Prior to the raking, the contractor will conduct a survey of the applicant’s areas. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that the WWRC accompany the contractor. If any invasive species are found, the area will not be raked and will be considered for chemical treatment. The WWRC will notify the applicant and direct the WLA Treasurer to refund the applicants paid fee for raking.

6. The Webster DPW will have to be notified of the raking dates and that the raking trailer will be left overnight at the launching ramp parking lot.

7. Upon completion of the raking the WWRC will approve and submit the contractor’s invoice to the Treasurer. An updated list and map will be submitted to the President so that a final report can be sent to the ConCom.

8. The WWRC will make possible recommendations for improvements to the BODs. If approved, the WWRC will update this document to include the approved changes.

2009 WEED RAKING COMPLETE

2009-06-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

This year's program is complete. Some of the sites did not use the full 2 hours of raking. Those site participants will be receiving a partial refund, based on the unused hours.

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