Those involved with milfoil locating and harvesting, say this was a bumper year for weeds. An aquatic plant expert from DES believes it is cyclical, but indeed; the pace of eutrophication is a challenge. Increased water runoff from buildings and roads provide nutriment rich sediment for weeds to grow in and failed septic systems and lawn fertilizer provide an extra dose of plant food. These are the primary causes of faster lake aging. Better public awareness along with individual responsibility is probably the best solution, because drastic solutions (like new regulations and expanded sewer) requires support for more government regulations or lots of money. The lake will continue to age, and we'll have some bumper weed crop years like this one, but hopefully not every year. The lake quality improved in the 80's after the sewer system went in for parts of the lake, but those who monitor lake quality know the battle is far from won.
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