Pro ProcellaCOR reader asserts herbicide has role in combating EWM

To the Editor:

What is the impact of untreated EWM?

EWM chokes out sunlight, native plants, spawning beds and bird and animal habitat, resulting in a “dead” lifeless environment. Wildlife begins to disappear, fish spawning beds are buried in milfoil, pan fish and sport fish all but disappear and fish and wildlife habitat is affected.

Annually EWM dies off and leaves a compost of nutrients which settles throughout the lake water coating all rip/rap, gravel and sandy spawning beds with a rich nutrient base for EWM expansion to the water’s edge and expansion into deeper water. Every object the water touches turns a slimy green or black as the vegetation rots. It is not crystal clear lake water.

The impact of EWM infestation is equally destructive on human activity and enjoyment. EWM restricts or eliminates all recreational activity. EWM changes the aesthetics and enjoyment of one’s waterfront and lake.

Not only does EWM get tangled in boat props and needs to be cut off (great fun with inboards) but boaters are beginning to experience clogged filters on the engine cooling systems resulting in over heating.

Finally EWM changes the value of your lakeside property and home, your lake for attracting tourists and fishermen resulting in an impact on your town and local economy.

What is the impact of ProcellaCOR treatments?

ProcellaCOR is an herbicide developed specifically for treatment of EWM and its use assures native aquatic plants remain as fish habitat and food, oxygen is produced rather than decreased. Once the EWM dies off, the rotting milfoil will eventually clear away or can be removed by rake. Nutrients don’t accumulate in the lake, fish and animals can swim unencumbered yet native plants provide shelter, people can dive and swim, boats can maneuver, fisherman can fish and the aesthetics return and the real estate values and the economy remain strong.

ProcellaCOR is applied at the rate of a few parts per billion, a sticky emulsion that attaches to the foliage and an ideal treatment on slopes and spot treatments in general. Its half life is a few hours and breaks down quickly in sunlight. The treated water is drinkable and where used for municipal water, it is safe.

It has been tested and evaluated by every northern DNR, the U.S. EPA and Canada. The risks associated with its use are considered “negligible and acceptable” a rating as good as one can get. It’s been in wide and extensive use for over five years. Whole lakes have been successfully treated.

However there are always skeptics who feel at some point it might be proven detrimental to “something”. The answer is, “if you are sick, you take the medicine available and over time medicines improve.”

Use of procellaCOR has been widely considered to be far less destructive to the lake ecosystem than EWM. Why is the DNR rejecting applications for its use, especially on lake frontage and shallow bays? 

Chuck Buchheit

Minocqua