By Do you live on Meydenbauer Bay? Are you impacted by the invasive weeds growing in
the water along your shoreline? If so, the MBNA Milfoil Treatment program can help.
The MBNA secures a permit through the Washington State Department of Ecology, enabling us
to engage a firm to manage invasive aquatic weeds such as Eurasian milfoil, Brazilian elodea,
pond weeds, and lily pads.
For the past twenty years, we have contracted with aquatic plant management firms to treat the
milfoil and weeds in Meydenbauer Bay using an herbicide called diquat dibromide. Due to the
Department of Ecology’s treatment window for sockeye spawning areas, this treatment using
diquat cannot be applied until July 16th. Last year, an early warm Spring resulted in substantial
milfoil growth, and when treatment was finally applied on July 22nd, some boaters experienced
issues with their motors.
Our current aquatic plant management firm, AquaTechnex, recommends the use of an herbicide
called ProcellaCOR, which specifically and systemically targets and eliminates milfoil. This
herbicide can be applied as early as June, when temperatures exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The most effective strategy involves early treatment in June with ProcellaCOR to specifically
eradicate milfoil plants, followed by a post-July 15th treatment with diquat to address elodea,
pond weeds, and lily pads. This may cost around $1,000 based on participant numbers. If only
diquat is used after July 15th, the cost would be under $300.
We encourage everyone affected by the invasive weeds to consider taking early measures to
manage the milfoil, followed by a second treatment to address elodea, pond weeds, and lily
pads.
For further information about this program, please contact Betty Mastropaolo at
[email protected].
