American Lake Management District #1
American Lake Management District # 1 (ALLMD) was formed in 2019 by the shoreline owners, the City of Lakewood, Camp Murray, and JBLM which controls the property where the Veteran's Hospital is located. The stated purpose of the ALLMD is to control noxious, invasive aquatic weeds, specifically Eurasian watermilfoil. Aqua Technex LLC applies ProcellaCOR herbicide. It is approved by the federal EPA as well as the WA Dept. of Ecology for use to specifically target milfoil. The ALLMD is structured as an advisory board comprised of members from the City, Camp Murray, JBLM and 3 private shoreline owners. The Advisory board provides non-binding recommendations and expertise and focuses on high-level guidance or community input.
Function of a Lake Management Board
The ALLMD was created under the Washington Code RCW 36.16. This law allows citizens or municipalities to assess funds in order to protect their lakes when the state is unable to do so. The ALMD currently assesses shoreline owners at $.66 per lineal foot of shoreline. The City collects the funds, then pays for the annual milfoil treatments and subsequent surveys.
The milfoil treatment started with 265 acres of Eurasian watermilfoil growing in shallow areas and around docks. Underwater meadows of this invasive aquatic weed threatened fish habitat and were dangerous for swimmers. Today the amount of weeds treated annually is about 50 acres. Unfortunately, it will probably be impossible for this invasive weed to be eradicated.
After several public meetings, the shoreline owners voted to choose ProcellaCOR as this was the least expensive and most environmentally friendly product at the time. ProcellaCOR has a good track record and is very effective.
The ALLMD can be renewed every 10 years according to the vote of the shoreline owners. The current district will sunset in 2028.
If property owners wish to have ALLMD address issues other than treatment of milfoil, at least 20% of the shoreline owners must request the District adopt a new project. They need to present a plan along with cost estimates to implement the plan. The District will consider adopting the project and will conduct public hearings and a vote before a new project will be adopted.
Petition to City to Restore American Lake
A petition signed by over 150 shoreline residents was presented to Lakewood City Council. This is their Explanation of the petition.
What does this petition do?
While the extremely low waterlevels of the last few summers have been addressed, this petition seeks to address the other problems with American Lake (toxic cyanobacteria, filamentous green algae, and unwanted excessive noxious vegetation)
The petetion directs the City of Lakewood (City) and the American Lake Management District No. 1 (ALMD) to work with the lake shoreline property owners to develop and implement a Comprehensive Manaemnet Plan to address these issues. (Note: ALMD currently only focuses on Milfoil control)
Are these problems unique to American Lake?
No, to varying degrees these problems are typical for most lakes that have developed shorelines, Many lakes in Western WA have Lake Management Kistricts and pay assessents to treat these problems. Lake Steilacoom and Spanaway Lake are examples.
Does this petition require the Cit5y ot increase assessments to lake shore property owners?
No, it does not. Ultimately and increase in lake shore property assessments may be necessary, but that comes later and requires a vote of the shoreline owners.
Will the City, State, and Military pay their fair share of any increasein assessments?
The City has no authority to assess the State or Military for funding. When the time comes to collect assessments the State and Military will hopefully pay their fair share.
Contact
Send questions about the LMD to the Lakewood city engineer, Weston Ott at W.Ott@cityoflakewood.us