General goals for lake plan
The first goal of the LMD was to address the cost and method of controlling the invasive watermilfoil. This has been addressed through hiring Aquatechnex to apply herbicide and bring the infestation under control. Following are other goals the residents would like to be addressed
Short term plans, long term goals
The lake level dropped by two feet over the past several years due to unwarranted management by Pierce county. When the county absolved themselves of managing the weir, they restored the proper number of boards to the weir. Residents are keeping an eye on it to make sure it stays at the proper height. The lake has come up dramatically since summer 2025, so this problem has been solved for the moment.
A second problem is the excessive green algae and native plant growth that is occurring around the Eagle Point HOA on the east side and the American Shores condominiums on the northwest side. Currently private landowners are working to treat this problem at their own expense and with their own applicator.
A third problem is the long-term recurring winter Hazardous Algal blooms. The amount of phosphorous and nitrogen in the water column is at the root of these toxic conditions. There are many ways to address the problem, and one of the most promising is treatment with zero valent iron. Currently there are a few things that will need to be in place for a solution to the excessive nutrient load to be found.
One important point is the mission of the LMD will need to be officially extended to include advising the City on more topics than invasive plant control. This will take some revision in the Rules of the Resolution that originally formed the LMD and may require public hearings before the change can be voted on.
Another factor facing control of nutrients is the collection of data about the current levels of P and N so that any treatment that is done can be measured for effectiveness. Working with the Dept of Ecology and the City can inform how this process of study and decision making can be successful, as well as financially feasible.
These goals are what the residents of American Lake have before them at this time. Through educational efforts by the ALIC including this website, an annual meeting and Lakeside Lectures to inform residents, we can make better decisions. If we commit to transparent communication and focus, we can meet our goal of preserving the value of our lake for generations to come.
Contact us with other issues you feel should be addressed
We will try to find answers to your concerns. Email us with your thoughts.