Don't use evil to fight evil

Bonner County officials have purchased 400 gallons of triclopyr to inject into Lake Pend Oreille to combat Eurasian milfoil.

Federal permitting agencies will not allow application anywhere near the 4th of July holiday, so according to Brad at the county Weed Department (263-3175), the scheduled application is set to start on July 8.

If Triclopyr, a systemic herbicide, is so darn safe, then why a federal delay through the holiday?

According to Jack, a marine operator in Hope, this delay may interfere with success of herbicide treatment of Eurasian milfoil.

Officials have told us it's OK to swim in treatment areas, but not to drink the water. Besides obvious human health concerns related to toxicity, studies show toxicity levels for humans at as little as 0.2 parts per million, as well as a variety of other problems.

What about our wildlife and native flora?

The David Thompson game preserve is in close proximity to the 20-acre application site at Ellisport Bay. There are also many bald eagle nests in the vicinity, feeding on toxic fish may be a problem.

Let's stop the use of one evil to combat another. There are alternative methods to the eradication of Eurasian milfoil.

Is the use of triclopyr an acceptable risk? No, it's effectiveness is in question, as well as environmental and public health concerns. Washington state imposed swimming regulations with regard to Triclopyr.

Bonner county officials want to have a meeting with us and their Bigwigs…great. We need public awareness.

To help stop the herbicide application, call (208) 610-0417.

JACQUELINE SMITH

Clark Fork