More details needed on herbicide's use

After Sunday's article concerning Banner County's plans to deploy Renovate in late September, against the Eurasian milfoil in the Pend Oreille River, I heard friends speak strongly against it on principle: herbicides alone won't give us a long-term solution to the problem. Then, my neighbor, a regular herbicide user and waterfront landowner in the proposed treatment area, was disgusted to hear of the plan, based on the proposed timing. After that, my husband and I decided to do a bit of research.

Here's what we found:

Renovate's product label states: for control of Eurasian milfoil, "apply in spring or early summer when Eurasian watermilfoil or other submerged weeds are actively growing." Hmmm. Late September is not in that high growth window.

It sure looks to me like earlier applications would have been more in accordance with manufacturer instructions. What is the real reason for a proposed fall application, against manufacturer recommendations?

Regardless of one's basic stance on herbicides, I think we can all agree that, if they are going to be used, that a) they need to be used carefully and according to manufacturer specifications, and b) they should only be used when they are going to be most effective.

With the Renovate product label in one hand, and the Bee article from 9/12 in the other, I think we at least deserve more information before anything gets put into our lake.

KIM MARSHALL

Sandpoint