Herbicide proponents are no Johnnies-come-lately

No one wants to put chemicals in our lakes! However, letting Eurasian milfoil choke the life from our lakes, while 11th-hour activists look for alternatives, is not acceptable when EPA approved herbicides are available!

(From EPA 738-R-05-002 June 2005) "… it is important to note the benefits gained through the direct application of 2,4-D to aquatic bodies, for the control of invasive species. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), among others, has identified 2,4-D as an important tool for protecting the nation's waters from the invasion and establishment of some of the world's worst species of exotic nuisance vegetation. 2,4-D has a reputation as a selective and economical means to remove invasive plants, enhance the growth and recovery of desirable native vegetation, restore water quality, reduce sedimentation rates in reservoirs, and improve fish and wildlife habitat." In addition, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, no other product (or alternative technique) can control these plants in a more cost-effective manner.

Save our lakes — treat the milfoil now.

Unfortunately, space limitations do not allow discussion of why chemical treatment of our lake was chosen after weighing all alternative treatments; including the milfoil weevils that Steve "discovered" just last week, which he actually believed no one locally had ever considered.

ROSE CHANEY

Sandpoint