Project may 'weevil' little magic against milfoil

It’s really a no-brainer.

For years, the debate has raged over whether weevils have a place in fighting Eurasian milfoil on Lake Pend Oreille. On the one side, some argue only chemicals will do to tackle the weed in a cost-effective manner. On the other, some say an all-natural solution is the only option safe and, in the long-term, self-sustaining.

Why do we have to pick?

That’s what is exciting about the Tri-State Water Quality Council’s drive to collect funds for a weevil research project.

The non-profit group is acting as a fiscal agent for the project, which has attracted $90,000 in funding and in-kind donations and needs another $85,000 to get the project off the ground.

The idea is to collect native weevils already found in the lake, and produce more in a culturing facility. The weevils would then be turned loose in the lake to munch on, and burrow into, the plants’ stems — stunting its growth and killing it.

The result? A slower spead of milfoil and the chance for native aquatic plants to get re-established.

And, as the project moves forward, valuable data will collected on weevils as a viable control method in Idaho.

This is one of those rare instances where there’s no downside — donations fund the project, saving tax dollars in a tight economic climate; chemicals still have a role, where appropriate; and science gets answers.

The only hitch is that funding is still needed to pull off the research project.

And, in these days of bargain hunting, how’s this for a deal: Each weevil is a $1.

Tax-deductable donations can be made on TriState’s Web site (www.tristatecouncil.org) or by calling 265-9092.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.