Getsinger to speak at CLA meeting

COCOLALLA — The Cocolalla Lake Association’s annual general membership meeting on Thursday will feature a presentation by Dr. Kurt Getsinger, a research biologist at the U.S. Army Engineer Research & Development Center.

Getsinger, team leader for chemical control and physiological processes at the corps’ research facility in Vicksburg, Miss., will discuss studies and recommendations for improving the lake and controlling aquatic invasive species.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Cocolalla Community Club on South Cocolalla Loop Road. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by calling Cocolalla Lake Association President Chuck Gladish at (208) 263-6515.

A Eurasian milfoil survey conducted in July by Lakeland Restoration Services revealed no new infestations in the lake. Herbicide treatments over the past few years have all but eradicated the aquatic noxious weed from the lake, according to the association.

The lake association and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture continues to monitor the lake for invasive species. Between the voluntary contributions of association members, lake users and ISDA funding, the group said the successes are apparent and paid for infrastructure to avoid a re-infestation.

A seasonal lake host facility at the sportsmen’s access point, which operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, uses trained volunteers to inspect vessels for aquatic invaders, including zebra and quagga mussels. There’s a pressurized hot-water washer for cleaning incoming and outbound watercraft.

The association has also embarked on an extensive search for a solution to the common problem of algae blooms in late summer and early fall, which detract from recreational use of the lake. A number of methods are being considered, but each is expensive and requires the support of state and federal agencies with interests in water quality.

The association is confident that current and planned efforts will be successful.