Lake treatment and management updates
PLM managed Sage Lake throughout the summer of 2024 utilizing a combination of systemic and contact herbicides for the control of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), curly leaf pondweed (CLP), starry stonewort (SSW) and various native species/algae. EWM has continued to respond well, utilizing systemic herbicides. EWM populations on Sage Lake in 2024 were higher than 2023 but maintained a low amount of total cover throughout the 2024 season. It is important to keep in mind the goals of the program and aquatic plant management when evaluating lake conditions and treatments. One of those goals includes rotating active ingredients used to limit plant resistance issues in the long term. A few new small infestations of SSW were found during surveys in the 2024 season and were targeted with Seclear G, which has continued to be very effective on SSW. Wild celery remains one of the dominant native species in the lake and is managed to the best of our abilities within permit guidelines.
Seasonal variance among native plants is expected and can be impacted by many factors, including seasonal weather patterns, natural plant biological tendencies, or surveyor technique, just to name a few. The goal of tracking plants over the long term is to be able to identify plants for early detection and rapid response, and review long-term trends for lake health. The most dominant species in Sage Lake are Chara, Wild celery and Richardsons pondweed.
Richardsons pondweed is a great submersed species to have, and Chara is the No. 1 species to have within a water body. Chara is a natural filter to help clean the water. It also provides excellent habitat and helps stabilize the sediments. As this is a great plant to have, it should be encouraged unless it starts growing to the surface of the water. If that happens, limited management can help balance the community to allow for navigation while still promoting the plant for a healthy ecosystem.
Native species richness has increased since PLM took over in 2021, when 18 submerged native species were found. A high of 22 native species was found in 2024, which is an excellent indicator of a healthy and diverse plant population around Sage Lake. This year has produced more aquatic invasive species than in the past four years, which was addressed in June.
The May 2025 lake treatment targeted nine acres of invasive EWM and algae. The June 2025 treatment was for 140 acres of EWM. PLM sends out a newsletter every year to all Sage Lake property owners on the tax roll, and it includes the tentative lake treatment schedule for the season. The schedule is subject to change by a few days due to weather conditions, although it remains fairly consistent every year. A three- to four-hour lake survey is done before each treatment. We have not treated most of the undeveloped areas in Sage Lake for several years.
Read the 2024 aquatic vegetation summary here.
Thank you all for doing your part in helping to improve the lake for future generations.
2025 Treatment Schedule
Treatments will occur throughout the summer. Please watch your shoreline for posted signs with specific instructions. Please also note you'll see PLM on the lake many times this summer. PLM will not always be treating the lake but will be performing surveys and water quality tests as well.
The following dates have been tentatively set for the remainder of 2025 but may be adjusted as the season progresses due to many factors (permit restrictions, growth, weather, etc.). Always watch for posted signs.
- Week of July 7: Survey and water quality
- Week of July 14-18: Weed and algae treatment
- Aug. 4: Survey
- Week of Aug. 18-22: Weed and algae treatment
- Sept. 8: Water quality, end-of-year survey, AVAS
To contribute to the maintenance of Sage Lake, you can make a donation to the Aquatic Habitat Management Fund. Click here to visit our donation page and select the fund from the drop-down menu to contribute directly to the fund. Thank you for your support!
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