West Otter in Action

Division of Fish and Wildlife

402 W. Washington St, W273

Indianapolis, IN 46204-2782

PH: 317/234-1484

FAX: 317/232-8150

March 18, 2010

Weldon Baas, President

West Otter Lake Property Owners Association

180 Lane 102 West Otter Lake

Angola, IN 46703

Dear Mr. Baas,

Following a review of all applications for aquatic vegetation management submitted for Lake and River Enhancement (LAKE) program funding in 2010, the Department of Natural Resources has made determinations regarding the project proposals. Since funds are limited and grants are awarded on a competitive basis, the decision was made to not provide funding for your proposal for the planning and treatment of non-native aquatic vegetation in the West Otter lake in Steuben County.

Last year's highest priority, the whole-lake hydrilla eradication project at Lake Manitou, remains at the top of LARE's 2010 aquatic vegetation control list. We hope that other sources of funding will be available for this critical eradication project next year. This would free up more funding for other lakes. Exotic vegetation eradication projects for parrot feather and starry stonewort will also be funded. We have to stop these exotic vegetation infestations where they are found to avoid similar problems elsewhere in Indiana's lakes. These are the main priorities until these plants are no longer a threat to other lakes.

West Otter Lake will remain eligible to apply next year for 2011 funding without the need of a complete plant survey and plan update in 2010. We should be able to use the information about the plant community that your contractor has created in the past few years. You are welcome to submit an application for plant management funds by January 15, 2011. LARE staff would be able to meet with you and the District Fisheries Biologist this fall to discuss herbicide treatment needs in anticipation of next year's funding proposal.

I am sorry we cannot accommodate your request at this time, but your continued interest in Lake and River Enhancement is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Gregory L. Biberdorf LARE Program Manager Lake and River Enhancement Division of Fish and Wildlife