Aquatic Conservation Task Force - ACT
Yes they are - current price is about $1.25 each! On the other hand, under ideal circumstances 5,000 weevils should multiply
to over 100 million by the end of the summer. The idea is to augment the existing population to permit it to increase to a natural
balance with the Mifoil in the lake.
Aren't Weevils expensive?
If weevils are so good, why are we using mats?
Won't weevils infest the lake?
Why spend so much money on the lake when the town needs so much else?
When are you going to start using weevils?
In 2008, funds permitting, we will have scientists test the lake to determine the existing weevil population - remember, they are
already here - and to establish some benchmarks as a basis for future comparison. If we then decide to continue, and if
funds are available, in 2009 we may begin a trial operation.
Are we applying for grants?
Where does the Lake Luzerne Association fit in?
That's a very good question. The Town has many problems, and many important demands on its resources. But the Lake itself
is a very important economic engine for the Town. The Lake's presence, its beauty and the quality of its water, are
what bring people - tourists and residents alike - to the Town. Many local taxpayers are dependent directly or indirectly
on maintaining the quality of the Lake. The Lake has been forgotten and ignored for too long.
Mats, especially the Lake Bottom Blankets, are inexpensive and very effective. The problem is that their effect is temporary.
An area matted in 2008 will have to be matted again in 2011 or 2012. The same applies to hebicides. We may find weevils
to be a more long-term solution, but much work and expense will be required to find out.
Where will the money come from?
ACT was created by, and is controlled by, the Town Council. The Lake Luzerne Association (LLA) is a separate
organization, although its President, Art Havighorst, also serves on ACT. Some of ACT's volunteers are in the LLA, and the latter
makes a significant financial contribution to ACT. Aside from these there is no relation between them.
ACT's "optimistic" budget for 2008 is $25,000, including $4,000 for investigation of whether the effect of weevils might be successful.
$7,500 of the total will come from the Town and $2,500 from the Lake Luzerne Association. ACT will raise the rest from potential
donors like yourself. ACT has no overhead - its members donate all required time and expenses. And its volunteers,
the real measure of success, save the Town and ACT many thousands of dollars.
Yes we are. One of the main grants available, from the state DEC, is a matching grant for which we will not be eligible until
2009. We are aggressively seeking other grants from the foundation divisions of companies such as International Paper,
National Grid, Time Warner, etc. If any reader has ideas in this regard, please Email us.
They already do. Neither you nor any of us have ever been aware of them, but they are already throughout the lake. Many
other aquatic critters are there also - don't forget, they are very, very tiny - the size of a small pin head.
