Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
Save Lake Chatuge and Mountain True Triumphs Over Parrot Feather Invasive Species! 🎉🌿
Save Lake Chatuge is thrilled to announce a triumphant victory in our battle against the invasive Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) species this season! 🎉 Thanks to our dedicated treatment efforts though Aqua Services, we've successfully reduced the spread of this devesting aquatic plant in Lake Chatuge!
Our carefully orchestrated plan, which combined targeted herbicide applications with vigilant monitoring, has paid off in spectacular fashion. 🌟 The dense, mat-like growth of Parrot Feather that once threatened the lake’s ecosystem, local biodiversity, and recreational enjoyment has been significantly curtailed—restoring balance to our treasured waters. 🌊✨
This achievement is a major milestone in our mission to preserve the health and beauty of Lake Chatuge. We owe a heartfelt THANK YOU to:
· Our incredible team
· All of our Passionate Individual Donors
· Local Businesses Donors
· Government Agencies:
Towns County Government & Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw
City of Hiawassee
Hiawassee Downtown Development Authority
GA General Assembly & DNR
· Community Partners at Mountain True
Their collective hard work, collaboration, and commitment have made this success possible! 🙌💙
Our treatment efforts were meticulously planned to protect non-target species while effectively combating the invasive threat. 🌍 We will continue to monitor the lake closely and follow up with future treatments to ensure Parrot Feather remains at bay, safeguarding the lake for generations to come.
As we celebrate this remarkable success, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported our conservation efforts, including local residents, environmental organizations, and government agencies. Together, we've made a huge leap forward in protecting Lake Chatuge, and we look forward to continuing this vital work. 🌿🌊💚
Let’s keep the momentum going! Stay informed, get involved, and join us in protecting the lake we all love.
#Chatugestrong
Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
While parrot feather is no longer visible anywhere at or near the surface of Lake Chatuge, the weed was identified at depths of 5-6 feet or more in a few locations as shown on the map. In order to keep this parrot feather from gaining a foothold and spreading, it was treated by Aqua Services on Monday, July 29th. Aqua Services will continue to conduct periodic surveys through the end of August.
#Chatugestrong
Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
Treatment Update: Aqua Services has conducted another survey this week. The surveys identified several areas within the map below that contain parrot feather. The map indicates the proposed treatment area; however, specific zones within this area (not the entire mapped area) will be targeted for treatment. The treatment application is scheduled for Thursday, 7/25, or Monday, 7/29, depending on the weather.
#Chatugestrong
Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
UPDATE: Great News! Our treatments are working. Aqua Services has surveyed this week and will be back out again next week to finalize plans for the next treatment. We will post the new treatment plan late next week.
Below is additional information taken from a FB response by Aqua Services to a comment:
“This product, as mentioned by many others, works at very, very small levels. There are no swimming, fishing, or potable drinking restrictions. These EPA approved aquatic herbicides go through rigorous testing over many, many years. And, this product, degrades and dilutes in a matter of hours in this scenario. And, keep in mind, these products only target specific physiological processes in plants, not animals. I hope this helps some and I am happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to please DM me and we can swap contact info. Please have a blessed evening and blessed weekend. And just to reiterate some of this, here are a few points about the product of choice.
ProcellaCOR is an EPA reduced risk chemistry
Low use rate
Labeled for use in drinking water reservoirs
Safe to aquatic environment, fish wildlife and humans
ProcellaCOR aquatic herbicide selectively targets invasive aquatics weeds, such as milfoil, hydrilla, primrose and others. It is a very selective herbicide…not all species are controlled, such as many native grasses and pondweeds
ProcellaCOR attacks a specific receptor protein only found in plants (not animals or humans). Think of ProcellaCOR like a key that fits a specific lock.
Once absorbed by susceptible plants it kills the plant and root system of these weeds (long-lasting control, i.e. systemic).
Once ProcellaCOR it does it’s job with target weeds, it rapidly degrades in the water and is gone within hours/days.”
#Chatugestrong
Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
On 6/19/2024, Travis Hunt (Aqua Services Applicator) treated 51.2 acres total within Lake Chatuge where emerging parrots-feather was found (See Attached Maps). Plants were standing 5 feet tall (on average) in an average water depth of 10 feet. Due to the increased depth and water volume, a higher rate of Procellacor SC was applied.
On the attached maps you will see that the area was split between two polygons. One polygon was appx. 16 acres and the other appx. 35 acres.
Below is additional information taken from a FB response by Aqua Services to a comment:
“This product, as mentioned by many others, works at very, very small levels. There are no swimming, fishing, or potable drinking restrictions. These EPA approved aquatic herbicides go through rigorous testing over many, many years. And, this product, degrades and dilutes in a matter of hours in this scenario. And, keep in mind, these products only target specific physiological processes in plants, not animals. I hope this helps some and I am happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to please DM me and we can swap contact info. Please have a blessed evening and blessed weekend. And just to reiterate some of this, here are a few points about the product of choice.
ProcellaCOR is an EPA reduced risk chemistry
Low use rate
Labeled for use in drinking water reservoirs
Safe to aquatic environment, fish wildlife and humans
ProcellaCOR aquatic herbicide selectively targets invasive aquatics weeds, such as milfoil, hydrilla, primrose and others. It is a very selective herbicide…not all species are controlled, such as many native grasses and pondweeds
ProcellaCOR attacks a specific receptor protein only found in plants (not animals or humans). Think of ProcellaCOR like a key that fits a specific lock.
Once absorbed by susceptible plants it kills the plant and root system of these weeds (long-lasting control, i.e. systemic).
Once ProcellaCOR it does it’s job with target weeds, it rapidly degrades in the water and is gone within hours/days.”
#Chatugestrong
Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
Aqua Services will be doing another treatment for Parrot Feather on Wednesday, June 19. See map for treatment area. Please remember that there is a recommended 3 day lake water irrigation restriction to broadleaf plants as a precaution.
Below is additional information taken from a FB response by Aqua Services to a comment:
“This product, as mentioned by many others, works at very, very small levels. There are no swimming, fishing, or potable drinking restrictions. These EPA approved aquatic herbicides go through rigorous testing over many, many years. And, this product, degrades and dilutes in a matter of hours in this scenario. And, keep in mind, these products only target specific physiological processes in plants, not animals. I hope this helps some and I am happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to please DM me and we can swap contact info. Please have a blessed evening and blessed weekend. And just to reiterate some of this, here are a few points about the product of choice.
ProcellaCOR is an EPA reduced risk chemistry
Low use rate
Labeled for use in drinking water reservoirs
Safe to aquatic environment, fish wildlife and humans
ProcellaCOR aquatic herbicide selectively targets invasive aquatics weeds, such as milfoil, hydrilla, primrose and others. It is a very selective herbicide…not all species are controlled, such as many native grasses and pondweeds
ProcellaCOR attacks a specific receptor protein only found in plants (not animals or humans). Think of ProcellaCOR like a key that fits a specific lock.
Once absorbed by susceptible plants it kills the plant and root system of these weeds (long-lasting control, i.e. systemic).
Once ProcellaCOR it does it’s job with target weeds, it rapidly degrades in the water and is gone within hours/days.”
#Chatugestrong
Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
Update 6/7/2024: Following this morning's survey, it has been decided to postpone the treatment. As previously mentioned, treatment will proceed only when the plant reaches optimal growth, which will minimize the required herbicide and ensure the most effective treatment. The new schedule will be shared once it is established.
Aqua Services recently completed a site survey and the previous treatment was successful. They are scheduling an additional treatment for Friday, June 7th. A treatment map will be available early next week and will be shared via the website, email list, and Facebook page. Please stay tuned for further updates.
#Chatugestrong
Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
Aqua Services conducted a site survey this week on the initial treatment area, and we are pleased to report visible progress. The next treatment is scheduled for the week after next, allowing the weeds in deeper water to become more active, ensuring the treatment’s full effectiveness.
Tune in to The Talk of the Mountains 95.1 FM this Friday at 7:30 AM for updates and a Q&A session with Troy Goldsby from Aqua Services and Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales.
We are excited for a fantastic 2024 lake season! Get out and enjoy our beautiful lake.
#Chatugestrong
- Save Lake Chatuge UPDATE
Update
Update | May 2, 2024
UPDATE TO POST: Irrigation restriction is for treatment area & those who irrigate using lake water ONLY. If you are outside of treatment area and/or use city water for irrigation you are not under a restriction. Also, annual broadleaf plans are those that are planted every year.
🌊 Exciting News! Aqua Services On-Site Tomorrow for First Application 🌊
We're thrilled to announce that Aqua Services will be on-site tomorrow for the first application to an area upstream of the Mayors Park boat ramp and just past the bridge. This marks an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to preserve the beauty of our community's waterways.
As part of this application, we kindly ask residents to take note of the following restriction: there will be a 3-day irrigation restriction on annual broadleaf plants, including vegetables.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain the health and vitality of our environment.
Thank you for your continued support!
#ChatugeStrong
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
- Margaret Mead
Please click the link here to donate via credit/debit card
or mail a check to:
Mountain True, 29 N Market St, Ste 610 Asheville NC 28801
In the memo line of the check, mark it "For Parrot Feather"
DONATE HERE!!
Keep up the great work and let’s save the lake, together.
- Save Lake Chatuge
Update
Update | May 1, 2024
🌊 Exciting News! Aqua Services On-Site Tomorrow for First Application 🌊
We're thrilled to announce that Aqua Services will be on-site tomorrow for the first application to an area upstream of the Mayors Park boat ramp and just past the bridge. This marks an important step forward in our ongoing efforts to preserve the beauty of our community's waterways.
As part of this application, we kindly ask residents to take note of the following restriction: there will be a 3-day irrigation restriction on annual broadleaf plants, including vegetables.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to maintain the health and vitality of our environment.
Thank you for your continued support!
#ChatugeStrong
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
- Margaret Mead
Please click the link here to donate via credit/debit card
or mail a check to:
Mountain True, 29 N Market St, Ste 610 Asheville NC 28801
In the memo line of the check, mark it "For Parrot Feather"
DONATE HERE!!
Keep up the great work and let’s save the lake, together.
- Save Lake Chatuge
Update
Update | April 17, 2024
Lake Chatuge Parrot Feather Project Receives Boost from Georgia General Assembly
Save Lake Chatuge is pleased to announce that the Georgia General Assembly has allocated $400,000 to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the treatment and control of parrot feather in the Georgia portion of Lake Chatuge. While the funds must be contracted by June 30, 2024, DNR will have until June 30, 2025 to spend them.
MountainTrue will safeguard the private donations and other funds that have been received over the past three months in an interest-bearing account to be used for actions that are beyond the scope of the STATE OF GEORGIA/DNR allocation. These actions could include future treatments of invasive weeds in Georgia after the STATE funds are exhausted or to treat Invasive weeds on the North Carolina side of the line in Lake Chatuge. The private donations may also be utilized for signage and other preventative measures such as boat washing stations at public boat ramps.
The unwavering support of our community has been instrumental throughout this endeavor. Your steadfast commitment to this cause ensures the comprehensive treatment of invasive weeds in Lake Chatuge. Through the combined efforts of our private donations and the allocated DNR funds, we can now implement a multi-year strategy and preventative measures without the necessity of further fundraising in the foreseeable future. Save Lake Chatuge remains dedicated to advocating for future government budget allocations, emphasizing a long-term approach focused on education and prevention initiatives.
We are immensely grateful for the remarkable progress achieved in such a small amount of time. Your unwavering belief in this project and ongoing support have been pivotal to its success. Thank you for standing with us in our mission to preserve and protect Lake Chatuge.
Finally, thank you to Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, Mayor Liz Ordiales, Senator Bo Hachett, Representative Stan Gunter, and the rest of the state General Assembly for being responsive to the concerns of the citizens of Towns County and providing support for the Lake Chatuge Parrot Feather Project.
#ChatugeStrong
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
- Margaret Mead
Please click the link here to donate via credit/debit card
or mail a check to:
Mountain True, 29 N Market St, Ste 610 Asheville NC 28801
In the memo line of the check, mark it "For Parrot Feather"
DONATE HERE!!
Keep up the great work and let’s save the lake, together.
- Save Lake Chatuge
Weekly Update
Update | March 17, 2024
If you couldn't make it to the Pirates & Parrots event at the Ridges, you missed an extraordinary experience! A heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Ridges Resort for organizing such a memorable event, and to all who participated. Stay tuned for updates on the total amount raised – coming soon!
Meeting so many of you at recent events has been a delight. Our community is truly exceptional. A big shoutout to everyone who has donated, distributed flyers, educated neighbors, volunteered, and contributed in various ways. None of this progress would have been possible without your support and the generosity of our business donors.
With the weather warming up, I encourage you to show your support for all these businesses by patronizing them.
In case you haven't heard, the City of Hiawassee has generously donated $20,000 to our efforts!
Our team is hard at work behind the scenes, focusing on education, securing grants, prevention efforts, and more. We've reached out to government officials in North Carolina and Georgia. A representative from US Senator Tillis's office participated in an online meeting with our group, listened to our concerns, and will be providing potential resources. We've also been in contact with NC State Senator Corbin's office to seek assistance in identifying grant funding for prevention and education efforts. However, our efforts with Clay County have faced some challenges. They hold their monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 6:45 pm in the multi-purpose room of the Clay County Courthouse. We've requested to be on the agenda for the April meeting but haven't received a response yet. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend on April 4th at 6:45 pm.
We'll continue to keep you updated on our progress every few weeks and more frequently as needed.
#ChatugeStrong
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
- Margaret Mead
Please click the link here to donate via credit/debit card
or mail a check to:
Mountain True, 29 N Market St, Ste 610 Asheville NC 28801
In the memo line of the check, mark it "For Parrot Feather"
DONATE HERE!!
Keep up the great work and let’s save the lake, together.
- Save Lake Chatuge
Weekly Update
Weekly Update | March 1, 2024
Attention everyone,
Exciting news! We've finalized our treatment plan! Click the link below to visit Mountain True’s blog post, where you'll find all the details:
https://mountaintrue.org/aqua-services-lake-chatuge-parrot-feather/
We're thrilled to announce our partnership with Aqua Services for the treatment application. Their proposal introduces a more efficient application system, ensuring targeted treatment and reducing the need for excessive herbicide compared to other proposals.
Please note that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will oversee water treatment in the vicinity of the water treatment plant and the boat ramp. As a result, this specific area is not included in our treatment map provided in the link above.
Stay tuned for a fundraising update, which will be posted on Monday, March 4th.
#CHATUGESTRONG
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
- Margaret Mead
Please click the link here to donate via credit/debit card
or mail a check to:
Mountain True, 29 N Market St, Ste 610 Asheville NC 28801
In the memo line of the check, mark it "For Parrot Feather"
DONATE HERE!!
Keep up the great work and let’s save the lake, together.
- Save Lake Chatuge (Copy)
Weekly Update
Weekly Update | February 23, 2024
The future is bright for Lake Chatuge, yet we must not unfurl the victory banner prematurely. Though our initial fundraising objective stands conquered, the battlefield stretches ahead.
Let us, however, take stock of our triumphs:
SaveLakeChatuge boasts nearly 400 members on our website and close to 800 on our Facebook page.
Within a span of just one month, we have amassed ample funds to execute an inaugural treatment this season, with reserves earmarked for potential new areas identified during the upcoming growth phase.
A partnership has been forged with Mountain True to oversee treatment operations.
We've garnered the support of local governmental bodies – Towns County and the City of Hiawassee.
Following extensive consultations with the nation's foremost Parrot Feather treatment experts, we are on the brink of finalizing a treatment strategy.
Yet, our tasks persist:
Securing ongoing financial commitments from local, state, and federal entities for the years ahead.
Conducting research and aiding agencies in obtaining funding and executing plans for signage, educational initiatives, and the installation of boat-washout stations at public access points.
Contributing to educational endeavors targeting visitors, through collaboration with local establishments and short-term rental proprietors.
Advocating for the prohibition of Parrot Feather sales in Georgia and North Carolina.
We are fortunate to inhabit not only a picturesque locale but also one blessed with a resilient community. Though we may be small in number, our collective strength knows no bounds – we are #CHATUGESTRONG
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has"
- Margaret Mead
Please click the link here to donate via credit/debit card
or mail a check to:
Mountain True, 29 N Market St, Ste 610 Asheville NC 28801
In the memo line of the check, mark it "For Parrot Feather"
DONATE HERE!!
Keep up the great work and let’s save the lake, together.