Milfoil harvesters remove the invasive seaweed when it becomes a problem in freshwater lakes.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Vaseux Lake Stewardship Association

Vaseux Lake in the South Okanagan can be enjoyed by swimmers and kayakers again.

Every summer for years, the lake has been overwhelmed by milfoil – an invasive seaweed that is able to prosper in small, warm bodies of water like Vaseux.

“For now, home owners and visitors to the lake can once again enjoy swimming, kayaking and other aquatic activities without having to move through a large infestation of milfoil,” according to a media release from the Vaseux Lake Stewardship Association.

A milfoil harvester was recently used to remove the seaweed. It’s an effective, albeit temporary solution. But for more than 30 years, red tape was preventing the machines from entering the water, and the milfoil ran amok, especially over the past decade. The release thanks James Littley from the Okanagan Basin Water Board for helping to overcome those regulations.

READ MORE: Harvester anticipated to finally fight milfoil problem in South Okanagan lake

The lake became so infested with milfoil that it was no longer usable for swimmers and kayakers, and it engulfs so much of the ecosystem that it causes environmental concerns.

“Vaseux Lake has become a very popular tourist area for those who would enjoy nature without motorized boats and large numbers of cyclists and ebikes,” the release says.

“It is one of the last areas in the South Okanagan with a wildlife and bird sanctuary along a lake that allows people to enjoy nature peacefully.”

The Stewardship Association’s next goal is to get permission through a pilot project to use a rototiller – a machine that removes the roots of the milfoil.

“The Association has been in talks with representatives of the Okanagan Nation Alliance to collaborate on this pilot project in efforts to move forward for next year.”

Vaseux Lake Stewardship Association continues to advocate through a pilot project to get a rototiller in the lake, which is better at permanently removing the milfoil by its roots. The Association has been in talks with representatives of the Okanagan Nation Alliance to collaborate on this pilot project in efforts to move forward for next year.

READ MORE: Invasive milfoil will thrive in Okanagan lakes impacted by climate change

Heavy patches of mifoil pushed up against the shore of Vaseux Lake in 2016.

Image Credit: Submitted by Norm Gaumont

If milfoil is left unchecked, this is what lakes will look like. This shot was taken near the north end of Osoyoos Lake in 2010

Image Credit: Submitted by Okanagan Basin Water Board

To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2022