WATER QUALITY SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TKPOA MEMBERSHIP APPROVED CONTROL METHODS TEST YEAR 2 (2023)

By: Kristine Lebo, Water Quality Department Manager

The Control Methods Test (CMT) is a multiyear effort to find a lasting solution to manage invasive aquatic weeds in our lagoons. Year 1 of the test has shown promising results in the effectiveness of herbicide treatments. Year 2 is designed to test methods for maintaining control in areas where herbicides were applied to help determine what would be the most viable option moving forward if taken large scale.

By way of background, in January of 2022, the LRWQCB and the TRPA governing boards unanimously approved the Tahoe Keys Control Methods Test project. Starting May 2022, 27 testing sites were established for various treatment methods including the 16.9-acres of herbicide application. These treatment sites and the entire West Lagoon were heavily monitored for compliance and viability throughout the summer season. With the overall success of Year 1, on December 14th, 2022, the Tahoe Keys membership voted to continue funding the Control Methods Test Project for it’s second year (2023) through a special assessment.

The CMT project Year 2 was allowed for:

• Program management and technical support to implement Group B methods across the test sites.

• Continue the work in finding the long-term solution and assessing the circulation system

• TKPOA Water Quality Department support staffing to provide technical and logistical support of the CMT.

• Equipment and supplies required to conduct the CMT, and to become part of the Water Quality Department operations as needed.

• Developing and implementing the Group B treatment methods of Bottom Barriers and Diver Assisted Hand Pulling.

• Continuation of Program Management to include technical support for Ultraviolet Light (UV-C) application.

• Continuation of Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) management as required by the CMT.

• Continuation and improvement of nutrient management in the Tahoe Keys Lagoons through analysis and testing of Laminar Flow Aeration (LFA).

• Project contingency for any additional required costs

• Efforts will continue to seek to obtain grant funds to reduce costs.

• Continue outreach efforts to non-member stakeholders and public education efforts.

All of these Special Assessment payments can be characterized as an investment in the future of the Tahoe Keys, finding methods to greatly reduce or eliminate the aquatic weeds from the Lagoons. It is anticipated to improve the quality of boating, recreation, and aesthetics thereby improving property values throughout our community. That TKPOA Board of Directors, Water Quality Committee, TKPOA Staff all appreciate your efforts to support these programs and important test.

The special assessment is $442 per Waterfront Property Owner ($221 for landlocked owners without a Beach and Harbor dock). This will generate approximately $650,000 for costs to be incurred during the 2023 fiscal year to support the Year 2 efforts of the Control Methods Test.

Invoices for this special assessment were mailed out on January 18th, 2023, with a due date for payment of February 1st, 2023. Late charges will not apply until March 2nd, 2023.

Please check the project website: www.keysweedsmanagement.com for outreach materials and additional information. You can also contact the TKPOA Front Desk at 530-5426444 Monday through Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM, Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM - 2:00PM.