Washington State Lake Protection Association

Bimonthly E-Bulletin | September 2025 | View as Webpage

WALPA Has A New Look!

We’re excited to debut our refreshed logo, the first step in modernizing WALPA’s presence. You’ll see it featured at our upcoming conference, in our future communications, and on our online swag shop — where you can also find some other cool new designs!

Provide Feedback on Ecology's Aquatic Plant and Algae Management General Permit (APAM) Revision

WA State Dept. of Ecology and WALPA want YOUR help!

The Washington State Department of Ecology is revising the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management general permit, and we would appreciate your input. The public is invited to review and comment on the draft general permit from Sept. 10, 2025, through Oct. 24, 2025. This will be the time to let us know about any changes you’d like to see in the permit, either through written comments or during online meetings. We plan to decide about issuing the final permit in February 2026, and the new permit will be in place until 2031. To learn more, please visit the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management permit web page linked above. You can also join our email list to receive email updates about this permit.

Some of the changes Ecology is considering for the draft permit include:

• Revising monitoring requirements around dissolved oxygen and treatments to reduce phosphorous
• Clarifying treatment timing windows and the process to modify them
• Adding another type of phosphorous control product
• Updating permit language to be consistent with current state and federal laws

Ecology issues the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management general permit to allow chemical treatments for the management of aquatic noxious weeds, native nuisance plants, and algae. These chemicals are limited to a specific list of aquatic herbicides, algaecides, biological water clarifiers, adjuvants, marker dyes, shading products, and phosphorus control products. They can be used directly in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers, or along shorelines, roadsides, and ditch banks.

Getting input from lake managers and people who are passionate about lakes is an important part of improving the current permit. Please visit the permit website and mark your calendars with the public comment period from September 10 to October 24, 2025. If you have questions about the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management general permit or the reissuance process, contact Shawn Ultican at shawn.ultican@ecy.wa.gov or 360-407-6283.

Join a WALPA subcommittee for public comment of the DRAFT Aquatic Plant and Algae Management Permit

As stated above, Ecology is revising the Aquatic Plant and Algae Management General Permit for 2026-2031 and the public comment period is now open. We encourage you to provide comment individually, or, if you like, we invite you to join a WALPA APAM Action Team (WAAT!) to review the permits, its proposed changes together and to develop a set of comments and recommendations to submit to Ecology. If you would like to join WAAT(!), please contact tclark@herrerainc.com.

All WALPA members are welcome! We would like to include perspectives from Lake Management Districts, applicators, public agencies, and lake residents.

FY2027 Aquatic Plant Management and Algae Grants

Applications Opening Soon!

WALPA Updates

What else is going on with WALPA? News from the Board and more!

Ducks and Geese - Love Them. . . But NOT by Feeding Them

Our local lakes are full of wonderful waterfowl, from glossy and colorful wood ducks to cantankerous Canada geese. Yet, as tempting as it is may be to grab a bag of bread or even bird seed, the truth is, you may be hurting them rather than helping. Here's why:

• Human food is “junk food” for birds and lacks the nutrition they need.
• Making birds reliant on people for foods (even birdseed) can cause overpopulation, increasing the risk of disease and parasites.
• Extra birds and extra carbs also mean more poop – on our beaches, yards, and in our lakes. Poop has bacteria that can be harmful to people and pets.

We get it. People want to help wildlife, and feeding ducks and geese seems like a good way. However, there are several options that are far better for the birds, our lakes, and you:

• Plant native vegetation on your shoreline: Native plants provide important cover and a natural, nutritious food source for waterfowl. The birds also eat aquatic insects that need native plants to grow! An added benefit? Shoreline plants will prevent geese from entering and pooping all over your yard!
• Get nest boxes: You can provide nest boxes where ducks can safely lay their eggs. Knowing you've helped wildlife populations (and getting to watch little tumbling ducklings up close) is a very endearing and rewarding experience!
• Don't live on a lake shoreline: No problem. You can still make a difference! Volunteer to plant or maintain native vegetation at your favorite park. Sign up for a bird count to track and protect local waterfowl populations.



Check out this great webpage from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife for more information on Living With Wildlife: Canada Geese!

Lake News and Events

Stay informed with the latest developments and changes in our local lakes. Join fellow freshwater enthusiasts for upcoming events and activities!

Shout Out to Our 2025 SPONSORS!

Interested to add your company's logo here? Become a 2025 Sponsor today! Reach out to WALPA's Treasurer if you have questions, treasurer@walpa.org.

WASHINGTON STATE LAKE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

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