WEED CONTROL

Over the past five years the uncontrolled growth of several species of aquatic plants has increased significantly in several areas of Offut Lake. Notably, the areas where the water is more shallow are experiencing drastic infestations of aquatic plants. This includes almost all shorelines around the lake. It is noted that because of the depth of the lake, the aquatic plant vegetation is not a problem in the middle of the lake where depths and thus cooler water temperatures inhibit the growth of vegetation. Additionally, the areas of declared wetlands  have become a haven for a few plants unique to the wetland areas. Finally, there are periodic toxic algae blooms that have been well documented by the Thurston County Health Department.

Offut Lake has been a recreational haven for over a century. It provides a tranquil, pristine setting in close proximity to a major metropolitan area, the State capital, Olympia. Over the past twenty years as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has stocked the lake, it has developed a reputation as a quiet fishing lake. Residents and visitors [KN1] enjoy this privilege on a daily basis. Additionally, boating, swimming and wildlife viewing draw visitors and residents to marvel at the daily gifts the lake offers. Because so much of the shoreline is either declared Wetlands or undeveloped, both visitors and residents are able to enjoy all the lake has to offer in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. Residents report that significant aquatic infestation of the last several years prevents lake access (literally not being able to maneuver their boat away from their dock), prevents safe shoreline swimming along the shoreline for young children, makes exploring the lake by kayak, paddleboard or pontoon boat impossible where there are floating islands of aquatic vegetation. In short, the lake is being overtaken by the plant life.

The amount of uncontrolled growth of aquatic vegetation in Offut Lake has created an environment where it is increasingly difficult, and in some cases, impossible for residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits usually enjoyed by lake residents.