Public Comment period open for the ‘Alexander Lake Elodea Eradication Project: Environmental Assessment’
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Agriculture has written an Environmental Assessment for the Alexander Lake Elodea Eradication Project in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
PROJECT NAME: Alexander Lake Elodea Eradication Project: Environmental Assessment.
WRITTEN COMMENTS: The Public Comment period is open from 8:00 a.m., May 27, 2016 through 4:00 p.m., Alaska Standard Time, on June 25th, 2016. To ensure that your comments are considered in relation to this Environmental Assessment, please include the project name at the beginning of your comment. To be considered, comments must be submitted in writing to the DNR Invasive Plant and Agricultural Pest Coordinator.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NEED: Elodea is Alaska’s first submersed freshwater aquatic invasive species, and must be managed to protect our natural resources. Eradicating elodea from Alexander Lake is a high priority because if left unmanaged it would be a source for enabling new infestations and could spread to other areas around the state. Currently, Alexander Lake is the only known waterbody in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough infested with Elodea. The Alaska Division of Agriculture’s goal for this project are to 1) eradicate Elodea from Alexander Lake; 2) propose an effective method that meets DNR’s objective of eradicating elodea while minimizing potential environmental impacts; 3) evaluate alternative approaches for managing elodea in the Matanuska-Susitna valley; and 4) provide an opportunity for public input on the control and eradication options.
TO VIEW THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT VISIT: http://plants.alaska.gov/invasives/InvasivesNews.htm
TO SUBMIT COMMENTS OR FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Heather Stewart
Invasive Plant and Agricultural Pest Coordinator
Alaska Plant Materials Center
5310 S. Bodenburg Spur
Palmer, AK 99645
Email: heather.stewart@alaska.gov
Phone: 907-745-8721
Fax: 907-746-1568