Invasive Species Funding Gap

The proposed 2026-27 Milfoil Control Budget includes funding for the planned June 2026 treatment of the Southwest Basin, which will complete the initial treatment of the entire lake. This marks an important milestone in our effort to clear the lake.

However, completing the initial treatment does not mean our work is finished. Experience throughout the Adirondacks has shown that Milfoil can reappear from small patches or be reintroduced from other waterbodies. To protect the substantial investment already made by donors, we must continue monitoring of the lake and maintain the financial resources to respond quickly to any new infestation before it becomes a larger and more expensive problem.

The proposed budget projects expenses of $30,450 but only $20,000 in anticipated revenues, leaving a funding gap of $10,450. Unless additional donations are received, the invasive fund will have to borrow funds from the general fund to finance the current treatment.  Future donations will be needed to repay the general fund. 

Last year, donors contributed an average of approximately $1,050 per property. We are grateful for that support and encourage those who have not yet donated,  or who are able to increase their contribution,to help close this year's funding gap. Broad participation across the lake will help ensure that the costs of protecting Eagle Lake are shared fairly. 

Protecting Eagle Lake is a shared responsibility. Every donation helps preserve the progress we have made, protect property values and maintain water quality.  The cost of ongoing monitoring and early intervention is only a fraction of what it would cost to allow Milfoil to become reestablished and require another lake-wide treatment program.  Therefore it is imperative that we build a milfoil financial warchest.  

Please help!