‘Eye to future’ should focus on Lake Dunstan

THOSE involved with the Cromwell ‘‘eye to the future’’ master plan must not forget the ‘‘jewel in the crown’’ of Cromwell and surrounds is Lake Dunstan. This must be protected and maintained for everyone to enjoy.

For about four years now the Guardians of Lake Dunstan have been trying to get those responsible to control and maintain the unsightly oxygen weed called Lagarosiphon with not much support or success.

This fastgrowing weed is certainly spoiling the aesthetic view of the lake, together with making various areas very difficult to negotiate in boats.

This, of course, also spoils shorebased activities such as fishing, swimming, waterskiing and pleasure boating.

Currently it is estimated that there are 500 hectares of Lagarosiphon weed in the lake and the authorities are only trying to control 70ha. Yes that is only one seventh of the lake.

All that is currently done is to cut and spray these confined areas known as ‘‘high use areas’’ including the nine boat ramps around the lake.

This is only a ‘‘band aid’’ and has to be redone on an annual basis.

Spraying does not kill the weed but merely knocks it back. It is time for far more action to be taken to control this weed because the current methods don’t kill the weed but merely knock back the areas being sprayed and cut.

In the past 10 years it is estimated that well over $1 million has been spent in the water alone and the results are poor to say the least. In fact, the weed has got worse and spread further.

Also, the perimeter of the lake has not been maintained over the past 20 years; thus there are many areas right around that are overgrown, primarily with far too many willows and all sorts of weeds, gorse, broom etc and are not accessible for use by the general public for all recreational uses. It is time for positive action.

It is important for these aspects to be included in any master plan for Cromwell and surrounding areas. Andrew Burton

Lowburn ..................................

BIBLE READING: Do not go about spreading slander among your people. — Leviticus 19:16