2022 has been another successful year for SUBA. Back in 2020 we started using a new herbicide, Procellacor – instead of Renovate – to treat the proliferation of Eurasion milfoil. Both herbicides are systemic (they kill the roots), but Procellacor is a newer, more effective product with very low toxicity for humans and other species. Procellacor is also species-specific to milfoil and other invasive plants, and toxic to their roots. Reduction in frequency of treatments and improved safety were SUBA’s goals and reason for switching. Both goals were accomplished.
Milfoil Management 2020-2022
As a result of the decrease in milfoil (measured in our annual spring survey), we were able to skip the June milfoil treatment in both 2021 and 2022. Although we greatly reduced the extent of milfoil in 2020, milfoil reproduces from plant fragments which are dropped from boats entering Union Bay from other areas of Lake Washington. As of August 2022, the survey indicated milfoil had returned, and we expect that a June 2023 milfoil treatment will be needed. Because of slower plant growth in 2022 due both to cooler spring weather and effectiveness of Procellacor, invasive aquatic plants were not a nuisance this summer until late July and August. In August, our herbicide consultant Aquatechnex treated the aquatic weeds along the north and west shorelines with Diquat, a contact herbicide
MOU between SUBA and UW
During 2022, SUBA negotiated with the UW regarding renewing and extending our agreement to work as partners in managing Union Bay invasive plants. In October a revised Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UW Athletics, UW Recreation, and SUBA. It will be reviewed again in 2024 and revised if needed. It defines which treatment areas of Union Bay will be the financial responsibility of SUBA, UW Athletics, or UW Department of Recreation.
Expenses and Request for Donations
In 2022, SUBA did not actively seek donations. Our expenses in 2022 (paid to Aquatechnex for treatment, surveys, and permits) were $7,537.
Because we expect to need two treatments next year costing about $40,000, SUBA will again be requesting a suggested donation of $500 per household. Please give a tax-deductible donation now, or early next year if a tax deduction then is preferable. We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible if you itemize. Donate online HERE.
2022 Annual Meeting and Recommendations for 2023
Our annual meeting was held on November 17, 2022. Scott Conrade of Aquatechnex presented an overview of what they did this year and what they propose for 2023. Aquatechnex is recommending that we use Endothall instead of Diquat in 2023 because it works better in areas where mud is stirred up in the water. It is a systemic as well as contact herbicide. The decision will be made based on results from the 2023 spring survey.
SUBA has continued to monitor presence and impacts of invasive animals such as nutria and beaver and the number of non-migrating Canadian geese. We are also involved in understanding the impacts of proposed passenger-only ferries as well as potential impacts of new high-density construction projects on Union Bay.
All current Board members were re-elected to a two-year term. We are always interested in adding new members to our Board. The workload is minimal. If you are interested, please let any of us know. To our current Board: We appreciate your willingness to volunteer!