Comfort Lake-Forest Lake Watershed District

This report evaluates and recommends options for internal phosphorus load management in Moody Lake to address excess nutrients and improve water quality. It synthesizes existing water quality data, assesses macrophyte management (specifically curly-leaf pondweed), and evaluates various phosphorus loading treatment options including vegetation management, fisheries management, and phosphorus cycling management. The report concludes with management recommendations focusing on watershed phosphorus load reduction, fish surveys, winter aeration, and chemical treatment with alum once watershed loads are controlled.

This plan outlines the 2026 strategies for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention and management across several lakes, including Moody, Bone, Little Comfort, Shields, Keewahtin, Forest, and Comfort Lake. Key focus areas include targeted management of Curly-leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Zebra Mussels, Purple Loosestrife, and Phragmites through surveys, treatments, biocontrol efforts, and monitoring. The plan also details aeration system operations, rough fish management, watercraft inspection programs, native aquatic plant transplanting, and district-wide Early Detection & Rapid Response protocols, emphasizing community partnerships and fiscal responsibility to preserve and restore aquatic ecosystem health.

The board reviewed updates from the Community Advisory Committee regarding floodplain resilience and ongoing district projects. Discussion topics included findings from 2025 aquatic plant surveys, strategies for aquatic invasive species management, and considerations for herbicide application. The board authorized a 2026 service agreement for aquatic plant surveys and approved an application for a Clean Water Partnership loan to balance the budget. Additionally, the board approved the 2025 Aquatic Invasive Species and Watercraft Inspection reports, formulated comments regarding the Timm's Marina Environmental Assessment Worksheet, and accepted the treasurer's report and payment of bills.

This report provides an assessment and feasibility study for the Washington Judicial Ditch 6 (WJD 6) subwatershed, focusing on identifying phosphorus hotspots and developing management practices to achieve a phosphorus reduction goal for Forest Lake. Key components include targeted tributary monitoring, analysis of wetland and land cover characteristics, a judicial ditch survey, updates to the SWMM model, and the identification of high, medium, and low priority projects for implementation.

The committee received updates on watershed programs, projects, and the planned Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) work for the upcoming season. The financial discussion focused on concerns regarding the Board of Managers' approval of a Clean Water Partnership loan, specifically addressing the committee's stance on unauthorized borrowing and the importance of adhering to the approved budget. Additionally, the committee reviewed the district's overall net financial position and fund balance at the start of the year.