Water & Environment

Excessive aquatic plants are the greatest concern to users of Lake Wilderness. Therefore we encourage boaters, kayakers, anglers and anyone who recreates in Washington's waters should take measures to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. There are two methods recommended including the basic "Clean/Drain/Dry" and the more rigorous "Decontamination" protocols for known or suspected infested waters.

Clean / Drain / Dry

This method includes:

• Clean equipment that has come into contact with Washington's waters by removing all visible native and non-native plants, algae or mud from shoes, waders, life vests, boat hulls and engines, trailers and other gear. Use a stiff-bristled brush to clean equipment.

• Drain any accumulated water from boats or gear – including water used in cleaning – back into the lake, stream, or other waterbody from which it came.

• Rinse all surfaces with potable water.

• Let boats or gear fully dry before using again.

Decontaminate

Aquatic invasive species can be difficult to see. Therefore, the Clean/Drain/Dry method isn't always enough and additional decontamination may be necessary.

There are multiple ways to for the general public decontaminate boats, footwear and gear:

Drying method: Once gear is fully dry, allow it to remain dry for an additional 48 hours before using again in Washington waters. This technique is not suitable for felt-soled shoes which must use one of the other methods described below.

Hot water: Hard non-porous surfaces, like trailers, engines and shovels, require constant exposure to water heated to a minimum of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds by soaking or using a hot water pressure washer. Porous materials and gear with multiple folds or cavities, such as boots, waders or nets, require constant exposure for in water heated to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of five minutes. This method is not recommended for gear made of Gortex.

Freeze: Freeze your gear to a temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of eight hours or 15 degrees to 32 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 24 hours.

Chemical method: Chemical treatments should not be done near a waterbody. Soak gear in undiluted antibacterial Formula 409® for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly in a contained area. Rinse water must be disposed of down a sewage drain, not a storm drain. Always follow label instructions before use. This method may cause surface cracking of rubber or loss of water repellency.

WDFW does not recommend other chemicals including salt water at this time as there are no published scientific studies showing effectiveness by minimum dilutions and soaking time or potential effects on gear.

An aquatic plant management plan addressing long-term management strategies for Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian watermilfoil) was completed in May 1997. In August 1997, the City of Maple Valley incorporated the lake and adjacent residential areas. With the assistance of King County, a lake management district was formed to implement the aquatic plant management plan. In 1998, herbicide was applied to eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil from the lake. Based on 1999 diver surveys, plant control efforts have been successful.