Tannersville Considers Herbicide Treatment for Lake Rip Van Winkle

TANNERSVILLE —  To combat the invasive growth of Eurasian watermilfoil and yellow pond lilies in Lake Rip Van Winkle, village officials have taken the initiative to treat the water with the herbicide Clearcast. 

Officials passed a resolution to hire The Pond and Lake Connection, a consultant based in Brookfield, Connecticut, to secure the necessary permits from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

Clearcast, the chosen herbicide, has been classified as non-toxic to fish, birds, algae, and aquatic invertebrates, ensuring its safety for use in aquatic environments.

Mayor David Schneider revealed that the plan involves spraying a channel through the lake, allowing water to flow more freely. This approach addresses the challenges faced over the past two years, during which officials used an Eco Harvester to remove lily pads from the roots manually. Mayor Schneider expressed dissatisfaction with the results achieved through this method.

The scheduled time for the herbicide application is this June and July, with an estimated cost of $4,800 for treating eight acres of the lake. Officials believe spraying less than eight acres will be satisfactory. Officials noted that the time of year could be adjusted, although this is the season that the herbicide’s use is recommended. 

Deputy Mayor David Kashman emphasized that naming the consultant marks the initial step in the comprehensive plan. He stated, "We'll have more conversations about the process and involving the public when we have our ducks in a row."

While the NYSDEC website assures that Clearcast use poses no restrictions on activities such as swimming, fishing, drinking, and livestock watering, it recommends caution if the herbicide concentration exceeds 1 part per billion in water tests. In such cases, irrigation of plants is only recommended if an activated carbon or similar filtration process is utilized before water use, according to the NYSDEC.

The permit cost for the application ranges from a minimum of $650 to a maximum of $2050. Deputy Mayor Kashman justified the expense, saying, "It's a small price to pay considering we've been spending $2,000 a year over the last two years [using the Eco Harvester]."

As the village moves forward with the plan, the community can expect further updates on the progress and additional opportunities for public involvement.

Village Board meeting on January 8, 2024. Left to right: Village Clerk Robin Dumont; Mayor David Schneider; Deputy Mayor David Kashman; Village Trustees Dylan Legg and Mary Sue Timpson.