By Maurice Emery
Editor Emeritus

GASBURG, VA – There was so much going on at the March meeting of the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council (LGWCC) it was hard to highlight one item over another for a headline.
Local politicians came to the meeting to report on progress in getting money from their respective states. A code of ethics was adopted.
A continuing effort to inform the public through Public Service Announcements (PSA) was adopted. The 2007 weed contract was awarded. Consideration for treatment cost sharing cost was tabled. Boating legislation was passed in the Virginia legislature.
Ways of getting money for the weed control problem into the governors’ budget for each state were discussed. Herbicide application and effectiveness monitoring program was adopted. Adding grass carp to the Lake this spring was approved.
In some ways in the future this meeting may be looked at as the one that changed the course of dealing with noxious weeds in Lake Gaston. Two things happened at this meeting that could make the future look better to everyone concerned about noxious weeds in the lake.
If the council succeeds in having weed treatment money as part of the governor’s budget it could mean that the yearly money will be more secure.
The other action item that could have more effect in the future treatment is the approval of the herbicide application and effectiveness monitoring program. Rather than depending on the Army Corps of Engineers for in-depth weed studies this program could provide some of the needed answers on the growth and treatment of hydrilla.
During the meeting the LGWCC learned from Virginia Del. Tommy Wright and state Sen. Frank Ruff on legislation in Virginia for $200,000 for weed control in Lake Gaston and the Potomac River. They also reported that there is still $50,000 from 2006 money that the LGWCC may be able to get.
Rep. Michael Wray of North Carolina told the council that Rep. Lucy Allen, Rep. Angela Bryant and he have introduced a bill in the North Carolina Legislature for $200,000 more for noxious weed control.
This bill specifically names Lake Gaston Weed Control Council as the recipient of the money. By writing the bill this way the council should be able to receive the money directly. As of Monday this bill has been referred to committee on appropriations for consideration.
Dr. Russell King submitted the final draft proposal for the LGWCC Code of Ethics. Dr. King pointed out three significant changes to the previous version of the proposal. They call for the following consideration by the council and its members:
• If there is the potential of conflict of interest, it is incumbent of the LGWCC Member to declare potential "conflict of interest".
• Be sensitive to views of others and reap the richness of diversity in thought.
• Always interact and respond to other’s ideas in a positive and professional manner.
• Encourage "thinking outside of the box" and encourage discussions around points of disagreement or uncertainty.
The entire Code of Ethics is available on the Littleton Observer Website at: www.littletonobserver.com and click on Code of Ethics.
There were several decisions made affecting this years treatment of hydrilla. Professional Lake Management was awarded the chemical treatment for the second year a row. The bidding came down to a difference of $300 on $185,000 bid.
Dr. Elton Brown, President of the LGWCC, read a letter of condolence to be sent to Les Mocock’s wife, Margie. The letter expresses the weed council’s sympathy for her loss and appreciation for Les’s years of service in fighting the weeds in the Lake. Les died last December.
Even though the aging report on grass carp has not been completed, the council approved the insertion of 7,720 grass carp this year. The target date for the grass carp is the 15th of April.
The next weed council meeting will be on April 18 when council plans to approve the treatment plan for this year’s chemical treatment.
Note: In compliance with full disclosure – Maurice Emery has agreed to do the design and layout of the Weed Council newsletter. The agreement does not include any writing duties.