Barnes Lake Management District May 13 2026

The Barnes Lake Management District meeting held on May 13, 2026, in Tumwater, WA, focused primarily on lake management activities and budget considerations for aquatic treatments. Key procurement-related discussions included the upcoming aquatic vegetation treatments planned for June and later in the summer, involving bladder wart and white water lily control using herbicides applied by boat and drone. The district reviewed budget allocations, noting a $15,000 carryover for an IVAMP update and anticipated expenses including a $17,000 contract with Aquatechnics and $7,500 for lab services. There was discussion about the potential use of a beneficial bacteria product (mukbiotic) to reduce lake muck, but concerns about cost, application scope, and environmental impact led to a recommendation to defer this until contract renewal. The current aquatic treatment contract with Aquatechnics is open for renewal without competitive bidding as they were the sole respondent previously. The meeting also addressed posting requirements for treatment notifications and general lake monitoring activities. No new vendor selections or contract awards were made during this meeting, but planning for future procurement and contract renewals was a significant focus.