January 13, 2006



Ms. Kelly McLain

Washington State Department of Ecology
PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600



Re: Control of invasive Milfoil and Brazilian Elodai in Portage Bay



Dear Ms. McLain:

I hope that Ecology will allow us to control Portage Bay invasive aquatic weeds using herbicides.

The proliferation of Milfoil and Brazilian Elodai in the waters of Portage Bay, Lake Washington and Lake Union threatens continued pubic use of our waterways. For example, I have lost control of my 15 ton vessel when weeds fouled my rudder; a hazard that is unnerving to the operator and, need I say it, very dangerous to others.

Mowing the weeds is a temporary expedient. We have done it in our moorage but like the mowing or pruning of any plant, rapid growth appears to be enhanced. Moreover, the process is much too costly for its use in the thoroughfares.

Herbicides appear to be the only reasonable and effective means of control. I understand that the appropriate Federal and State Agencies have approved chemical treatments that will do the job without harm to people, fish or wildlife.

If it is in your power to expedite our permit to apply herbicide, please help us to obtain it.

Yours truly,