Kress Lake Access Area will close June 16 for watermilfoil treatment

RIDGEFIELD – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will close the Kress Lake Access Area in Cowlitz County on June 16 to control invasive aquatic weeds. The access area will reopen on June 17.

The temporary closure will allow WDFW staff to apply a treatment to Kress Lake to target an infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil; a fast-spreading invasive aquatic plant that outcompetes native vegetation, degrades fish habitat, and interferes with recreation.

Operating under a Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) permit, WDFW will apply an herbicide in areas of the lake where watermilfoil is most concentrated. When used as directed, the herbicide does not harm fish and minimizes damage to native aquatic plants.

Funded in part by an Ecology grant, the project will sample aquatic vegetation before and after the treatment to assess the effectiveness of the application.

This treatment is part of WDFW’s ongoing effort to understand how invasive aquatic plant management impacts fish communities and recreation. WDFW conducts biannual fish surveys in Kress Lake to monitor species composition and fish health. Continued monitoring helps WDFW refine management practices to maintain a healthy and balanced fishery.

Kress Lake is a popular fishing destination for catchable trout and warmwater game fish. Nearby water access areas include Lake Sacajawea in Longview and Horseshoe Lake in Woodland. To explore more fishing opportunities in Washington, refer to WDFW’s lowland lakes webpage.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.