SPOKANE – An annual closure of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Newman Lake Access Area in eastern Spokane County will aid in controlling noxious weeds, improving open water habitat for fish, and enhancing public enjoyment of the lake. The access area will close Sunday night, Sept. 12 to apply an aquatic herbicide and will reopen the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 14.

A contractor hired by Spokane County and the Newman Lake Flood Control Zone District will apply the herbicide to approximately 55 acres on the south shoreline and 4 acres on the west side of the lake on Sept. 13. The treatment is dependent on lake and weather conditions and will be rescheduled if necessary. While WDFW has no role in the herbicide treatment, partnering with the parties involved to close the access area makes the treatment more effective. Wave action from boats reduces the herbicide’s effectiveness by diluting it and reducing contact time with the targeted weeds.

Spokane County officials say efforts to keep boats off the lake following pesticide application have made a significant impact in reducing the infestation of targeted plants.

A Spokane County swimming restriction will be in place during treatment and for 24 hours after. There is also a three-day restriction on potable and irrigation water use. The aquatic herbicide application permit, authorized by the Department of Ecology, also includes requirements and restrictions to protect fish and wildlife.

Newman Lake is located about 20 miles northeast of Spokane, about five miles west of the Idaho border, and is open year-round for fishing.

WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.