City works with Missouri Department of Conservation on aquatic invasive removal and grants for Fabick and Westside parks

City staff reported Aug. 14 that they met with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to plan removal of invasive aquatic plants at Budweil (Budweil/Budweil Annex) and Westside parks and to pursue grant funding for shoreline and access improvements. The meeting included city staff, the mayor and MDC staff who will help identify contractors and treatment timing. MDC recommended a four‑step approach: (1) mechanical removal of dense vegetation while water temperatures remain warm, to avoid decay that can reduce oxygen and harm fish; (2) seasonally timed chemical treatment repeated as needed for maintenance; (3) continued stocking of grass carp to help control invasives; and (4) installation of floating wetlands (grant‑funded, targeted spring 2026) to assist with algae control. The city already received a grant for a floating wetland to be installed in spring 2026, staff said. Staff also described plans for invasive‑species removal along Pressler Lake and Budweil Lake shoreline trimming and suggested creating educational uses at Budweil — potentially reclassifying it as an “education lake” so MDC could stock it and integrate school programming. MDC staff will send a list of approved chemicals for removing primrose at Budweil and companies that can provide mechanical harvest services; staff said they are contacting vendors and hope to bring cost estimates to the board in September. The board discussed limiting vehicle access where informal truck access has harmed shorelines and emphasized urgency: mechanical removal is time‑sensitive and must be scheduled while plants are actively growing. No formal vote was taken; staff will return with contractor estimates and grant details.