It has taken a lot of time and hard work, but the treatment of invasive species in Stone Lake began last Thursday.

The treatment got under way shortly after 10 a.m., with a trio of chemicals being used by PIM Lake & Land Management Corp.

Sculpin G, Renovate 3 and Renovate OFT were used for the initial treatment of the lake.

Despite the high winds and choppy water, the treatment went on as scheduled at a cost of $24,750.

A special assessment tax on the residents of Stone Lake will help cover the costs of the treatments, which will span over six years.

The treatment, which residents of the village should see significant reduction in the Eurasian Watermilfoil, which has been a problem for Stone Lake for many years.

Village Manager Emilie Sarratore is pleased that the project has begun.

“In about six to eight weeks, there will be another evaluation just to see if there is any place they need to go back and spot treat,” she said. “But basically, this should be the treatment for the year. The assessment role went through fine, so the assessment will show up on the summer taxes for our residents.

“The lake board will reconvene probably in the late fall to see how they felt the first round worked. Progressive (AE said that we would probably see 50 to 75 percent improvement right off the bat, year one. We are hopeful that is what we will see.”

Sarratore said that when the board meets again it will lay out a plan for next year’s treatment.

She was also excited to have the project get off the ground and have the backing of both the village council and the residents.

“There has been a lot of talk about doing something with the lake for a long time,” she said. “I really want to congratulate the council for taking the leap and leading the charge on this. They have made it a priority, which I think it is. In the future, I hope we can look back and see that this was a catalyst for change here in the village.”

Sarratore said that there were no negative comments during either of the two public hearings that were held.

“We had no one who came forward and asked to not have to pay the tax,” she said. “It was pretty amazing. Progressive commented that it was the easiest public hearings they have had. I think that means two things. One, it is a really good project, and two, we did a good job of informing everyone of what we were trying to do and what the benefits where. I think the timing was right.”