The Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District will be treating Liberty Lake with an aquatic herbicide to control Eurasian watermilfoil during the month of August, Lake Manager Jeremy Jenkins said. 

The timing of the treatment is not yet set but will occur sometime between Aug. 4 and 22. Once the dates are set, Jenkins said notice will be mailed no less than 10 days in advance to all residents within a ¼-mile of the areas to be treated. Notification will also be posted one day prior to treatment at all public access points, private docks and the WDFW boat launch.  

SCUBA dive harvesting will also be taking place. Boat drivers are encouraged to slow down as large wakes can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

For more, contact Jenkins at 922-5443 or www.libertylake.org/milfoil.

After a fire near the summit of Mica Peak burned at least 17 acres in mid-July, crews from Fire District 8 and the Department of Natural Resources worked to contain the blaze and patrol the trail systems around Liberty Lake Regional Park. The trail system was closed briefly for clean-up efforts.

Officials believe the fire might have been sparked by lightning, but the cause is unknown. In a press release, the department extended thanks to the crews who helped contain the fire.

Restrictions on outdoor recreational fires were put in effect July 17 for the cities of Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane Valley and unincorporated areas of Spokane County. 

According to a press release, campfire pits and other open burning is prohibited. As of press time, citizens could still use manufactured portable outdoor fireplaces, barbecues and patio warmers. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has issued emergency burn restrictions in 20 eastern Washington counties as a result of recent fire events.

Restrictions are in place until further notice. For more, contact Spokane Valley Fire Department at 928-1700.