RIDGEFIELD, WA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced that the Kress Lake Access Area in Cowlitz County will be closed on Sunday, June 16, for treatment of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil. The area will reopen on Monday, June 17.

The treatment, conducted under a permit from the Department of Ecology, involves applying herbicide to target dense watermilfoil patches that threaten native vegetation, degrade fish habitat, and interfere with recreational use. Officials say the herbicide is safe for fish when used as directed and has minimal impact on other aquatic plants.

WDFW will monitor aquatic vegetation before and after the application to assess effectiveness. The effort is part of a broader strategy to manage invasive species while maintaining healthy fish populations at the popular fishing site.

Nearby alternatives for anglers include Lake Sacajawea in Longview and Horseshoe Lake in Woodland.