Lake Rasmussen Explained

Lake Rasmussen
Coords:	47.7411°N -121.9768°W
Basin Countries:	United States
Elevation:	259feet
Pushpin Map:	Washington#USA
Reference:	^[1]

Lake Rasmussen is a small lake in Duvall, Washington, a city in King County. The lake is home to a small public park. It has suffered from infestation by invasive aquatic weeds.

Description

Lake Rasmussen has a small public park on its western shore. The park includes picnic tables and wildlife viewing opportunities.^[2]

In 2021 an eight-year old discovered invasive Egeria densa in the lake.^{[3] [4]} Egeria densa is a noxious aquatic weed that grows densely, depriving native species of habitat and oxygen. This weed had never been found in the local watershed before, and it is speculated to come from an aquarium that was dumped into the lake. Goldfish were also found, further confirming this hypothesis.

King County noted that Egeria was not yet widespread in the watershed when it was discovered, so herbicides were used to control the weed.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Rasmussen Lake . United States Geological Survey . January 20, 2024.
2. Web site: Lake Rasmussen Park . City of Duvall, Washington . January 20, 2024.
3. Web site: Pelliccia . Skye . Young naturalist makes important discovery at Lake Rasmussen . Washington State Lake Protection Association . January 20, 2024.
4. Web site: Cashman . Chris . ‘Amazing’: Young scientist alerts King County officials to invasive aquatic plant in Lake Rasmussen . King5 . January 20, 2024.
5. Web site: King County . King County, Duvall to share plans for controlling spread of fast-growing aquatic weed in Lake Rasmussen at July 21 open house . January 20, 2024.