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Berky milfoil harvester (photo courtesy of Berky)
By Pete McIntyre
Okanagan Lake

New lake milfoil harvester launched in Vernon

Jun 20, 2024 | 10:00 AM

A public launch event will be held Thursday (June 20) in Vernon for the new amphibious milfoil harvester being put into use by the Okanagan Basin Water Board.

The new machine, which will replace a 1978 harvester, is designed to cut the top five feet of the milfoil and carry almost two and a half tons at a time to the beach.

The load is then collected by a Water Board truck and the weeds are given away for compost for orchards and gardens.

“The new machine’s engine is more efficient, reducing emissions, and is mounted in the hull which improves stability and makes it quieter than the older harvesters,” James Littley, OBWB Deputy Administrator, said.

The harvester was designed and built in Germany by Berky GMBH, an agricultural, mining and aquatic equipment manufacturer.

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“After an extensive search and request for proposals for the new equipment, the Berky machine checked all the boxes to enhance OBWB operations and because it is amphibious, it adds flexibility to the milfoil control program which has faced challenges due to changing lake levels and shoreline development,” Littley said.

The machine will be on display at Paddlewheel Park on Okanagan Lake from 1 to 2 Wednesday.

The OBWB has also launched a naming contest for the new harvester. More details on the naming contest will be announced at the event.

by Pete McIntyre
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