BREAKINGS NEWS: Invasive milfoil found in Orland lake - first in Hancock County
Remediation efforts to start this summer at Alamoosook Lake
SOMESVILLE, March 19, 2022 - Variable water-milfoil, the most widespread invasive aquatic plant in Maine, has recently been confirmed in Alamoosook Lake, making this the first known occurrence in Hancock County of any of the eleven invasive aquatic plants listed in Maine Law as “imminent threats to Maine waters.”
Alamoosook Lake is about an hour’s drive northwest of MDI.
While native milfoils are common in Maine Lakes, invasive milfoils such as the variable water-milfoil spread rapidly, outcompeting native species. Without remediation the aggressive plants may eventually interfere with native food webs, inhibit recreational activity and reduce water quality. Swift, careful removal is needed to prevent spread to other areas of the lake and to other waterbodies sharing boat traffic.
While few of the approximate 100 lakes and ponds in the county have active lake associations, invasive plant patrols or courtesy boat inspections, Alamoosook is fortunate to have all three.
Katie Greenman, Coordinator, Alamoosook All Clear Team, stated, “Soon after the variable water-milfoil was confirmed in mid-February, the Alamoosook Lake Invasive Milfoil Response Team met via zoom with the mission to:
“Identify the extent of the variable water-milfoil infestation in Alamoosook Lake, and develop a plan that includes public education and increased awareness, recruitment, training and improved monitoring coverage, prevention of spread to other lakes, and ideally, eradication of the invasive milfoil.”
Collaborating on the response effort are:
· Alamoosook Lake Association (ALA), Alamoosook All Clear Team (AACT) & ALA Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program
· Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM)
· Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Invasive Species Unit
· Hancock County Lakes Association (in affiliation with Hancock Soil & Water Conservation District)
· Toddy Pond Invasive Plant Patrol members
· Somes-Meynell Wildlife Sanctuary
“An action plan for the summer will begin with an initial assessment by the Maine DEP Rapid Response Dive Team to be followed by a full survey of the 9.2 mile lake perimeter and islands.
“Hopefully, the infestation has been found in its early stages and Alamoosook will join other lakes reporting success stories of eradication.
“With the help of funding from Ram Island Conservation Fund through the Maine Community Foundation, Alamoosook Lake Association revived invasive plant-surveying efforts and Courtesy Boat Inspections in recent years. In late summer 2021 the first suspicious plant sample was sent in for testing and later confirmed as invasive variable water-milfoil after extensive, though delayed, DNA testing.
“Additional volunteers are needed to assist with the survey of the lake and islands including the one where the invasive milfoil was discovered. Training will be provided online and at in-person workshops.”
For more information, or to learn how you can help, please contact Roberta Hill at Lake Stewards of Maine – roberta@lakestewardsme.org
Roberta Hill - Deputy Director, Director of Climate Change and Invasive Species Programming, Lake Stewards of Maine, 207-333-1849
John McPhedran - Invasive Species Unit Lead, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, 207-215-9863
Katie Greenman - Coordinator, Alamoosook All Clear Team, 207-735-7552
MDI Somes-Meynell Director Billy Helprin said, “We have always known that it is not a matter of if but when aquatic invasive plants would arrive at the doorstep of MDI, and now we know that time is nearing.
“I have wanted to line up more Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) volunteers at Pond's End, Long Pond for a while and this finding raises the importance of doing so as a line of preventative defense.
“Boats moving from lake to lake, and associated equipment (trailers, anchors, fishing gear), are the most significant vectors for moving invasive plants and animals (zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, and others) around. As the largest lake on MDI, and the only one with unlimited horsepower for motor boats permitted, we have always thought that Pond's End was the most important launch area to help educate boaters about the importance of checking their own vessels and equipment. “
“A great resource for information and training in Maine for aquatic invasives with extremely dedicated, very knowledgeable staff is Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM):
https://www.lakestewardsofmaine.org/
“Invasive Species Program Director Roberta Hill is coordinating the effort at Alamoosook with partners including DEP. The Sanctuary and Acadia National Park hosted their staff and many LSM volunteers from southern and western Maine to help us inventory all of MDI's lakes for invasive species in 2016 and 2017 and fortunately found none.
Roberta Hill - Deputy Director, Director of Climate Change and Invasive Species Programming, Lake Stewards of Maine, 207-333-1849
John McPhedran - Invasive Species Unit Lead, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, 207-215-9863
Katie Greenman - Coordinator, Alamoosook All Clear Team, 207-735-7552