Plant Paddle Patrols
The TPA has organized a group of volunteer paddlers to patrol our shores in search of invasive aquatic plants such as variable-leaf milfoil and Eurasian Milfoil. If we are unable to prevent milfoil from entering our pond, we have a good chance to eradicat an infestation if we are able to catch it early with our plant paddle patrols!
Click here for information on the Plant Paddle Patrols our vounteers have conducted this season.
If you'd like to be a plant paddle volunteer, please contact Darcy Whittemore.
Breaking News:
We did find several patches native milfoil in the North End Cove during our August 9th paddle patrol. The guides from Friends of Cobbossee Watershed did confirm that this was a non invasive, non threatening native plant.
Invasive Aquatic Plants
Variable-leaf Milfoil
Description
Variable watermilfoil is a submerged aquatic plant that has densely packed whorled leaves. It is usually found along the shorelines of lakes and ponds. Watermilfoil can grow in depths of up to 10-12 feet, forming dense mats near the surface of the water. The plant produces a spike-like flower that grows above the water’s surface from mid to late summer.
General Information
This species of watermilfoil is known to exist in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. It has been identified in a few Maine lakes. Variable watermilfoil grows very rapidly. It reproduces primarily by fragmentation. The plant can break apart very easily due to wave action produced by boats, swimmers or other animals. The introduction of one single fragment of this plant can result in the infestation of an entire lake.
Eurasian Milfoil
Description
Eurasian water-milfoil is a submerged plant with feather-like whorled leaves. It grows in extremely large dense mats in depths up to 15 feet. This plant produces a flower spike that emerges from the water's surface.
General Information
Eurasian water-milfoil, a native plant of Europe and Asia, is a serious threat to lakes and ponds throughout the United States. This species of water-milfoil was first discovered in a small pond in Maine in 2003. It is also found in nearby Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and the Canadian Provinces.
Once variable-leaf milfoil and Eurasian Milfoil are introduced into a lake, they are virtually impossible to eradicate. They grow rapidly and aggressively, reproducing primarily through fragmentation. The introduction of one single fragment of these plants can result in the infestation of an entire lake. The impacts of an infestation have the potential to be devastating. Dense mats of invasive plants impair boating, fishing and swimming. The reduced lake water quality is another concern along with the potential decline of shorefront property values.
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