The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

State Triples Help on Milfoil Front

April 16, 2008 - AUGUSTA -- Maine Department of Environmental Protection officials urge lake communities affected by variable milfoil and other invasive plants to take advantage of a threefold increase in cost-share grants that are committed to control these nuisance plants. Control measures include the removal of invasive plants by hand and the deployment of a lake bottom barrier which suppress plant growth.


The deadline for submitting project descriptions is April 14. Awards will be announced April 28. The increased from $20,000 to $60,000 in funding comes from new federal support. "These monies are set aside to provide a degree of financial support to communities dealing with milfoil and other invasive plant problems," says Paul Gregory, an environmental specialist in the Department of Environmental Protection in invasive species program.


"Cost-share grants can't make milfoil problems go away -- no amount of funding can -- but they are integral to the state's comprehensive strategy to both manage existing aquatic invasiveness and protect Maine lakes from new infestations."


Individuals and organizations undertaking an invasive plant control project can be awarded up to $6,000 depending upon matching funds provided locally. Last year, cost-share grants for invasiveness control projects averaged $2,000 per award. Prospective applicants should contact the administrator of the plant control project funds, the Lakes Environmental Association by calling 647-8580 or e-mailing lakes@leamaine.org.


DEP officials anticipate cost-share grants for control work will be sustained with additional revenue generated by the "Invasive Aquatic Plant and Nuisance Species Fund" beginning in 2008. Beginning this year, "milfoil sticker" and boat registrations sales are combined into a single purchase for boats registered in Maine. While voters will see no fee increase, the cost savings in combining purchases without issuing a separate invasive sticker is expected to bring in additional $60,000 into the invasive aquatic species program. This new revenue will be allocated for invasive plant control projects.


The DEP directs the management of invasive species in Maine, namely hydrilla and Eurasian water milfoil, each found in only one Maine lake, as well as support for invasive plant prevention efforts such as courtesy boat inspections and plant monitoring programs throughout Maine. These programs will also continue to be funded through the "milfoil sticker" program.


As of this writing, 28 of Maine's 6000 ponds and lakes contain an invasive aquatic plant species.


This article first appeared in the Bridgton News, April 10, 2008.


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