The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Invasive Aquatics Workshop Offered

June 11, 2008 - FRYEBURG -- Along with the area's robust summer boating season comes a threat of invasive aquatic plants that can turn a lovely lake into a phototropic dead zone in a trice.

Just several summers ago, when the species were identified, it was too late for seven of Maine southern lakes. That's how fast the first invasion happened.

Michelle Broyer, an area resident spearheading the annual Saco River cleanup, has organized a local workshop to help Lake Region residents identify all 11 invasive species.

"We were very lucky to secure this introductory workshop with the Maine Invasive Plants Monitoring Program in Augusta. Anyone who lives on any waterfront, or cares about our local waterways, should know how to identify invasive aquatic plants. The more people know about the basics the better chance we have of protecting our waters. Early detection is the key," said Broyer.

In addition to helping with identification, the workshop provides: an overview and update of the threat of invasive aquatic plants in Maine; an opportunity to practice plant identification with life plants; the fundamentals of conducting an invasive aquatic plant screening survey; and the IPP handbook, a three ring binder full of useful information, including a free copy of the Maine Field Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants.

The free workshop, presented by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants, will be held on Thursday, June 26 from 3:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds, in the Bingo building.

"It's important to preregister for the workshop if you're planning to attend," observes Michelle.

Please contact the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program at vlmp@mainevlmp.org or telephone 783-7733 to register, or for more information.

This article first appeared in the Bridgton News, June 5, 2008.


Lakes:
Regions: Sebago


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News