The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

Attacking Milfoil in Salmon Lake

September 15, 2009 - BELGRADE -- At least two landowners along Salmon Lake watched with approval Thursday as an air boat circled Kozy Cove, dropping granules of herbicide in a state-funded effort to slow the growth of Eurasian milfoil.

The aggressive, nonnative aquatic plant was discovered last year near an outlet that connects to Great Pond.

After bottom barriers and hand-pulling failed to halt the infestation, state officials cordoned off the 6-acre cove and sought a chemical solution.

The chemical 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid -- known commonly as 2,4-D and by the trade name Navigate -- is designed to limit the growth of Eurasian milfoil. State officials told residents it poses minimal risk to people, plants and animals.

On Thursday morning, the water at the public boat launch off Spaulding Point Road was almost warm, with a light breeze rippling the surface. A tiny fish jumped up and splashed on re-entry.

No aquatic plants were visible around the ramp. Smooth rocks and sand lined the lake bottom.

A bright red stop sign was placed at the cove entrance along with a laminated notice about a Eurasian milfoil alert.

A floating barrier, erected Wednesday, prevented boats from entering the area.

"The only people going in there are those working," said John McPhedran, a state Department of Environmental Protection specialist.

Heavy black plastic was draped from the barrier to the bottom to try to prevent herbicide from getting out into the lake.

Roger Pillsbury, who has lived on the cove since 1997, talked to state workers and watched from shore as the air boat spread the herbicide. He said he didn't put his small boat into the cove this year for fear of spreading the milfoil.

"I wish they'd done it last year," he said. "I'm just happy to see them trying something. Hopefully this gets them a few steps ahead."

Another Salmon Lake property owner, Rob True, brought his pontoon boat to the landing and offered rides to watchers.

"If they can get the milfoil under control -- that and the algae -- this will be a nice place to be," True said.

True had gone snorkeling in the cove and seen the Eurasian milfoil infestation for himself.

"I'm pleased DEP acted so quickly after the discovery," True said.

Michael Lennon, a biologist with Aquatic Control Technology Inc., of Sutton, Mass., loaded bags of herbicide onto the airboat, which then sped quickly around the curve, passing over the same areas twice.

The project has a twofold aim, according to notices sent to surrounding property owners: "maximum suppression of existing Eurasian water milfoil so as to prevent its spread into the rest of Salmon Lake and beyond"; and reduction of the infestation so that other, nonchemical techniques, such as hand harvesting and bottom barriers, can be used to control it.

People on the lake were advised to refrain from boating, swimming and fishing in the outlet cove for three days beginning Thursday morning.

Application of the chemical cost an estimated $5,300 to $6,100, McPhedran said.

BY BETTY ADAMS
Staff Writer
Kenbnebec Journal
09/11/2009


Lakes: Salmon (Ellis) Pond
Regions: Belgrade


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News