AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES

A diver in the water heading towards a green pool noodle buoy, with a diver down flag superimposed in the upper left corner

WF diver removing EWM

Watershed Friends provides various programs to effectively manage Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in our watershed and prevent their spread. Read on to learn more about current infestations and management, as well as learn about our three-step approach to AIS management.

Email jennifer@watershedfriends.com with any questions.

A kayaker surrounded by reeds, holding up a clump of plant matter

WF staff removing EFB

Found in:

Annabessacook Lake

Cobbosseecontee Lake

Cobbosseecontee Stream

Horseshoe Pond

Jug Stream

Pleasant Pond

Purgatory Stream

Found in:

Cobbosseecontee Lake

Cobbosseecontee Stream

Found in:

Annabessacook Lake

Cobbosseecontee Lake

Cobbosseecontee Stream

Horseshoe Pond

Jug Stream

Found in:

Pleasant Pond

Found in:

Jug Stream

Learn more about the different Aquatic Invasive Species programs below.

Step 1

Prevention

Courtesy Boat Inspection

Trained Courtesy Boat Inspectors (CBIs) staff 10 public boat launches throughout the watershed, from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. During inspections, CBIs share information with boaters on how to combat the spread of invasive aquatic species.

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Step 2

Early Detection

Invasive Aquatic Plant Survey

Detection is imperative for the successful eradication of invasive aquatic plants. Trained surveyors search shallow water areas for signs of invasive plants. Data collected helps plan a management strategy.

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Step 3

Removal

Invasive Aquatic Plant Control

Trained staff remove invasive aquatic plants by installing benthic barriers known as “milfoil mats”, and hand pull plants. A diver-assisted suction harvester (DASH) is used for larger infestations. Harvested plants are later incinerated.

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