Invasive Aquatic Plants
Variable-leaf water milfoil (variable milfoil) was first discovered in the Inner Cove of our lake in the fall of 2020. It is one of Maine’s Most Unwanted Invasive Aquatic Plants. Since that discovery, both 30 Mile and ALIC have been “all hands on deck” in attempts to eradicate this invader.
The type of variable milfoil in our lake looks like a bright green bottlebrush, with somewhat thick, reddish, stems. Variable milfoil spreads rapidly. Just a fragment, such as the one found by an ALIC volunteer, is enough to start a new plant growing!
What Makes Variable Milfoil Such a Threat?
Variable milfoil can form dense mats very quickly on the surface of our lake, dramatically impeding swimming, fishing and boating. This in turn can cause a decline in property values and tourism. As with other invasive aquatic plants, variable milfoil can outcompete native aquatic plants for resources, thereby reducing biodiversity and altering the balance of the entire ecosystem (food web). It can even affect the water temperature and nutrient levels.
What ALIC Is Doing
Since the discovery of variable milfoil, ALIC has been working closely with its partners to fight the infestation. 30 Mile staff have been surveying the cove four days a week from late May through August, and then weekly into October. They mark every plant found with a buoy and then work with trained divers to remove the plants carefully by hand. ALIC's Eyes on the Water volunteers support these efforts throughout the summer, as well as surveying all other areas of the lake where aquatic plants are likely to grow.
ALIC’s partners include the 30 Mile River Watershed Association (30 Mile), the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM), and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW)
Surface Use Restriction
At the request 30 Mile, the DEP and DIFW ordered a temporary Surface Use Restriction (SUR) in the cove, closing the infested area. A major purpose of the SUR is to prevent spread of this plant in Androscoggin Lake and to other lakes. Keep in mind, too, that even though a boat is outside of the SUR, a fish hook cast into the restricted area can snag a plant fragment, which can then be transported outside of the area.
The restricted area is marked with large buoys to alert swimmers and boaters to stay out.
Click on the map for a larger view.
What You Can Do
The prevention, early detection, and control of invasive species are vital to protecting our lake. Learning what belongs there and what doesn’t is just the first step.
- Learn what different aquatic plants look like so you’ll be able to recognize and report anything suspicious that you spot while on or in the lake.
- Follow the practice of “Clean. Drain. Dry.” This not only helps with stopping the spread of plants, but also with draining bilge water where plants and other invasives (such as zebra mussels or spiny water fleas) can hitch a ride.
- Inspect your boats, both before entering and after leaving the lake. It is against the law to transport any aquatic plant on your boat or trailer.
- If you find suspicious plants, contact us right away to help with further identification.
- Stay out of any infested area(s) to limit the spread.
- Join ALIC, if you are not already a member.
- Contact us to learn about volunteering for our Eyes on the Water program.
