{"id":1436,"date":"2024-09-08T21:29:03","date_gmt":"2024-09-08T21:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/androscogginlake.org\/alic\/?page_id=1436"},"modified":"2024-11-07T15:46:59","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T20:46:59","slug":"invasive-aquatic-plants","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/androscogginlake.org\/alic\/lake-health\/invasive-aquatic-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"Invasive Aquatic Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t

Invasive Aquatic Plants<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t

Variable-leaf water milfoil<\/em> (variable milfoil) was first discovered in the Inner Cove of our lake in the fall of 2020. It is one of Maine\u2019s Most Unwanted Invasive Aquatic Plants<\/a>. Since that discovery, both 30 Mile and ALIC have been \u201call hands on deck\u201d in attempts to eradicate this invader.<\/p>\n

The type of variable milfoil in our lake looks like a bright green bottlebrush, with somewhat thick, reddish, stems.\u00a0 Variable milfoil spreads rapidly. Just a fragment, such as the one found by an ALIC volunteer, is enough to start a new plant growing!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t
What Makes Variable Milfoil Such a Threat?<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n
\n\t

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

\n
\n\t