June 26 – July 2, 2026Vol. 28, No. 3

Preparing for the 2026 Invasive Aquatic Species Season

Map of the Belgrade Lakes Watershed, with areas known to be infested with invasive plants marked in dark red.

by Sharon Mann

From Courtesy Boat Inspections and early detection surveys to diver-led removals and expanded management efforts, 2026 will be an important year for protecting the long-term health of our lakes, streams, and wetlands. As of October 2025, four water bodies within our seven-lake chain are managed for invasive aquatic plant infestations. Great Pond and Messalonskee Lake continue to contend with long-standing infestations of variable-leaf milfoil, while East Pond (stream only) and North Pond are managing newer infestations of curly-leaf pondweed. Meanwhile, Long Pond, Salmon Lake, and McGrath Pond remain free of known invasive aquatic plant species.

Infestation Updates and Management Plans

Great Pond

We completed our annual kickoff dive in Great Meadow Stream last month and found only a handful of small variable-leaf milfoil plants. This encouraging pattern has continued since the 2022 herbicide treatment, although we did observe an increase in regrowth later in June and July last season. Treatments of this kind often provide strong suppression for several years, followed by a more noticeable rebound in regrowth around years four to five post-treatment. We are now entering the period when increased regrowth should be expected.

Messalonskee Lake and Belgrade Stream

Last season, 7 Lakes Alliance officially adopted Messalonskee Lake and its connected streams under our invasive aquatic species management responsibilities. Select areas within Messalonskee Lake are expected to undergo herbicide treatment in 2026, and Friends of Messalonskee remains an active and valued partner in the fight against invasive aquatic plants. Official announcements and permitting updates will come through the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

East Pond (Serpentine)

In 2026, 7 Lakes will field a dedicated team of three certified divers — affectionately known as the “Curly Crew” — who will divide their time between The Serpentine and North Pond. This season, the Curly Crew will conduct submerged SCUBA surveys throughout the infested branch of The Serpentine one to two days per week, searching for and removing any remaining plants.

North Pond

This year, 7 Lakes expanded its dive program by hiring additional certified divers dedicated specifically to the East Pond and North Pond infestations. The largest patches continue to be concentrated near Pomleau Island in the northern basin, though North Pond Association volunteers also identified another hotspot near the entrance to Little Pond.

To help minimize the spread of curly leaf pondweed and protect divers working below the surface, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Maine Department of Environmental Protection are implementing surface use restrictions in three areas of North Pond this season. The restricted areas will be clearly marked with buoys.

Sharon Mann is Invasive Aquatics Director for the 7 Lakes Alliance.

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