Help Identify Aquatic Invasive Threats
Thanks to the dedication and sharp eyes of local volunteers, a new infestation of an emerging invasive aquatic threat in the Belgrade Lakes watershed has been identified before it has had the opportunity to spread unchecked. These volunteers had attended a 7 Lakes Alliance invasive aquatic species workshop with training to identify harmful nonnative species and afterwards spotted an early infestation of curly-leaf pondweed, an aggressive invasive plant that threatens the health of native ecosystems. Their discovery underscores the power of community involvement in protecting our lakes.
Unlike other invasive aquatic plants, CurlyLeaf Pondweed grows through the winter and becomes dormant in the summer months. This unusual growth cycle gives it a dangerous head start, choking out native species that are just emerging in late spring. The result: degraded natural habitat, reduced biodiversity and impaired water quality.
7 Lakes Alliance’s invasive aquatics team is actively working to remove Curly-Leaf Pondweed from known infestations in the Serpentine between North and East Pond, in North Pond — and now, thanks to local volunteer, Paul Marshall, removal efforts are expanding to a newly discovered outbreak near the entrance to Little Pond (Little North) from North Pond. Please use caution when motoring in North Pond and avoid infested areas marked by pink marker buoys. Please contact 7LA’s Invasive Aquatics Director Sharon Mann, if you would like to help with efforts on North Pond or any of the other six lakes in our watershed.
Early detection is critical. Once an invasive aquatic species takes hold, it is very expensive and difficult to manage. Over the past several decades, millions of dollars have been spent in the Belgrade Lakes watershed fighting invasive aquatic plants. With several more aggressive species already present in Maine, the threat is growing — and the need for vigilant monitoring has never been more urgent.
How You Can Help
Every Wednesday this summer, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., 7 Lakes Alliance offers a free workshop at the 7 Lakes building to teach local volunteers how to identify invasive aquatic plants, such as curly-leaf pondweed (often described as resembling lasagna noodles with its ruffles edges) as well various milfoil species. Courtesy Boat Inspectors and Adopt-A-Shoreline participants and volunteer paddlers throughout the Belgrade Lakes are often the first line of defense. By learning how to recognize invasive species early, local residents and visitors alike can play a direct role in helping to protect our lakes for today and for future generations.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or for more information, please visit our website or stop by the 7 Lakes Building at 137 Main Street in Belgrade Lakes, Sunday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
invasive aquatic plants
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