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Invasive Aquatic Plants |
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In 2009 an invasive aquatic plant called hydrilla was discovered in a small lagoon on the western shore of Damariscotta Lake. Hydrilla is considered to be the worst invasive aquatic plant in North America and is currently found in only one other Maine Lake: Pickerel Pond in Limerick. Damariscotta Lake is the 31st Maine Lake known to host an invasive aquatic plant, and the first known in Lincoln County. A significant Hydrilla infestation would negatively impact recreation, property values and native plants and animals. It is unknown how this plant was introduced into the lake and how long it has been here. Hydrilla is native to parts of Africa, Australia and Asia. The plant typically occurs in dense, rooted stands but can also be found drifting in mats. It out-competes native plants because it can photosynthesize earlier and later in the day, grows in a variety of conditions, grows fast and spreads easily.
We need your help! Please contact DLWA at Julia@dlwa.org or 207-549-3836 if you are interested in volunteering. Volunteer Ben Thompson checks a boat for invasive aquatic plants Courtesy Boat InspectorsThese volunteers take weekend shifts at the Route 213 boat launch in Jefferson and the Vannah Road launch in Nobleboro. They educate boaters and check all incoming and outgoing boats and trailers for plant fragments. With hydrilla known to be in the lake, Courtesy Boat Inspectors not only protect Damariscotta Lake from new invasive plants, but they also prevent fragments of hydrilla from infesting other lakes. Invasive Plant Patrollers
Volunteers Tim & Kate Joy survey the lake for invasive plants. In 2010 more than 175 DLWA volunteers and staff surveyed more than 95 percent of the lake's 45 miles of shoreline. In 2011 DLWA volunteers and staff checked the few places that weren't checking in 2010 and re-checked almost 50 percent of the shoreline and shallow areas. Hydrilla has been found in just one additional location. Since the plant is persistent and spreads so easily, it is important to continue to survey the lake in future years. Hydrilla Pulling CrewIn September 2011 hydrilla was found in Davis Stream in Jefferson. Davis Stream is one of the major tributaries to Damariscotta Lake, and it is a popular place for boaters, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts. DLWA and Maine DEP worked together in the fall of 2011 to gauge the extent of the infestation and remove the plants growing there. Though the infestation is not extensive, controlling hydrilla in Davis Stream will require an ongoing effort by DLWA staff and volunteers.
The following resources are available for download to invasive plant patrollers and anyone else interested in protecting their lake from invasive aquatic plants:
More information about invasive aquatic plants is available at the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program's website and the Vital Signs' website. |
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©2003 Damariscotta Lake Watershed
Association |
DLWA currently has three volunteer programs to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants in the lake: 
These volunteers survey sections of the lake’s shoreline once a year looking for invasive aquatic plants. DLWA provides training and equipment, and volunteers complete surveys at their leisure. Survey areas are small and assigned so most volunteers are checking the areas near their homes. Contact 