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INVASIVE PLANTS IN DAMARISCOTTA LAKEAt this moment, no invasive aquatic plants have been found in Damariscotta Lake. Furthermore, Maine is one of only three states in our country that has no infestations of these plants. All of our neighboring states are dealing with invasive plants with limited success. Thousands of dollars are being spent annually in an effort to control these water-destroying plants. To date, once an invasive has established itself in a lake, it is impossible to eliminate the infestation. Furthermore, techniques for dealing with these plants are very intrusive and nearly as harmful to water ecology as the plants themselves. PREVENTION IS THE ONLY WAY TO CONTROL THESE DESTRUCTIVE PLANTS. DLWA INITIATIVESSince the DLWA considers invasive plants to be a potentially serious problem for the watershed, it has established several programs designed to educate the public concerning the character of the plant as well as prevention methods of infestation. To date in an effort to inform, the association has sponsored a press conference on this topic, published and distributed a flyer and written extensively on this topic in the DLWA Newsletter and "Town Talk". In addition at each launch site, the DLWA has supported the construction of a kiosk designed to exhibit more materials on invasive plants and other topics. WHAT ARE AQUATIC PLANTS?Aquatic plants are necessary to a healthy ecosystem. Rooted aquatic plants normally grow in diverse, balanced environments with other plants and animals. Most aquatic vegetation prefers shallow, sheltered areas with soft, nutrient-rich organic bottom sediments. The ecosystem limits species’ competition by means of insects, fish and mammals that control or kill off certain varieties of plants. Lake plant populations can vary depending on these factors as well as on water levels and ice depth. In some cases, plant growth represents a nuisance to our recreational interests. Nevertheless, respect and appreciation of some aquatic plants are necessary because of their benefits to a healthy lake; they maintain solid biodiversity, provide food and shelter and minimize bottom sediment into shallow areas which keep shoreline water clean and help reduce erosion. WHAT ARE INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS?Webster’s Dictionary defines invasive as “the act of invading; a hostile incursion; the entrance or advent of anything troublesome or harmful…” We are dealing with plants that are aggressive, that proliferate with incredible speed, that have biological advantages and that can quickly change a quality body of water into a polluted source. How is this phenomenon possible? It appears that certain controlling factors of their native waters; such as, disease and plant competition, may not exist in their new water habitat. In addition, most invasive plants are hearty, resilient and reproduce in a variety of unique ways. HOW ARE INVASIVE PLANTS INTRODUCED INTO NEW WATERS?We have read and heard a great deal recently about invasive plants in Maine. We are particularly at risk when realizing that these invasives are transported primarily from one body of water to another by boating activity. Boating in Maine’s pristine waters attracts thousands of out of staters each summer. This influx of boating increases our risk of invasive contamination. Even small plant particles carried from infected waters on boats, trailers, anchors and fishing gear can lead to disaster in our lakes. In recognition of this reality the Maine legislature has passed a tough law against transporting invasive aquatic plants from one body of water to another via boats, trailers or fishing equipment. IMPACT ON LAKES AND PONDS:Once invasive plants are introduced into healthy lakes, negative changes usually occur quickly within the water’s ecosystem. The hearty invasive plant wins the battle in competition with other native species resulting in loss of natural diversity. Dense stands of plants impact the size and number of the fish population by reducing dissolved oxygen content that stresses and even destroys some fish populations. The increased rates of organic enrichment result in uncontrolled growth of invasives that foster enhanced growth of water-clogging algae. Swimming, boating and aesthetic interests are lost and result in devaluation of shoreline property. WHAT CAN WE DO?It is necessary to remember that prevention is the key to clear water and that invasive plants move from one body of water to another via human transportation. We need to make sure that our boats, motors, trailers, vehicles, fishing and other recreational water equipment are clean and free from the smallest fragment of plant material. These plants cannot be disposed of in a callous manner. Always inspect equipment before placing it in the water. Avoid driving boats through any vegetation and contact the DLWA if any suspicious plant material appears on any boating or fishing equipment. DLWA Office; 549-3836. MUCH MORE ON INVASIVE PLANTS:The material presented above is intended to be a brief introduction to invasive aquatic plants. More in depth material is presented in the websites mentioned below. Just click on a link!
TERRESTIAL INVASIVE PLANTS: Purple Loosestrife (Another kind of invader)We all have seen those lovely purple flowers in some of our shallow water marshes throughout our watershed. Some of us have even picked these flowers and displayed them prominently in our homes. Since the 1830’s, Purple Loosestrife, of Eurasian origin, has flourished in the wetlands of Northern America and Southeastern Canada. It is an aggressive plant that poses a serious threat to our native vegetation in wetland environments. The web sites below will provide extensive information for those seeking more facts about this plant.
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