York County Receives Funding for Invasive Aquatice Species Project
In June, York County Soil & Water Conservation District (YCSWCD) in Springvale, ME was awarded funding by the Davis Conservation Foundation for the 2009 York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project (YCIASP). Major goals of the project are to encourage and train volunteers to survey waterbodies in York County for invasive aquatic plants (IAP) and to raise awareness in York County about concerns and the threat of IAP to the county’s waterbodies. 5 of the 7 waterbodies in York County with IAP species occur in the Little Ossipee River watershed. Just over the state lines in NH and MA there are a number of other waterbodies with IAP populations. The presence of these IAP species highlights the vulnerability of York County’s aquatic habitats and recreational resources.
Early detection and prevention of the spread of invasive aquatic plants are important strategies to minimize the negative impacts of infestations. Trained volunteer Invasive Plant Patrollers (IPP) or Weed Watchers play a significant role in the detection of IAP. When detected early, controlling the spread of IAP and their removal from a waterbody is generally less costly – both economically and ecologically.
As part of an effort to encourage early detection activities in York County, YCSWCD has designated August 8-16 as York County Aquatic Plant Survey Week. To “kick-off” the week, on Saturday August 8th and Sunday August 9th YCSWCD will host “on-the-water” training sessions led by Laurie Callahan, aquatic biologist. Visit the YCSWCD website at www.yorkswcd.org or see the calendar listings for locations, dates and times for those sessions.
A major event of the 2009 project will be held at the Waterboro Town Hall, Townhouse Rd. in Waterboro Center on the evening of Thursday August 13th from 6:30-9 PM. YCSWCD will host a symposium, free and open to the public, to highlight IAP management projects currently taking place in York County. Presenters will be local residents from Balch Lake and Lake Arrowhead that are contending with variable milfoil infestations and from West Pond Association where they have been battling a curly leaf pondweed infestation. The presenters are actively involved in the planning and implementation of those projects. Come and learn about their ongoing efforts and the continuing challenges they have faced each year. An update on the hydrilla management work at Pickerel Pond in Limerick will also be presented, as well as a brief review of IAP locations in ME and surrounding New England states. Fresh and pressed aquatic plant samples will be on display. As mentioned above, visit the YCSWCD website at www.yorkswcd.org or see the calendar listings for locations, dates and times for those sessions.
There will be Aquatic Plant Identification Sessions with Laurie Callahan on Sunday, Aug. 9th, 5-6:30 PM and on Saturday, Aug. 15th, 5-6:30 PM at the Anderson Learning Center, 21 Bradeen Street in Springvale, ME. Carefully collect and record date, time and location of plant sample, and bring to a session to have Laurie Callahan identify it or she will assist you. Various references and resources will be available to use. There will also be fresh and pressed aquatic plant samples that will be on display. Even if you don’t have a sample to be identified, bring your questions about aquatic plants, organizing an Invasive Plant Patrol team on your waterbody or come to see samples that will be on display. You can also bring your dinner with you.
For more information on project activities during the month of August please visit the YCSWCD website at www.yorkswcd.org. Also, you can call (207) 324-0888, ext. 214 to speak with Melissa Brandt, YCSWCD District Manager or email her at melissabrandt@yorkswcd.org. You can also contact Laurie Callahan for more information – by phone (mobile: 802-258-1877) or email (yciasp@hotmail.com).