We're all uncomfortably aware that our lakes are at high risk from plant transfer/spread of Eurasian watermilfoil from the Salmon Lake infestation. Our concerns have heightened since learning that the DEP's most vigorous removal efforts haven't yet been able to fully control the infestation in Salmon Lake outlet cove; despite their robust campaign, 325 plants and the threat they represent still remain.
Because our lakes are so heavily visited (over 7,000 boat inspections so far this summer!), the risk of transfer within the Belgrades and beyond is high. To help us combat the threat of transfer among our lakes, the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program has agreed to do a special training for us here next week. VLMP Training to identify Maine's 11 banned invasive aquatic plants and to survey lakes for them will take place on Thursday, August 27th, at the Belgrade Center for All Seasons from 1 pm to 7 pm.
Because of the proximity of all our lakes to a highly aggressive invader, this workshop will include a planning session to address how we can best protect presently uninfested areas and prepare for rapid response to infestations should the need arise going forward. We plan to have this discussion from 7 pm to 8 pm following the IPP training on the 27th. Peter Kallin, Jason Bulay, Maureen Maslak, and I urge you to be pro-active in spreading the word about the entire session to your boards of directors and anyone else you think may be interested in attending either the Identification and Survey part or the Prevention and Rapid Response Planning part. Thank you!
The schedule for the 27th will go somewhat as follows: 1pm to 6pm: Invasive Plant Patrol Training (IPP) including supper; 7pm to 8 pm: Prevention and Rapid Response Plans (PRRP). You may come to one part or both. This training is free, space unlimited, and supper is included - but you must register ahead of time! Please let Mary Kerwood know of your intention to come for (a) IPP and/or b) Prevention and Rapid Response (PRRP), or both (a) and (b). Mary's contact info is: 495-6039 and also brcamaryk@gwi.net
Thanks,
Maggie Shannon and Peter Kallin
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