MA Weed
Watchers
Non-native Species Monitoring Program
Department
of Conservation and Recreation
Lakes
and Ponds Program
Description of MA
Weed Watcher Program
A key goal
of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Lakes and Ponds Program
is to prevent further infestation of
Massachusetts
’s lakes and ponds by exotic invasive aquatic plants, and to work towards
controlling and removing existing populations of exotic invasive plants. To
meet his goal we have developed a program to train local lake groups to
monitor their ponds for the presence of exotic invasive species and to
develop a removal plan if an infestation is found. If a pioneer infestation
of invasive exotic species is identified early, there is a greater chance
that the plant can be eradicated before it becomes established in the lake
or pond. Once invasive species are established they are almost impossible to
remove and very expensive to control. Invasive species spread rapidly and
form dense mats that can make boating, fishing and swimming impossible. As
the recreational and aesthetic value of the lake declines, property values
around the lake also decrease.
By monitoring your
lake or pond you are taking an active role in ensuring the protection of
your lake for the future.
Responsibilities
of the
Weed Watcher Team
The
Volunteer Invasive Species Monitoring Team will:
·
Join a network of groups that are part of the Lakes and Ponds
MA Weed Watchers Program.
·
Receive training in the identification and removal of invasive
species, training materials, boat ramp signs, permitting guidelines,
standard operating procedures for aquatic plant removal techniques and
reporting forms.
·
Patrol their lake every other week during the summer for the
presence of invasive species in key locations (boat ramps, inlets and
shallow coves etc).
·
Complete and return a yearly summary of the monitoring
results.
·
If a potential infestation is found, the Weed Watchers group
will work with the Invasive Species Task Force to identify the species and
to develop and implement a removal plan.
·
The Lakes and Ponds Program will offer guidance with
permitting issues and standard operating procedures.
·
The state web site will highlight the efforts of the Weed
Watcher groups.
