Maine waters are being invaded! As with a serious illness, early detection is key; the earlier the introduced invader — such as Eurasian water-milfoil or zebra mussels — is detected, the greater the chances for finding an effective treatment and reducing the risk of spread. With more than 6,000 lakes and ponds, and thousands of miles of suitable stream habitat to be monitored for the presence of aquatic invaders on an ongoing basis, the challenge here in Maine is enormous. Maine needs your help. Free training, coming soon to Aroostook County, will provide residents with everything they need to get started.
This summer, a custom workshop is being offered in the local region, by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. Identification of Invasive Plant Patrol Workshop, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 30, at Birch Point Campground, Pond Road, on Pleasant Lake in Island Falls. This workshop is hosted by the Island Falls Lakes Association, which monitors both Pleasant Lake and Mattawamkeag Lake.
The Invasive Plant Patrol Field Methods Workshop, will take place that afternoon, 1-3 p.m. at the same location, with a partial survey of Pleasant Lake.
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Please contact the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program at vlmp@mainevlmp.org or (207) 783-7733 to register. For online registration and workshop schedule updates please visit www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org/workshops.
The primary goal of the Introductory Invasive Plant Patrol Workshop is to provide those who wish to join Maine’s “early detection” effort with information and guidance needed to get started.
The workshop is presented in four parts: Overview of invasive species issues in Maine and beyond; plant identification fundamentals; plant identification hands-on exercise with live plants; and conducting a screening survey, tools and techniques.
All workshop participants receive an “Invasive Plant Patroller’s Handbook,” and the Maine Field Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants.
The Invasive Plant Patrol Field Methods Workshop provides on-lake instruction and practice conducting invasive aquatic plant screening surveys. The course was designed as advanced training for those who have already attended the introductory IPP workshop, but previous workshop experience is not a prerequisite. Participants must bring their own shallow draft boats (e.g. canoes, kayaks, inflatables). Loaner boats may be available upon request.
Invasive Plant Patrol workshops are provided, free of charge to participants, by the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. IPP workshops are funded in large part by a grant from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection with funds generated by Maine Lake and River Protection Sticker Program. Additional support for the workshops comes from foundation grants, private donations, and the generosity of local sponsors.
Anyone interested in learning about aquatic invaders is welcome to participate in the workshops. Those who wish to become active members of Maine’s early detection team and to make a formal commitment to the statewide endeavor, are encouraged to become certified IPP volunteers.
For more information regarding Invasive Plant Patrol Workshops, the threat of aquatic invaders in Maine, or the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, please contact: Roberta Hill, invasive species program director at 783-7733; roberta@mainevlmp.org or www.MaineVolunteerLakeMonitors.org.
