WATER CHESTNUT ALERT!

DEP has recently asked us to be on the lookout for invasive water chestnut. There is an infestation on Ream's Pond in Thompson. This stuff can choke a waterway in no time, so we definitely don't want to see it started. Here is a USDA article about it with further references:

This will help you identify it.

If you see it, please report it to DEP via Therese Beaudoin. If you need help identifying a suspected plant, contact Tom Ryzewski for assistance.

10 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BOAT INVASIVE FREE*

1. Remove any visible vegetation, animals, mud, & dirt from your boat, trailer, boots, fishing gear, and all equipment exposed to the water.
2. Check your vehicle bumper, trailer rollers, lights, and axle for vegetation that might have caught onto your trailer or tow vehicle at the ramp.
3. Drain any water fromt eh motors, jet drives, live wells, & bilge of your boat.
4. Empty canoes & kayaks of any water when you pull them from the water.
5. Drain foul weather gear including your boots, bibs & waders.
6. Feel you hull for any rough or gritty spots, which could be young invasive mussels. Clean your hull & any equipment, including your boat's live wells & bilge, with hot water (at least 140 degrees F). If hot water isn't available, use a hose with a spray nozzle to increase the water pressure.
7. Pay attention to your anchor, dock lines, & other equipment that spends a lot of time in the water.
8. Don't release unused bait into the waters you're fishing; dump it into a trash can or on land far away from any water body. Be aware of any bait regulations, & don't use live bait in waters where it's prohibited.
9. Make sure your boat & other equipment are allowed to dry for at least 48 hours and before using in a different waterway.
10. Know the regulations & inspection procedures at the waterways you're visiting before you go.

* Taken from BoatU.S. Magazine January 2009

4th PHASE MILFOIL TREATMENT ON JUNE 25, 2009

Specific small coves and shoreline areas of Webster Lake were chemically treated with USEPA/MA registered aquatic herbicides on Thursday, June 25th to control nuisance and invasive aquatic vegetation, specifically Variable Milfoil. The total treatment area was 38 acres (approximately 3% of the lake’s total area).The work was performed under a License to Apply Chemicals permit issued from MA DEP and an Order of Conditions from the Webster Conservation Commission. Aquatic Control Technology, Inc., of Sutton performed this work for the Webster Lake Association.

Informal survies will be conducted during the summer by both WLA members and ACT to determine the progress of all the treatments. A formal survey of the Lake will occur in September.

3rd PHASE OF 2009 WEED TREATMENT

On June 16,2009 a Lake survey was be conducted by the ACT Biologists and a member of the WLA Environmental Committee to determine the location and population of surviving variable milfoil.

Last year, 100 acres was treated to reduce the population of this invasive. Based on current shoreline wash up of the weed, last year's treatment seems to be effective.

This year's survey showed the area of milfoil infestation has been reduced to 38 acres. These areas will be treated in the 4th Phase of the program.

2nd PHASE of 2009 WEED TREATMENT

Specific small coves and shoreline areas of Webster Lake were chemically treated with a BOOSTER TREATMENT of USEPA/MA registered aquatic herbicides on Thursday, June 4th to control nuisance and invasive aquatic vegetation. The total treatment area was very small ( less than 3% of the lake’s total area).
The work was performed under a License to Apply Chemicals permit issued from MA DEP and an Order of Conditions from the Webster Conservation Commission. Aquatic Control Technology, Inc., of Sutton performed this work for the Webster Lake Association.

1ST PHASE of 2009 WEED TREATMENT

Specific small coves and shoreline areas of Webster Lake were chemically treated with USEPA/MA registered aquatic herbicides on Thursday, May 14th to control nuisance and invasive aquatic vegetation. The total treatment area was very small (about 3% of the lake’s total area). These treatment areas only, were closed to all water uses (including swimming, fishing & boating) on the day of treatment. In addition, a map of the lake showing the treated/restricted areas were posted at the State Boat Launch and Memorial Beach boat launch area.Printed signs, warning of these and any other water use restrictions, wereposted (along the treatment/effected areas only) in advance of treatment. The work was performed under a License to Apply Chemicals permit issued from MA DEP and an Order of Conditions from the Webster Conservation Commission. Aquatic Control Technology, Inc., of Sutton performed the work for the Webster Lake Association.