Chandler Woodcock Keynote Speaker at Sixteenth Annual Maine Milfoil Summit

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Out and About for the Bangor Lakes Region of Maine March 5-11
March 4, 2015

Chandler Woodcock Keynote Speaker at Sixteenth Annual Maine Milfoil Summit

Chandler Woodcock Keynote Speaker at Sixteenth Annual Maine Milfoil Summit

Sky Blue Pink Reflection on Annabessacook Lake in Maine

by Leigh Macmillen Hayes
The 16th Annual Milfoil Summit hosted by Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) took place at the Lewiston/Auburn Campus of USM.
Peter Lowell, executive director of LEA opened the summit with a review of its history, which created a “tight network dealing with invasive plants.”

 

 

 

 

 


Via video, Senator Susan Collins, who was instrumental in creating the Maine Milfoil Initiative, spoke about the value of Maine’s lakes and ponds, which are under attack by invasive species. During her five minute presentation, Senator Collins commended the publication of the Maine Citizen Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plant Management. She promised to continue her support, recognizing that investments in research and education about invasive species is key.
An animated Chandler Woodcock, IF&W Commissioner, was the keynote speaker. For him, invasive species includes more than plants. He is also concerned about invasive fish species.
The commissioner’s comment, “I’ve been fishing since I was a kid back in the 1900s,” drew a laugh from the crowd of over 200 attendees.
“Put fishing for native Maine brook trout on your bucket list,” said the commissioner. “They are articulately beautiful in addition to the arena where you catch them.” Then he paused, before grinning and adding, “I fish because I am.”
He stated that 96% of wild brook trout in lakes and ponds in the continental US live in Maine, stressing the need to protect them.
The commissioner spoke about bass as being the most fished species in the state by non-residents. Wild brook trout are in pure waters, and he’s concerned that smallmouth bass will find their way to these waters–either intentionally by people, or accidentally (maybe when emptying a bait bucket).
Other invasive fish species that concern the commissioner include smelt, which are all over the state because they are bait fish, and black crappie, which are migrating north and can be found in southern to central Maine. He’s also not a fan of Northern pike and alewives.
During a Q&A following his address, the commissioner was asked about the popular television show, North Woods Law. He explained that while he intentionally divorced himself from the show, he feels it has been good for the warden service because the producers have taken care to portray the service in an accurate fashion.
Another attendee asked if Maine plans to follow the practice at Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield, Connecticut, to put carp into the water to eat milfoil. The commissioner’s emphatic response, “No.” He went on to explain that carp are destructive and it doesn’t make sense to him to use an invasive species to eradicate a species.
The summit continued with presentations from several others. Maggie Shannon, from the Maine Lakes Society, gave a legislative update. She encouraged all to take a look at LD 70 (EMERGENCY) Act to Assist Towns in Eradicating Milfoil and Other Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species, sponsored by Representative Kenneth Wade Fredette, House Majority Chair. The bill provides $225,000 to IF&W and $900,000 to DEP to supplement boat sticker funds for local control of nuisance aquatic species–both plant and fish. When you finish reading this blog, please write to the Committee Clerk of the Environmental and Natural Resources Committee to support the bill: tyler.washburn@legislature.maine.gov.
John McPhedran of Maine DEP shared updates and innovations in terms of eradication of aquatic plants. He referenced herbicide use on established plant infestations. The department is working on a document describing criteria when they might consider this as a possible solution. Right now, it is only occasionally used as a rapid response on a new infestation. McPhedran also spoke about burlap as a benthic barrier, stating that they’ve had mixed results from its use to smother plants. If you plan to use this, please contact the DEP.
Several people told the story of Annabessacook and how a variety of organizations including the Annabessacook Lake Improvement Association, Friends of Cobbossee Watershed, Cobbossee Watershed District, DEP and Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program came together following a 2013 Milfoil find. They organized a plant patrol group, who were trained to complete a survey. A patch of plants was discovered in the process. One of the lessons learned: All lakes need Invasive Plant Patrol teams.
The summit concluded with a panel discussion around the question “Should Infested Lakes Be Closed to Public Access?” Michael Brown of IF&W, John McPhedran, DEP, Charles Wilson, Maine Bass Nation, Gene Spender, Lovell Invasive Plant Patrol Committee (LIPPC), Toni Pied, Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, and Mike Fitzpatrick, Lake Arrowhead Conservation Council participated in the panel. Ultimately, the group agreed that better boat inspections by all boaters, not just CBIs, is key, as is education. McPhedron stated that 1 in 5 boaters inspect their own boats. We all need to make a significant change in our behavior so we can protect the lakes and ponds that we love.
To learn more about lakefront property for sale on Annabessacook Lake, click on the green box above.
To learn more about the Belgrade Lakes Area, check out the blog links below.
Lake Annabessacook in Monmouth and Winthrop, Maine: Home of Trophy Bass
Pleasant Pond in Central Maine: Lakefront Views to Remember

 

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