8181-R1_LSLA_2022_WinterNewsletter_Web

Hybrid Invasive Variable Milfoil Militia Program 2022 Coordinators: Pam Wilkinson & Tim Greer

It has been 23 years since milfoil was first reported. Since then, we have had various stages of removal. Hand pulling after digging up the roots was not working, benthic barriers laid on the bottom to prevent sunlight was labor some, and finally in 2004 the first milfoil HIPPO Hydraulic Invasive Plant Processing Operation was developed by engineer Bill Shelley, resident on Little Sebago Lake. DEP later called it DASH

Diver Assisted Suction Harvester for fear that people didn’t realize it was necessary for a diver to extract the roots from the bottom as part of the process. Due to the intensity of the invasive milfoil another was developed in 2006 to grasp a better handle on the removal. We are pleased to only need one boat and the other has been adapted for various needs like dredging sand in the narrows, water quality testing and back up if the first HIPPO needs repair. This year, due to the age of the venturi pump, compressor, gas tanks, air hoses, and suction hose we are giving it an overhaul that will cost approximately $15,000.00. Due to your support and the grants we receive from DEP and the Towns of Gray and Windham we do not need to reach out to Jim MacNaught, Tim Greer (coordinator), Allen Cronan, John Vozella, Jack Grassman, not in the picture Sheryl Barnard

Peter Dollard, Gordon Smith, Jim MacNaught, Geoff King

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