9069-R4_ML&P_LSLA_2024_SummerNewsletter_Web

Invasive Plant Species Program (aka Milfoil) Program Status Pam Wilkinson & Tim Greer

Combating invasive plant species with new technology

LSLA Invasive Plant Species (Milfoil) program is instituting underwater drone technology this year to search for invasive plants in deeper waters. We call her Judy Ann as a dedication to Judy Andrews for reporting invasive milfoil in Mumford Cove in 1999. In May a team of interested people,

some of whom have aerial drone expertise, will have training from Jason Smith of Maine Freshwater Going Deep who demonstrated his underwater camera last summer. He videoed

Every vessel has a name - Meet Judy Ann

our diver removing milfoil meticulously from a rocky area. Please visit this video located on our website that gives viewers full knowledge on how the invasive plant is removed by its roots and an appreciation of the effort it takes. https://littlesebagolake.com/milfoil-removal-video/

Judy Andrews with siblings, Jim, Nancy, Bob

Milfoil above and below water. John Vozella holds a large plant removed.

How can you help: • Learn the difference between invasive plants and native plants on your lake- https://www.maine.gov/dep/ water/invasives/ • Assist us by surveying your area by snorkeling or diving or just looking down and recognizing what is native or non-native. • Report anything suspicious by contacting info@littlesebagolake.com • Assistance in checking your area is available.

How to identify Invasive Hybrid Variable Leaf Milfoil Feather-divided leaves are arranged in densely packed whorls with reddish green stems.

Peter Dollar, Geoff King, Tim Greer, Gordon Smith, Sheryl Barnard, John Vozella, Jack Grassman, Maggie Maloney , Jim MacNaught; missing Allen Cronan, behind the camera Pam Wilkinson

Captain Sheryl Barnard and Crew John Vozella singing in the rain as they work. Diver Jim MacNaught doesn’t mind getting wet!

Training Session w/ Milfoil Team

Spring 2025 | LittleSebagoLake.com 33