The Jefferson Selectmen approved an article for this year’s town meeting warrant that would give $1000 to the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association for their fight against invasive plants.
Jefferson follows Nobleboro, which also approved a $1000 warrant article. DLWA Executive Director Al Railsback said they will ask Newcastle for money this June at their town meeting.
The money will help the DLWA with their ongoing battle against the invasive plant hydrilla, as well as their boat inspection and other programs to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Hydrilla, which Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection officials routinely refer to as the “worst of the worst” of invasive aquatic plants, was discovered in Damariscotta Lake several years ago.
Since then, an effective containment program has been in place. This year, DEP hopes to completely shut off the infected lagoon from the rest of the lake.
Last fall, hydrilla was discovered in Davis Stream, which feeds into the north end of the lake. This infestation will receive significant attention this coming spring and summer in an effort to eradicate it as completely as possible, while preventing the plant’s spread.
The DLWA will continue its volunteer efforts to survey the lake to find any invasive species.
“The DLWA is a blue chip organization,” Paul Gregory of the DEP’s Invasive Species Program told the Jefferson selectmen.
The Invasive Species Program has three employees for all 6000 Maine lakes and ponds. “We rely on volunteer help, and the DLWA is one of the most responsive volunteer organizations we work with,” Gregory said.
Two years ago, Jefferson, Nobleboro and Newcastle voters approved contributions to the DLWA. Last year, the organization did not request money from the towns.
