Breaking News From
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
 

Invasive Milfoil Confirmed in Cobbosseecontee Lake

Rapid response aims to keep plants in check
 

AUGUSTA, August 7, 2018

- Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has confirmed  growth of Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) in the north  end of Cobbosseecontee (aka Cobbossee) Lake in Winthrop.  The plant was  discovered in July by Friends of Cobbossee Watershed (FOCW) plant  surveyors.  DEP, FOCW and Cobbossee Watershed District have searched for  and removed plants since last month's discovery.  

This find on a highly-valued central Maine lake highlights the risk  of introduction of invasive aquatic species including plants, fish, and  other organisms such as zebra mussels.  DEP urges boaters to clean,  drain, and dry boats, anchor lines and fishing gear before and after  launching in Maine waters.

"The sharp eyes of Friends of Cobbossee Watershed surveyors found  this invasive species at what we believe to be an early growth stage,"  said DEP Commissioner Paul Mercer.  "Initial surveying and removal  efforts by Friends of Cobbossee Watershed, Cobbosee Watershed District  and DEP indicate the plant is confined to the north end of the lake.  We  are optimistic that continued rapid response by local organizations and  DEP will reduce risk of this plant from spreading to other parts of the  lake, and to other lakes.  It's too early to tell if eradication is  achievable but that is the goal of this collaborative rapid response  effort.  
The lake community is fortunate to have strong local organizations working to protect area waters."

The message to boaters is simple: clean, drain and dry your  watercraft, trailers and equipment before launching and after removing  from every waterbody.  Cleaning-up a problem is much more expensive than  preventing a problem.

Eurasian water milfoil, an aggressive aquatic plant throughout the  U.S., is known to be in only one water body in the state, a 28-acre pond  in Scarborough.

For additional information, contact:
David Madore, Communications Director
(207) 287-5842