An aquatic plant survey in 2006 determined the presence of invasive Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil (VWM). Results of a 2013 resurvey showed the VWM spread to about four areas totaling approximately two acres in size. A 2016 survey identified VWM infestations to be localized to about six areas of approximately 7 acres in aggregate area. Results of a 2018 resurvey showed VWM had spread and is currently totaling approximately eleven acres in size. It is estimated there may currently be thirteen acres of VWM. Surveys also showed species richness decreased from 29 species in 2013 to 22 species in 2018.
In 2022, funding to treat the existing acreage of milfoil with ProcellaCOR was provided by the Grants for the Control of Aquatic Invasive Species Program administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and Amos Lake Association Inc. ProcellaCOR is a safe and targeted, systemic aquatic herbicide that goes to the root and gives a very complete kill of Milfoil species. After the two treatments of ProcellaCOR, no variable-leaf watermilfoil was found in the lake. Invasive Eurasian watermilfoil was found in one location and was hand-pulled. Most of the coves contained a heavy abundance of waterlilies at the surface with Robbins’ pondweed underneath. In 2023 Northern hydrilla was the only invasive species found in the lake. It was found near the boat ramp and was likely introduced through motorboat movement from the Connecticut River to Amos Lake. As you can see from the 2024 map the hydrilla spread in 2024 and the two milfoils we had previously treated returned or were reintroduced.
Although changes in native species occurred such as the reduction in bladderworts, 20 species were observed in 2022 which is similar the number found in 2006, 2013, and 2018. However, with the removal of the invasive non-native milfoil native species in creased to 25 in 2023. We are awaiting the full 2024 report.
Click on this link for further information on ProcellaCOR. procellacor_ec--label.pdf
Best Management Practices
In 2020 ALA began experimenting with bottom blankets. Bottom blankets; Bottom blankets are a chemical free, sunlight barrier that is an affordable solution for the control of milfoil before it gets out on control. The blankets can be used for several years and can also be moved to a new location after three months. Although we expected the blankets to be less effective in the second location, since that area would have already had three months of growing season, the difference was slight. We were very pleased with the results and will continue to use bottom blankets as part of our aquatic control program.
Learn to identify invasive plant species and be on the lookout for new plants. It is much easier to manage a small patch of invasive plants than an entire lake covered with plants, so early detection is key! Milfoil reproduces through fragmentation where by plant fragments break off from the parent plant through wind, boat action, rowing action, or fishing line action, grows roots, and settles in a new location. If you happen upon any invasive species. Please scoop up the fragments or whole plant, bring them in your boat, dry them out, and dispose of them in the garbage. Share this information with everyone you meet.
The control of invasive species will improve habitat for waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife. As well as protect the very healthy diversity of native aquatic plants contained in Amos Lake.
Prevention is the best management option. Therefore, we encourage the use of clean boat hygiene practices. All vessels ( boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, PWC, sailboats, rafts) , trailers and motors too should be inspected for plant fragments before launching in the water and after boats have been hauled out of the water. Be part of the solution, join the Clean Drain, Dry initiative.
If you have any questions or wish to be a part of the solution please contact us.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO TRANSPORT
Boaters must inspect their vessel for vegetation and aquatic nuisance species and properly remove and dispose of all vegetation and nuisance species before transporting the vessel. You can be fined up to $100 per violation (CGA 15-180) and Public Act 12-167.
The importation, transportation, sale, purchase, cultivation or distribution of a number of invasive plants including the following aquatic plants is prohibited.* Violators can be fined $100 per plant! (CGS 22a-381d)
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In 2022, funding to treat the existing acreage of milfoil with ProcellaCOR was provided by the Grants for the Control of Aquatic Invasive Species Program administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and Amos Lake Association Inc. ProcellaCOR is a safe and targeted, systemic aquatic herbicide that goes to the root and gives a very complete kill of Milfoil species. After the two treatments of ProcellaCOR, no variable-leaf watermilfoil was found in the lake. Invasive Eurasian watermilfoil was found in one location and was hand-pulled. Most of the coves contained a heavy abundance of waterlilies at the surface with Robbins’ pondweed underneath. In 2023 Northern hydrilla was the only invasive species found in the lake. It was found near the boat ramp and was likely introduced through motorboat movement from the Connecticut River to Amos Lake. As you can see from the 2024 map the hydrilla spread in 2024 and the two milfoils we had previously treated returned or were reintroduced.
Although changes in native species occurred such as the reduction in bladderworts, 20 species were observed in 2022 which is similar the number found in 2006, 2013, and 2018. However, with the removal of the invasive non-native milfoil native species in creased to 25 in 2023. We are awaiting the full 2024 report.
Click on this link for further information on ProcellaCOR. procellacor_ec--label.pdf
Best Management Practices
In 2020 ALA began experimenting with bottom blankets. Bottom blankets; Bottom blankets are a chemical free, sunlight barrier that is an affordable solution for the control of milfoil before it gets out on control. The blankets can be used for several years and can also be moved to a new location after three months. Although we expected the blankets to be less effective in the second location, since that area would have already had three months of growing season, the difference was slight. We were very pleased with the results and will continue to use bottom blankets as part of our aquatic control program.
Learn to identify invasive plant species and be on the lookout for new plants. It is much easier to manage a small patch of invasive plants than an entire lake covered with plants, so early detection is key! Milfoil reproduces through fragmentation where by plant fragments break off from the parent plant through wind, boat action, rowing action, or fishing line action, grows roots, and settles in a new location. If you happen upon any invasive species. Please scoop up the fragments or whole plant, bring them in your boat, dry them out, and dispose of them in the garbage. Share this information with everyone you meet.
The control of invasive species will improve habitat for waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife. As well as protect the very healthy diversity of native aquatic plants contained in Amos Lake.
Prevention is the best management option. Therefore, we encourage the use of clean boat hygiene practices. All vessels ( boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, PWC, sailboats, rafts) , trailers and motors too should be inspected for plant fragments before launching in the water and after boats have been hauled out of the water. Be part of the solution, join the Clean Drain, Dry initiative.
- CLEAN off all plant parts, animals, and mud from boat and equipment (e.g. boots, waders, fishing gear, and hull). Use a power wash station if available.
- DRAIN onto land all items that can hold water (e.g. buckets, wells, bilge, and ballast or other places that may collect water)
- DRY all items completely before launching into another body of water.
- Scan the QR code below for a free WebApp that guides boaters through self-inspection for aquatic invasive species via cleaning, draining, and drying watercraft and trailers.
If you have any questions or wish to be a part of the solution please contact us.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO TRANSPORT
Boaters must inspect their vessel for vegetation and aquatic nuisance species and properly remove and dispose of all vegetation and nuisance species before transporting the vessel. You can be fined up to $100 per violation (CGA 15-180) and Public Act 12-167.
The importation, transportation, sale, purchase, cultivation or distribution of a number of invasive plants including the following aquatic plants is prohibited.* Violators can be fined $100 per plant! (CGS 22a-381d)
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.