Eurasian and Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil are highly competitive invasive aquatic plants that grows rapidly. The spread of milfoil can produce dense mats of vegetation, which harm native aquatic plant species, degrade the quality of the lake ecosystem, and impair recreational use of the lake. When dense mats of milfoil decay, the available oxygen in the water is depleted. The resulting low oxygen conditions (anoxia) can lead to fish kills and harm other aquatic organisms. The control of milfoil 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.
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.
What can be done to control / eradicate milfoil
Through this workshop and various communications, we will get the word out to all residents and visitors of the lake of the dangers associated with spreading milfoil. If we can educate all users of Amos Lake about the threats of milfoil, and the infested locations hopefully we can prevent the spread. If we can accomplish this, we can eliminate any future need for herbicides.
The 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). ProcellaCOR is a safe and targeted, systemic aquatic herbicide that goes to the root and gives a very complete kill of Milfoil species. Applicators generally see and can expect 100% effectiveness within the treatment area. This means any location treated in 2022 with ProcellaCOR should have all of the milfoil killed. Duration of control with this product is among the highest. Treated areas report having gone three seasons without seeing any milfoil return. It is anticipated that a very small percentage may come back after a season or two.
ALA has contracted with The Pond and Lake Connection to apply ProcellaCOR, an aquatic pesticide application to control milfoil at AmosLake.
We have provided the ProcellaCOR label for further information. procellacor_ec--label.pdf
Next steps
In 2020 ALA began experimenting with 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.
Please Help Prevent the Spread of Variable Milfoil!
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. So please review the maps page and try to avoid these areas. If you happen upon them and you see VWM fragmentations please scoop the fragments, bring them in your boat, dry them out, and dispose of them in the garbage. Share this information we everyone you meet.
Preston is very fortunate that invasive species have yet to be identified at Avery Pond. Prevention is the best option to maintain this status. Therefore, we encourage the use of clean boat hygiene practices. Boats (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 $95 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 $50 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.
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.
What can be done to control / eradicate milfoil
Through this workshop and various communications, we will get the word out to all residents and visitors of the lake of the dangers associated with spreading milfoil. If we can educate all users of Amos Lake about the threats of milfoil, and the infested locations hopefully we can prevent the spread. If we can accomplish this, we can eliminate any future need for herbicides.
The 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). ProcellaCOR is a safe and targeted, systemic aquatic herbicide that goes to the root and gives a very complete kill of Milfoil species. Applicators generally see and can expect 100% effectiveness within the treatment area. This means any location treated in 2022 with ProcellaCOR should have all of the milfoil killed. Duration of control with this product is among the highest. Treated areas report having gone three seasons without seeing any milfoil return. It is anticipated that a very small percentage may come back after a season or two.
ALA has contracted with The Pond and Lake Connection to apply ProcellaCOR, an aquatic pesticide application to control milfoil at AmosLake.
We have provided the ProcellaCOR label for further information. procellacor_ec--label.pdf
Next steps
In 2020 ALA began experimenting with 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.
Please Help Prevent the Spread of Variable Milfoil!
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. So please review the maps page and try to avoid these areas. If you happen upon them and you see VWM fragmentations please scoop the fragments, bring them in your boat, dry them out, and dispose of them in the garbage. Share this information we everyone you meet.
Preston is very fortunate that invasive species have yet to be identified at Avery Pond. Prevention is the best option to maintain this status. Therefore, we encourage the use of clean boat hygiene practices. Boats (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). Use a power wash station if available.
- DRAIN onto land all items that can hold water (e.g. buckets, wells, bilge, and ballast).
- DRY all items completely before launching into another body of water.
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 $95 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 $50 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.
