The Lake Book

PREVENT SPREAD OF INVASIVES
Invasive plants threaten the aquatic biodiversity and health of Maine’s
lakes. Aggressive species such as Eurasian milfoil and fanwort alter
ecosystems, jam up boat propellors, ruin swim areas and water ski
routes, and decrease property values. These plants spread quickly
even from small fragments to eventually infest large areas. They
consume the resources (nutrients, sunlight, space) on which native
species depend. And once they are established, they are very difficult
to remove. While stopping the spread of invasives in Maine by
reducing transport to neighboring lakes is critical (see p. 38), it is also
important to find any new infestations as early as possible.
Maine Lake Stewards’ INVASIVE PLANT PATROL (IPP) program
promotes prevention, early detection, and rapid response at the local
STOP INVASIVE SPECIES!
Remove all plants from your
boat (see next page!)
Drain water from the motor,
bilge, live wells, tanks, and gear
Dry your boat between outings
Avoid boating in areas where
aquatic plants are dense
Learn more as an IPP
volunteer!
IPP volunteers on the search for
invasive plants.
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level by providing training,
educational materials, resources,
and technical support to
volunteers. Thousands of
individuals have participated in
IPP workshops, which offer
training on how to recognize the
invasive aquatic plants on
Maine’s “eleven most unwanted”
list and how to distinguish these
invaders from their native Maine
look-alikes.
Though anyone interested in
learning about aquatic invaders
is welcome to participate in Lake
Stewards’ IPP workshops, those
who wish to become active
members of Maine’s early
detection team are encouraged
to make a formal commitment to
the statewide endeavor by
becoming a Certified IPP
Volunteer. To learn more, visit
www.lakestewardsofmaine.org
or email stewards@
lakestewardsme.org