Invasive Milfoil in Androscoggin Lake

With the summer season almost here, we are ramping up to fight the new invasive milfoil infestation on Androscoggin Lake. If you missed it, here’s a quick recap of what happened last fall.

In September, a volunteer member of the invasive plant patrol team for Androscoggin’s lake association (ALIC) found a suspicious plant in the Inner Cove at the northern end of the lake, near the public boat launch. DNA testing confirmed the plant was invasive variable water-milfoil. Water-milfoils are rooted, submersed aquatic plants that grow in lakes and streams. Five species are native to Maine; two invasive species threaten Maine’s waters.

Because attacking an infestation early provides the best hope, 30 Mile and ALIC immediately went to work with the Maine DEP and Lake Stewards of Maine to implement a rapid response. After two long days of surveying and two days of removing plants, by mid-October we had done everything we could for the season, removing all the plants we had found.

Joining Forces

This video captures the majesty of the imperiled lake and the actions we are taking to save it.

Text Link

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Why is Milfoil a threat?

Invasive species outcompete the natives. In an organism’s native habitat, its growth is balanced by other organisms that have evolved to compete with or eat it. Invasive plants like variable milfoil are free from their natural competitors and can outcompete native plants for space and sunlight, growing and spreading rapidly, unchecked. Native plants provide both a food source and habitat. When those are altered, invasive plants can drastically alter delicate relationships in the food web. The dense growth and rapid spread of milfoil also dramatically impede swimming and fishing, greatly hurting property values and tourism.

Variable water-milfoil is an extremely hardy perennial. Because it can reproduce by fragmentation, when a disturbance like a motorboat or fishing lure passes through a colony of plants, the chopped-up pieces are each capable of forming a new plant. Milfoil can spread throughout a lake or move from lake to lake on a propeller, trailer, fishing gear or anchor.

Photo: Lakes Environmental Association

Finding Milfoil: Volunteers Needed

Beginning this week, staff from 30 Mile will be back out on Androscoggin Lake, looking for new invasive plant growth and plants we missed last fall. Maine DEP divers will survey the deeper areas of the cove. As we find invasive milfoil, we will carefully remove it. This intensive effort will continue throughout the summer and into the fall.

We also must confirm, through a full lake survey, that the milfoil isn’t growing anywhere else in the lake. Androscoggin is a big lake and there are many places where variable milfoil could be. This effort will be ongoing throughout the summer and will depend upon the support of MANY volunteers.

If you are already a trained volunteer, we are counting on you now more than ever. If you are not yet trained but eager to help, we will be offering several trainings throughout the season - no experience necessary. What’s involved in volunteering? You will spend time on the water, on your own schedule, looking for plants that don’t belong. Many different species of native (good) plants grow in the lake, and several are look-alikes for variable water-milfoil, so basic knowledge of plant identification is important. Most surveying is conducted from the surface, with the naked eye when conditions allow, or with a scope, as shown here. ANY time you can spend looking for invasives while you are out enjoying the lake is helpful. The more eyes the better!

For updates on training opportunities and our progress, watch our future newsletters, Facebook page, and website.

To volunteer on Androscoggin or become a plant surveyor for another lake in the watershed, please contact Lidie at lidie@30mileriver.org.

Community Meeting:

Variable Water-Milfoil in Androscoggin Lake

June 17th, 6:30 PM

Join our community meeting where we will discuss both the current status of the infestation and plans for the summer. Everyone interested in learning more about the infestation of invasive variable water milfoil on Androscoggin Lake is encouraged to attend.

This event will be held via Zoom on Thursday, June 17th at 6:30pm EDT. Please register in advance here.

This meeting will be hosted by 30 Mile, Lake Stewards of Maine, the Maine DEP, and the lake association for Androscoggin Lake (ALIC).

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The Paddle Trek is back!

This year’s 12th annual Paddle Trek will be held on Saturday, July 31st. Join us for all or just a part of this 15-mile guided paddle from Mt. Vernon Village to Wayne Village, traveling along many of the lakes and streams that form the “30 Mile River.” Registration will begin in June. Stay tuned for details in our next newsletter.

Be LakeSmart: Camp Opening Tips

A springtime ritual for many families is opening up their camp for the season. Follow these tips to protect the lake and its wildlife:

Raking: Do NOT rake up the layer of leaves and pine needles – the “duff” -- that builds up under the trees. This natural mulch acts like a sponge and filter and helps prevent pollutants from getting into the lake.
Check for erosion: Check your property for signs of soil erosion, such as exposed rocks and roots and the formation of channels. Stabilize these areas with plants or erosion control mulch. For trouble spots caused by high water flow from steep paths, roofs or driveways, simple conservation practices like these found here will keep soil from polluting the lake.
Septic system: Check your leach field for any breakouts and consider having the tank pumped if it has not been recently (tanks should be pumped every 2-3 years for year-round residences and every 4-5 years for seasonal residences). Do NOT use any starter products to reactivate the system, as they are unnecessary and can lead to failure of your leach field. A properly functioning septic system prevents harmful pollutants from getting into the lake.
Boats: Dispose of drained lubricating oils at a recycling facility or bring the oil to your local dealer for disposal. Wash the boat away from the water or at a commercial car wash. Check to make sure that the boat, trailer and other equipment are free of any hitchhiking plants.
Cleaning products: Use natural products like baking soda and lemon juice when cleaning and save money while protecting your health and nature.

Support 30 Mile! Help us prevent the spread of invasives across the watershed by becoming a monthly donor.

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