In the August Flash of the Beacon we reported that curly-leaf pondweed, an aquatic invasive species, was recently discovered in Baptist Pond. Residents acted quickly to alert NHDES and LSPA and a plan is now in place to address this invasive plant. On the map below, you can see the infested areas both along the shore and out in the middle of the pond.
The map above, created by Amy Smagula, NHDES, shows areas of curly-leaf pondweed infestations on Baptist Pond. The red dots are patches found on July 31 and the yellow
dots are patches found on August 7. Map courtesy of NHDES.
A net was installed by NHDES on the upstream side of the culverts to catch any fragments that may drift downstream. Local volunteers will remove any plants or debris from the net and dispose of it properly. Divers have been hired by NHDES to remove plants by hand and they will most likely be needed over the next few years to help control the spread. NHDES will cover these costs for the first year but then they will look to the Baptist Pond Association and the town of Springfield to cost share in future efforts to control the invasive plant.
A fragment net was installed by NHDES on August 7 to prevent pieces of curly-leaf pondweed from drifting downstream. Photo courtesy of NHDES.
It is not known how this invasive plant entered Baptist Pond, which doesn't have a public launch. This is a good reminder to always Clean, Drain & Dry your boat and trailer before moving it to another waterbody. Close monitoring is critical. Please keep an eye out for this plant when you are on any waterbody in the Lake Sunapee Watershed (and beyond). Early detection is key in preventing aquatic invasive species, both plant and animal, from spreading throughout our watershed.
Top photo: A close-up of curly-leaf pondweed. Its leaves are wavy like lasagna noodles.
Bottom photo: One of the patches of curly-leaf pondweed in Baptist Pond. Photo by Dave Beardsley.
Click here to learn more about invasive species. If you would like to help prevent invasive species infestations on Lake Sunapee, please consider becoming an Invasive Watch volunteer. If you live on, or visit another lake or pond in the area and want to get involved, we can connect you with the correct person on that waterbody. Just send an email to Susie at [email protected]. To report an invasive species to DES directly click here.
It takes all of us to protect these precious resources!
