Invasive Weeds
Weeds
Invasive species are introduced organisms that become overpopulated and negatively impact their new environment. The LMAC is currently managing two invasive weeds in Lake Massapoag: variable milfoil and fanwort. Professional invasive weed surveys have been conducted yearly from 2016 - 2021. Maps of the weed surveys are available here.
Invasive weeds in the southern and western coves were treated with a herbicide in 2014. Because Lake Massapoag has an endangered flowering plant in some shoreline areas, we were required to lower the level of the lake 8 inches before herbicidal treatment, so that the endangered plant would not be affected. The lagoon, which lies south of the Community Center, was treated with a herbicide in 2018.
The town has also conducted annual diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH) for weed control in the south cove, and in Fletcher’s Cove from 2017 through 2020. In 2022 LMAC received special funding for 8 days of DASH weed harvesting in the south cove, but more sustained effort is needed to reduce and limit further expansion.
Learn more about fanwort and variable milfoil here.
Nuisance Weeds
Native aquatic weeds have been spreading in the eastern end of the public swimming area at Veterans Memorial Beach. The 2021 survey shows they include waterweed, naiad spp., tapegrass, spikerush, and bladderwort. Plans for weed remediation for safety in the swimming area will be posted here.
In 2022 LMAC received special funding for 8 days of DASH weed harvesting in the south cove, and additional CPC funding in 2023 for weed removal including DASH in the south cove that could not be conducted till late in the season due to regulatory requirements for endangered species. More sustained effort is needed to reduce and limit further expansion. LMAC is researching new technologies to control invasive weeds, which is complicated by the presence of endangered species.
Invasive Asian Clams
Asian clams were found in Lake Massapoag in 2014, eradicated by the hard work of Cliff Towner and Greg Meister, but have recently been seen on the shore in 2022.
Invasive species are introduced organisms that become overpopulated and negatively impact their new environment. The LMAC is currently managing two invasive weeds in Lake Massapoag: variable milfoil and fanwort. Professional invasive weed surveys have been conducted yearly from 2016 - 2021. Maps of the weed surveys are available here.
Invasive weeds in the southern and western coves were treated with a herbicide in 2014. Because Lake Massapoag has an endangered flowering plant in some shoreline areas, we were required to lower the level of the lake 8 inches before herbicidal treatment, so that the endangered plant would not be affected. The lagoon, which lies south of the Community Center, was treated with a herbicide in 2018.
The town has also conducted annual diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH) for weed control in the south cove, and in Fletcher’s Cove from 2017 through 2020. In 2022 LMAC received special funding for 8 days of DASH weed harvesting in the south cove, but more sustained effort is needed to reduce and limit further expansion.
Learn more about fanwort and variable milfoil here.
Nuisance Weeds
Native aquatic weeds have been spreading in the eastern end of the public swimming area at Veterans Memorial Beach. The 2021 survey shows they include waterweed, naiad spp., tapegrass, spikerush, and bladderwort. Plans for weed remediation for safety in the swimming area will be posted here.
In 2022 LMAC received special funding for 8 days of DASH weed harvesting in the south cove, and additional CPC funding in 2023 for weed removal including DASH in the south cove that could not be conducted till late in the season due to regulatory requirements for endangered species. More sustained effort is needed to reduce and limit further expansion. LMAC is researching new technologies to control invasive weeds, which is complicated by the presence of endangered species.
Invasive Asian Clams
Asian clams were found in Lake Massapoag in 2014, eradicated by the hard work of Cliff Towner and Greg Meister, but have recently been seen on the shore in 2022.
