The Threat from Invasive Species

Eurasian watermilfoil chokes another lake.

Spring 2008 News Update: Our battle against curlyleaf pondweed, an invasive aquatic plant, has seen much success, and our efforts will continue this year. Please see the News section for more information.

Invasive aquatic plants and other marine life present a frightening threat to Lake Waramaug's water quality.

Whereas phosphorus and other nutrients are a continuing problem, our ongoing operations are able to monitor and control their effects to a large degree.

Invasive Species (and there are perhaps 22 that are imminent threats) are omnipresent, unpredictable and potentially disastrous in both the short and long term. They have caused serious and chronic problems in most of the lakes in our region. With some, the discovery of symptoms indicates that we're already too late. Others, when discovered, require immediate action.

The best solution is prevention.

The best solution is prevention -- through education, boat inspections, and lobbying for enforcement of existing laws against the sale and transport of invasive plants. A vital backup plan is the creation of an Early Detection and Rapid Response Program with reserved funds to combat newly discovered infestations.

The top threats, all known to have caused serious problems in the region, are the following: (Click on links for photographs.)

1. Eurasion Watermilfoil

2. Curlyleaf Pondweed

3. Water Chestnut

4. Fanwort

5. Hydrilla

If you encounter suspicious plants or other marine life, please call:
Tom McGowan, Chairman and Executive Director
860-868-0331
The Lake Waramaug Task Force, Inc.
19 Sackett Hill Road
Warren, CT 06754

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