MTP invasive plant threat to be discussed Tues.

The European Naiad could pose problems for native fish and fauna. (Courtesy image)

MILTON - A meeting will be held in the Milton Nute High School and Library meeting room on Tuesday at 6 p.m. to address the European Naiad infestation of Milton Three Ponds.

At this meeting Amy Smagula of New Hampshire DES and John McPhedran of Maine DES will present their jointly approved suggestions for a European Naiad management and remediation program. This meeting should provide the needed answers to formulate a strategy toward a spring eradication effort.

McPhedran said last fall that the invasive weed could threaten the lake's established plant and fish populations.
He said the area most severely affected by the European naiad thus far is the Lebanon side of Northeast Pond just east of where the Salmon Falls River flows into it.
He said Northeast Pond has shallow areas far from shore that could easily hold the plants, which can grow to around seven feet.
European naiad was first discovered in Milton Three Ponds by an invasive plant spotter volunteer while snorkeling in Northeast Pond.
While snorkeling was used exclusively to assess the weeds infiltration in Northeast Pond, Town House Pond and Milton Pond were inspected by both boats and snorkelers.
Milton Pond and Town House Pond showed no European naiad presence, however, the channel or "River" from Northeast to Milton pond did, McPhedran said.
European naiad can overtake native lake habitats by shading and outcompeting ecologically valuable aquatic plants. A productive, one-acre infestation can generate tens of millions of seeds per season. Dense infestations can alter water chemistry and oxygen levels in the water which can impact other plants and fish.
Milton Three Ponds is currently home to varied fish stocks, including black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, chain pickerel, horn pout, white perch and smallmouth and largemouth bass.
The invasive plant had been documented previously in two New Hampshire water bodies, but populations declined on their own without management, according to Smagula.
Maine DEP and NH DES have distributed invasive species warning signs to be posted at boat ramps urging boaters to inspect for and remove plant debris before and after accessing Milton Three Ponds. Also notified were boat ramp and other land owners, fishing tournament organizers, and fisheries and warden services from both states.
European naiad is an annual plant, which produces seeds on plant leaves that can easily be broken into fragments and carried to a new area.
"Even a paddle going through it could break off a fragment," McPhedran said.