Airboat applying ProcellaCOR treatment
Approximately 105 Vermont waterbodies have been identified as being infested with Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM). Many lake associations in VT have been struggling to manage and contain EWM for nearly 40 years. Only the Shadow Lake Association in Glover, benefitting from the lake’s unique physical morphology, has been able to eradicate EWM after its introduction. No other lake association has succeeded in eradication nor even full containment of EWM proliferation without repeated herbicide applications.
Only one herbicide formulation, known as ProcellaCOR, has been approved by the State of Vermont for use in waterbodies for control of EWM. ProcellaCOR has been used in several Vermont lakes since 2019 and was applied for the first time in Joe’s Pond in 2025.
The Joe’s Pond Association (JPA) Eurasian Watermilfoil Management Committee (EWMMC) has conducted extensive research and deliberation to determine that it is in the best interests of the JPA and will most effectively protect the social, economic and ecological values of Joe’s Pond to utilize the herbicide ProcellaCOR to manage the EWM infestation in conjunction with non-chemical control measures including diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH), hand harvesting and placement of benthic barriers.
While ProcellaCOR has been approved for use by both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the VT Agency of Natural Resources (VTANR) and has been demonstrated through use in VT lakes to be: a) effective in the control of EWM, b) causes limited mortality to non-target aquatic plant species, and c) dissipates in the water column to non-detectable concentrations within 48 hours, questions remain about the potential consequences of long term use as might be associated with any chemical discharge into the environment.
A recent (non-peer reviewed) study conducted by researchers commissioned by the Lake George Association (NY), found degradants (chemical compounds deriving and forming from ProcellaCOR) persisting in lake bottom sediments for months after an area of the lake was treated with the herbicide. While no human health risks nor toxicity to aquatic organisms have been identified, detected or claimed, it can reasonably be argued that unknown risks are associated with continued ProcellaCOR applications in Joe’s Pond as in any waterbody.
The JPA EWMMC is committed to complete transparency in its deliberations and consideration of all EWM management measures, particularly herbicide treatment. To that end, follow any of the links below for more information about ProcellaCOR and its use for EWM control. The EWMMC will, at the 2026 JPA Spring Meeting, facilitate a discussion by the JPA membership of the pros & cons of continued herbicide treatments as a component of the JPA EWM management strategy.
Also, see the Applications, Permits, & Reports page for more detailed information about the 2025 ProcellaCOR treatment.
Only one herbicide formulation, known as ProcellaCOR, has been approved by the State of Vermont for use in waterbodies for control of EWM. ProcellaCOR has been used in several Vermont lakes since 2019 and was applied for the first time in Joe’s Pond in 2025.
The Joe’s Pond Association (JPA) Eurasian Watermilfoil Management Committee (EWMMC) has conducted extensive research and deliberation to determine that it is in the best interests of the JPA and will most effectively protect the social, economic and ecological values of Joe’s Pond to utilize the herbicide ProcellaCOR to manage the EWM infestation in conjunction with non-chemical control measures including diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH), hand harvesting and placement of benthic barriers.
While ProcellaCOR has been approved for use by both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the VT Agency of Natural Resources (VTANR) and has been demonstrated through use in VT lakes to be: a) effective in the control of EWM, b) causes limited mortality to non-target aquatic plant species, and c) dissipates in the water column to non-detectable concentrations within 48 hours, questions remain about the potential consequences of long term use as might be associated with any chemical discharge into the environment.
A recent (non-peer reviewed) study conducted by researchers commissioned by the Lake George Association (NY), found degradants (chemical compounds deriving and forming from ProcellaCOR) persisting in lake bottom sediments for months after an area of the lake was treated with the herbicide. While no human health risks nor toxicity to aquatic organisms have been identified, detected or claimed, it can reasonably be argued that unknown risks are associated with continued ProcellaCOR applications in Joe’s Pond as in any waterbody.
The JPA EWMMC is committed to complete transparency in its deliberations and consideration of all EWM management measures, particularly herbicide treatment. To that end, follow any of the links below for more information about ProcellaCOR and its use for EWM control. The EWMMC will, at the 2026 JPA Spring Meeting, facilitate a discussion by the JPA membership of the pros & cons of continued herbicide treatments as a component of the JPA EWM management strategy.
Also, see the Applications, Permits, & Reports page for more detailed information about the 2025 ProcellaCOR treatment.
