Eurasian Watermilfoil Confirmed in Joe's Pond

     Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM), a non-native invasive aquatic plant has recently been discovered in Joes Pond.  EWM is a highly aggressive invasive that represents  the potential to dramatically change Joes Pond as we have always known if it is not contained at a manageable level.  Initially, a floating fragment was noticed by an alert Joes Pond Association (JPA) member; a photograph of which was sent to Kim Jensen of the Aquatic Invasive Species Section (AIS) in the VT Agency of Natural Resources and confirmed as EWM.  A subsequent watercraft based visual survey of the littoral zone (shallow water portion of the lake) by a consultant (Arrowwood Environmental) contracted by the JPA located several established populations of EWM all in the area of Sandy Beach Road.
     Subsequently, Kim and a team of scuba divers have conducted 3 days of hand pulling the plants growing in these areas in an effort to contain the infestation.  As of 09/20/24 it appears that hand pulling has not eliminated all the plants in these areas.  As of this update, it appears that the AIS will recommend placement of a bottom, or benthic, barrier and may take responsibility for the installation.
​   This map shows the extensive littoral zone in Joes Pond (the area suitable for EWM propagation) and the locations of the known established EWM populations.

State divers preparing to harvest milfoil

Placing the Benthic Barrier

​​     On Friday, 10/04/24, the state Aquatic Invasive Species dive team, assisted by JPA member and scuba diver Jim Bernotas, JPA President Joe Hebert and Joanne and Jamie Stewart, installed approximately 200 square feet of benthic barrier on the lake bed to cover the most dense areas of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) establishment identified to date.  This operation was conducted just off the shoreline along Sandy Beach Road and was preceded by the removal and relocation of any freshwater mussels found within the footprint of the benthic mats.  The mats consist of a geotextile material designed to limit the amount of sunlight and solar energy accessible to the EWM thereby killing it over time, and are anchored to the lake bed by pieces of steel reinforcing rod laid on top of the mats.
     The application of the mats was limited to this small priority area as the AIS believes that more widespread use of the mats results in the elimination of native plant species which, if left intact, serve to deter the establishment of EWM.  EWM will quickly and aggressively re-colonize any bare areas of lake bed.
     Continued vigilance, monitoring, hand pulling and potentially additional treatments may be required next spring.

The Need to Search for Additional Populations

​     While the boat-based visual survey by Arrowwood and 2 subsequent surveys by AIS staff did not find any additional established EWM, that does not mean there's no more EWM growing in the lake.  Floating EWM fragments are continuing to be found in an area of the pond remote from the known infestation areas.  It therefore is imperative that everyone in, on and around the lake be able to positively identify EWM and to actively search and watch for plants and floating fragments.  
     While the highest priority is to immediately contain the existing known populations, nearly as important is the need to find and locate any other established EWM populations.
     The AIS has provided resources to help identify and confirm what is EWM and what isn't and are provided here:

The Key to Common Vermont Aquatic Species Identifiers
EWM and Native Look Alikes

In-water Search Tools

     A simple underwater viewer can assist in the search for EWM.  The JPA has made a few of these viewers available to the membership.  You can easily make your own viewer.  Check this link for creating your own "StangelScope".  If you do search and find what you believe to be EWM, do not try to pull it up.  Take only a small piece to confirm it identification.  If its a positive ID, mark the location with a buoy and report your finding to the JPA Milfoil Response Coordinator (see below).

Scuba diver Kellie Merrell removing milfoil

The Need for Volunteers and Training

JPA Member Jim Bernotas and niece, Josie

     The JPA has already begun seeking volunteers who are willing to search for EWM and other needed tasks.  Certified scuba divers and those skilled in snorkeling are especially valuable skills.  But to fully realize the potential benefits of these skilled individuals and other plant surveyors, they need to be trained in both aquatic plant identification and how to harvest and remove the invasives, in this case EWM.  EWM readily propagates by fragmentation, thus it is necessary that hand pulling be conducted only by trained persons to minimize the chance of inadvertently spreading it.
     The AIS is planning to conduct a Vermont Invasive Patroller (VIP) workshop in the Spring of 2025.  Please watch this site for updates on when the VIP workshop is scheduled and how to sign up.  
     Following is more information on the VIP program:​
Vermont Invasive Patrollers and Vermont Invasive Patrollers Manual

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How You Can Help

     The JPA has designated a Milfoil Response Coordinator, Barry Cahoon.  If you wish to volunteer to help the JPA contain and control this insidious invasive, send an email with your contact information to the Coordinator.  You will be added to the volunteer list and will receive pertinent communications on how you can help.  If you have any special skills, please include that information.
Barry can be contacted via email at:  [email protected] or 802-535-0049.

Additional Information

​     The JPA response to the EWM threat will be guided by the AIS document Managing Aquatic Invasive Species. Please take the time to study and absorb the valuable information contained in this important document.  It includes all the action elements necessary for an effective JPA response to the infestation.  Many of the resources available to JPA are included. The AIS has also provided these resources to help raise lake awareness:  Boating Resource Guide and  Lakeshore Property Guide