During the spring and summer of 2010 the Contoocook Lake Area Preservation Association (CLAPA) launched a massive Variable Milfoil Management Project on Contoocook Lake. We received tremendous support from NHDES(Amy Smagula), NH Lakes Association(Andrea Lameraux), Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary Club, Aquatic Control Technology, Officers, Directors and members of CLAPA in implementing this milfoil management program for 2010.
A survey and management program for 2010 was completed for the Lake in May 2010 by DES and CLAPA officers. Permits were applied for and approved to chemically treat about 20 acres of the Lake on about June 10th at a cost of $12,000 less a State of NH grant of $3,600 for a net cost of $8,400. Aquatic Control, DES and CLAPA officers and members all agreed that the treatment was successful. Milfoil in treated areas was not evident after treatment.
A diving program was implemented for June, July, August and September to remove milfoil in less dense areas of the Lake, not permitted for treatment and to remove any remaining plants in the treated areas. Approximately 10 additional areas were dived. The dive program was conducted on eleven Wednesdays during the summer, generally with three paid certified milfoil divers, one volunteer pontoon boat and operator and two additional volunteer tenders in kayaks or row boats. The dive day started at 8:30 AM and ended at 6:00 PM with a one hour lunch break. Volunteer tenders and operators were CLAPA members. Over the course of the season 800 gallons of milfoil were removed from the bottom of the Lake and bagged by divers. The bags were then transferred to tenders and then dragged to the pontoon boat and dumped into 5-gallon pails for composting on shore (back from the Lake). The total cost of the divers was $5,825 less a generous grant of $2,772 toward this program from NH Lakes Association.
Program Results. As of our final dive on September 15th there were no visible areas of milfoil left to dive for with the exception of some native milfoil (not designated for removal) in one cove. Is all the variable milfoil gone forever? Unfortunately, no. Some roots, seeds and fragments remain undetected in the Lake to haunt us in the future. Our 2011 program, as recommended by Amy Smagula at DES is a survey in May to identify any areas of re-growth, a repeat of the diving program in June, July and August as long as we can find plants and, if necessary, a minor chemical treatment in September 2011.
The officers, directors and members of CLAPA feel we had a successful, productive and fun program for 2010, and look forward to a similar result for 2011. We are grateful to DES, NHLA, ACT, our members and the media for their support in helping us complete our 2010 campaign. See you in 2011.
Invasive Variable Milfoil
