MIlfoil Update & More

We awoke to another frosty morning today. We are having white frosts each night now, which is more "normal" for the end of October. The daytime temperatures have cooled considerably this week, and right now I have only 47 degrees showing on my shaded thermometer. The sunshine is veiled, first with dense fog early this morning and now a haze seems to be lingering. Not sure what that's about, but there is breeze and it's very damp, so it seems a lot colder than that 47 degree reading. 

Bob MacLeod  (123 North Shore Road) got in touch with me yesterday to let me know there's a section of someone's dock lodged on shore near the JPA docking area for the tennis courts and recreation area off of North Shore Road. There has been a lot of strong wind lately and this is likely  someone will be wondering where part of their dock is. Hopefully someone is looking for it and can get it back before it gets frozen in!

I had this important message from Joe's Pond Association President Joe Hebert yesterday updating us on the Eurasian Milfoil Project:

 Eurasian Water Milfoil Update

I wanted to take this opportunity to update the members regarding our response to the mifoil
infestation that was discovered in mid-August. As you are aware based on our private and state surveys, the only present location remains in the northwestern area of the lake. We remain diligent looking for other areas but currently none have been located. Divers from the State of Vermont, assisted by our own volunteers, have been here on four different occasions pulling the plants. Subsequently, on October 4th, an approximately 200 square foot benthic barrier was installed at the location of the densest population. The material was donated by the Lake Elmore Association and we have additional barrier if needed. We have already arranged an extensive survey in the spring which will guide our approach for next year. Marker buoys have been prepared and devices for surveying are available. We also anticipate training programs in the spring for those interested in surveying and harvesting milfoil plants.

As you may know, Barry Cahoon has volunteered to serve has our milfoil response coordinator and has been working diligently towards forming our response to this infestation and approach moving forward as this will be an ongoing issue if we are to control this invasive plant. I want to emphasize, as Barry has previously indicated, this effort will require a coordinated response in which all of us must invest our time and effort. Towards that end we have identified areas that need to be addressed to form a Milfoil Response Committee to assist and function under the coordinator and the JPA Board of Directors and hope that individuals with pertinent skills will be willing to volunteer. These include the following:

Milfoil Response Plan
The JPA response to the EWM infestation should be guided by a plan that identifies goals and
priorities, elements of response and establishes an organizational structure and other aspects of the response that are appropriate. Currently Henretta Splain has agreed to undertake this task.

Mapping System
A digital mapping platform either using existing lake associations, or to be developed which can
effectively track locations of EWM, dates and type of treatment and other data needs.

Survey Coordination and Supervision
As a very high priority activity at this early stage of infestation, recruitment, encouragement and
coordination of divers, snorkelers, waders, boaters and others within JPA membership to find and identify the spread of EWM to other areas of the lake, monitoring of known infestations and any treatments of those areas are all key to control of EWM in Joe’s Pond. This may involve developing the littoral zone into different sections with volunteer supervisors for each area.

Education
Collection, reproduction, development and distribution of educational materials to the JPA
membership and other lake users is desired. Recruitment for and coordination with the state Aquatic Invasive Species section for the presentation of a Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIP) workshop for members is necessary and will be planned for next spring. Appropriate material will also be available on the JPA website.

 EWM Control Tools, Materials and Infrastructure
JPA will investigate tools and materials needed to support the effectiveness of our response to
EWM. We will need to identify, acquire if needed, train the use of, store and provide access to such tools materials deemed necessary to combat the infestation.

Grant Applications
The state has resources to assist with financial assistance for the endeavor. The grants will be more complex than in the past and may include coordination with the towns of Danville and Cabot. Collection of data documenting volunteer hours, JPA expenditures and other efforts will be necessary. Currently Pam Hebert who has done the grant for the greeter program in the past has agreed to coordinate the effort. Pat Rubacalba has agreed to assist and supervise the grants process in the future.

Regulatory and Permits
Future EWM control activities may require regulatory review and approval by the State of Vermont DEC. Permit applications will be necessary for any regulated activities. We currently have an emergency response permit but it is likely additional permits will be necessary for any future treatments. Additionally, public hearings may be required. We invite any JPA members who feel they possess the skill to assist and willingness to volunteer to any of the tasks to please contact Barry Cahoon, JPA Milfoil Response Coordinator at bear817@hotmail.com  or 802-535-0049. We anticipate a committee of about 7 members but encourage all with areas of expertise and/or willingness to serve and learn to please contact us so we might enhance our efforts to control this infestation. Please get involved!

Joe Hebert
President JPA

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Getting ahead of the Eurasian Water Milfoil is going to be an on-going, complicated task that will need the help of all of us. Joe's Pond Association is stepping up to organize and take the lead in combating the infestation, but the welfare of Joe's Pond is important to our surrounding communities and I hope others with expertise, relevant experience, or simply time and a desire to help in any way possible will come forward to help, as well. Contact Barry Cahoon and let him know you want to help.