Details and Photos

 As so often happens, after I've written a post, something more relevant comes to my mailbox. Here is a detailed report about the milfoil harvesting that has been going on this week here at Joe's Pond. Thanks to Barry Cahoon and everyone associated - good job, everyone, and rewarding results! Here's Barry's report:

To the Joe's Pond Association Membership:

 The JPA contracted with VTHozerz of Sudbury, VT to conduct Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) operations in July, 2026 to reduce the population of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM).  VTHozerz completed their contractual obligations this past week 07/13-07/17.

The JPA Eurasian Watermilfoil Management Committee (EWMMC) originally anticipated DASH operations would be conducted in both the First and Second Ponds.  However, extensive investigations by the JPA Dive Team did not find any concentrations of EWM in the Second Pond meriting the attention of the DASH crew.  Thus all DASH work was focused on the widespread and dense populations of EWM in the First Pond.

 The DASH team collected the harvested EWM in 55 gallon drums cut in half for a filled capacity of 22.5 gallons (see photo below).  A total of 21 of these barrels were filled over the past week.

It is tempting to conclude that this EWM management operation has reduced the population sufficiently to make further EWM containment activities in the First Pond unnecessary in 2026.  However, members of the JPA dive team and Nick Knapp, the VTHozerz crew leader both reported numerous small EWM plants just sprouting from the lake bed. Above:  This is one day's harvest by the VTHozerz crew.  JPA volunteers from left:  Jamie Dimick, Scott Burns, Jim Bernotas

 JPA members may recall in 2025 that VTHozerz also was contracted by the JPA to conduct suction harvesting which was performed along the Sandy Beach and Channel Drive shorelines; and that, despite that operation, we experienced an explosion of EWM growth in these two areas, which we subsequently treated with the herbicide PorcellaCOR.

 In response to that experience, the EWMMC moved the DASH project back a month from the middle of June to the middle of July.  Our hopes are that by harvesting later in the season, we will avoid the explosive growth that occurred last year.

 Even the success of this operation does not rule out a possible ProcellaCOR treatment later in the summer.  For as long as the potential for complete eradication of EWM from Joe's Pond appears and remains possible, the EWMMC feels we should judiciously and thoughtfully apply all the most effective tools available to us.  To enable this option, the JPA will be pursuing approval of a ProcellaCOR Treatment Plan from DEC for 2026; should the EWMMC decide such management action is necessary and in the best interests of the JPA and for Joe's Pond.

 We were pleased to see that VTHozerz made a significant improvement in containing EWM fragments from being released back in the lake.  The photo below shows the sieving of harvested plant material from the water that is being discharged back into the lake.  This set-up proved highly effective.  Unseen in the photo is a turbidity curtain that hangs below the boat forcing the sediment-laden water to drop back directly onto the lake bed thereby avoiding excessive turbidity.

Pictured at left,  Screening suctioned plant material.  Nick Knapp, VTHozerz Suction Harvesting Team Leader 

The effectiveness and productivity of this EWM management operation was not possible without a tremendous effort and commitment by many JPA member volunteers.  This report would be deeply remiss if these dedicated members are not recognized.

 First, the tireless leadership of the dive team by Jim Bernotas was absolutely essential.  By locating every EWM concentration and marking with buoys, the dive team greatly increased the efficiency of the suction harvesting operation.  The DASH crew never had to spend time hunting around for the next place to go.  Bob Dimick and Scott Burns also made major in-water contributions locating EWM and also hand pulling.

 Jamie Stewart, Joe Hebert, Jamie Dimick, Peter Crosby and Barry Cahoon all spent time providing surface support for the dive team, the kayakers, providing communications and direction to the DASH crew, and myriad other logistical support duties.

 At least 22 individual JPA members spent hours on the water in kayaks, frequently in challenging conditions, to patrol for and collect EWM fragments.  Joanne Stewart deserves recognition and thanks for coordinating and scheduling full coverage at all times the DASH crew was in operation.

 To reduce the contract cost of the DASH work, the JPA agreed to provide meals and lodging.  A special thanks to Chris Hebert for providing the lodging at his camp, to Susan Bouchard for coordinating all the meals, and to all the JPA members, too numerous to list here, that provided the abundant and delicious food.

 Ron Gauthier provided space at his dock to tie up the DASH boat and access for unloading harvested plant material.  Jim Bernotas provided his dock to tie up the JPA boat and his camp for communal lunches and toilet facilities.

 A special thanks to Louis and Amber Montague who purchased $50.00 gift cards at Red Barn Brewing for the VTHozerz DASH crew.  Several JPA team members joined for an enjoyable and relaxing evening on open mic night.

 Many other member contributions, large and small were made.  Thanks to all who have not been specifically mentioned here.

 Thank you to State Senator Scott Beck from Caledonia County who accepted an invitation to meet with the JPA, view the area at the Department of Fish & Wildlife fishing access where the JPA last fall proposed a boat wash facility; a proposal that has been rejected by DF&W, and participated in a boat tour of the DASH and JPA teams in operation.  Senator Anne Watson from Washington County was also invited but did respond as unable to attend due to prior commitments.  In the previous biennium, Senators Watson (Chair) and Beck (Clerk) of the Senate Natural Resources Committee were both supportive of language, introduced in part by the JPA, in proposed legislation that would have mandated greater collaboration by the DF&W with lake associations seeking to site boat wash facilities at state-owned fishing access areas.  If they continue in these legislative positions in the next biennium the JPA will be working with them again to enact statutory provisions that will enable siting this vital infrastructure for prevention of the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species.

 As we go forward, members are urged to always keep on the forefront of your minds, that achievement of EWM eradication, or even just containment at an equilibrium level, requires the constant attention, efforts and commitment of all of us.  EWM is a formidable foe.  See the photo on the left of just one plant found and hand pulled this past week on the Second Pond.

This is Barry Cahoon holding One single invasive milfoil plant found and hand pulled by JPA Dive Team on Second Pond 07/15/26

For the Joe's Pond Association

Barry Cahoon, JPA Water Quality Director, Eurasian Watermilfoil Management Coordinator