Guest Speaker
Ed Warman

An Update to the Report May 8, 2002 by

Long Pond Independent Committee
On Aquatic Weed Control

Experts Opinion

Ed presented new information on the extent of the growing weed problem and displayed maps and charts to the audience. The majority of the problem weeds in Long Pond are Cabomba/Fanwort. He reviewed the optional treatments, the pros and cons of each and where Massachusetts legislation bans or accepts some treatments. For full information Full Report Available Click HERE . (Word Document)

Possible solutions are; Mechanical Harvesting, Chemical treatment, and biological methods. Ed presented the pro and cons of each method.

Major concerns include cost, effectiveness, long or short term solution, and any other effects that may result from treatment.

There is a great amount of expert evidence that harvesting the weeds in Long Pond, especially Cabomba/Fanwort is absolutely the WRONG thing to do, due to the way these weeds spread. The overwhelming majority of meeting attendees are opposed to mechanical harvesting.

Chemical treatment is a lake the size of Long Pond is very expensive and difficult. Chemical treatment may be the only way to treat the Variable Milfoil which is a problem in some areas of the lake. The major infestation is Cabomba/Fanwort. The overwhelming majority of meeting attendees are opposed to chemical treatment.

The most successful biological treatment involves Sterile triploid grass carp which eat underwater growth. These carp are known to eat Cabomba/Fanwort, but not Variable Milfoil. The MAJOR negative for this treatment is that the state of Massachusetts is among only 11 states which prohibit the introduction of grass eating carp into lakes and ponds. The remaining 39 states and every province of Canada allow weed treatment with grass eating carp. The overwhelming majority of meeting attendees are in favor of pursuing using sterile Triploid grass eating carp to eliminate the increasing weed infestation in Long Pond.

Ed concluded with a summary of the many complex issues suggesting that an outside expert be hired to manage the lake problem. It is important that the stakeholders (LPA, Townships of Lakeville and Freetown, and Taunton and New Bedford, residents and users of the lake) need to be informed of any activities and actions planned regarding this problem and maintain control and monitor all activities of this manager, who must pursue solutions in the best interests of all of us.