"John Wentworth" wrote in message
...
I boat and fish on freshwater lakes in New Hampshire and some of these
waters are becoming congested with non-native plants, especially milfoil.
There are some waters that more resemble a meadow than a river or lake.
When milfoil reaches this point the water is lost to both boating and
fishing, although some milfoil seems to provide cover for fish and improve
fishing. Waterfront residents seem convinced that the source of the milfoil
is non-resident boats, and the operators of those boats claim they always
inspect their boat for milfoil before launching. There doesn't seem to be a
consensus on what can, or should, be done, or who should pay for it.

What's being done in your area? I know that southern areas have fought
this battle for years, but it's relatively new in northern New England.


NY State and private organizations are ready to try almost anything. What
actually happens depends on who's got the most influence. On Waneta & Lamoka
lakes (which nobody's heard of, but anyway), bass & pike fisherman want the
weeds left alone. These two lakes generate pretty much zero tourist dollars,
so residents have a hard time convincing the DEC to permit the use of
chemicals to limit the weed.

Then, there are plans like the one below, from Saranac Lake, where tourism
generates probably 95% of the income in the area:

Applicant: Michael R. Martin, CLM for Mountain View Association
Cedar Eden Environmental, LLC
RR 1 Box 187
Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983
Phone: 518-891-6916
Fax: 518-891-6984

Office: Adirondack Park Agency
P.O. Box 99, Route 86
Ray Brook, NY 12977
Phone: (518) 891-4050

Contact: Richard D. Jarvis

Application No.: 2002-5

Project Title: Physical control program for milfoil in Mountain View and
Indian Lakes

Location: Mountain View and Indian Lakes, Town of Bellmont, Franklin County,
near Co. Rt. 27

Comment Period Ends: June 6, 2002

Project Description: A regulated wetland activity: proposed 10-year
management and control program for Eurasian Watermilfoil in Mountain View
and Indian Lakes. Milfoil will be selectively hand harvested in water depths
of 2 meters or less. Control efforts may also involve use of suction
harvesting and selective placement of benthic mats in areas of dense beds of
milfoil. Annual target areas will be areas with greatest abundance of
milfoil and areas with highest potential to fragment and spread milfoil.