TLA Plant Patrol

The Tacoma Lakes Association Invasive Plant Patrol team consists of volunteers who donate their time weekly throughout most of the summer. The team surveys the “littoral zone” of our lakes (that area where the sun reaches to the bottom allowing plants to grow) looking for suspicious growth. There are several invasive plants in addition to milfoil. We get up-dated information every year from Lake Stewards of Maine. (www.lakestewardsofmaine.org) Even if you aren’t able to join the team, this website is worth keeping in your “favorites” for future reference.

Most of our members have attended a one-day workshop and some have attended more advanced training programs; however, training is not a pre-requisite for joining the team. We all pitch in with our different skills to build scopes, adapt our kayaks and boats, and identify both native and non-native species. Oops, did I forget to add laughing and having fun?

Non-native invasive species have been identified in many lakes in Maine, including several in our surrounding area. Once established, these plant infestations are very costly and difficult (if not impossible) to eradicate. So, we try to look for plants before an infestation gets started and hope to educate our neighbors so that we can all have our eyes on the water.