Yarmouth commission continues hearing on chemical treatment plan to control hydrilla in Elisha’s Pond

Crawford Land Management told the Yarmouth Conservation Commission on May 1 that it plans to chemically treat an infested portion of Elisha’s Pond with fluridone to reduce invasive hydrilla and protect recreation and wildlife.

The application, presented by Angela Tanner of Crawford Land Management, covers Elisha’s Pond, a 10.3-acre freshwater pond the company said is up to 20 feet deep at its deepest point and ‘‘currently has a population of hydrilla verticillata, an invasive species which has been increasing rapidly over the past few years,’’ posing safety concerns for swimmers and boaters and threatening native aquatic plants.

Tanner said the team consulted the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation rapid-response guidance and other Cape Cod ponds where fluridone products have been used. ‘‘Based on their recommendations, we are proposing to chemically treat Elisha’s Pond with fluridone,’’ she said, adding that the proposed product is Sonar 1, a slow‑release pellet form…