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Littleton and Westford move to speed invasive-plant treatments under temporary MOU; Littleton funding pending
Summary
Committee members said a short-term MOU with Westford would let Westford run invasive-plant treatments this season, with roughly $20,000 from Westford, up to $35,000 from Littleton (CPC funds pending), and additional Friends-group contributions to cover early herbicide work and permit-driven timing constraints.
The Clean Lakes Committee reviewed plans to accelerate invasive-plant control this season by using a short-term intermunicipal MOU with neighboring Westford. Under the arrangement discussed at the meeting, Westford would run this year’s operational treatments to avoid a longer public-bid procurement process; the two towns plan a multi-year intermunicipal agreement for later seasons.
Funding discussed at the meeting included roughly $20,000 from Westford, up to $35,000 from Littleton (Community Preservation Committee funds subject to town-meeting approval), and about $20,000 from Friends groups. Committee members said the MOU was approved by the Westford select board and is pending Littleton clearance and legal review before final signatures.
Treatment approach and timing: the committee discussed use of systemic herbicides (fluridone/triclopyr) targeted at Eurasian milfoil and variable milfoil in early June; members said the application strategy (liquid plus pellet follow-up) is intended to maintain treatment concentrations over months and could reduce milfoil substantially by July 4. The committee was told that systemic treatments may last three to four years before spot treatments are necessary.
Limitations and costs: members noted that fluridone-based approaches do not control fanwort; treating fanwort across a large volume would require prolonged whole-lake concentrations and was discussed as potentially costing on the order of $150,000 (estimate discussed by members). The committee also reviewed permits and timing constraints: NHESP conditional approvals and seasonal timing are being used to avoid hiring daily biologists where possible, and the consultant TRC has completed sediment sampling for 401 Water Quality Certification at the ponds.
Next steps: committee members asked staff to finalize the MOU after Westford legal counsel completes its review and to prepare materials for Littleton’s town meeting where CPC funding is scheduled for consideration. Members also agreed to coordinate with Westford’s conservation agent and Solitude (contractor) to align treatment plans, costs, and permit notifications.
