Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Invasive Species Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Officials: Forge Pond herbicide plan scaled back after survey; water chestnuts confirmed in Beaverbrook
Summary
Conservation staff told the committee a survey found about 90 acres of milfoil in Forge Pond—30 acres beyond the contracted treatment—so the town will prioritize treatment zones. Separately, water chestnuts were found in Beaverbrook; permits and landowner permissions are required before hand‑pulling can proceed.
Town conservation staff updated the Clean Lakes Committee on two invasive‑species responses.
At Forge Pond, a contractor pre‑treatment plant survey returned last night showing about 90 acres of Eurasian watermilfoil, up from roughly 60 acres last year. The current contract quote asked Solitude to treat up to 70 acres; staff said the committee will work with the contractor to prioritize treatment zones because budget and the contract limit full coverage.
Lauren, who led the operational update, told the committee the planned herbicide work will be coordinated with Littleton and Westford and is expected to begin shortly after the July 4 holiday, with advance notifications, signage and email notices for users. “We are not going to be able to do all of that,” Lauren said of treating the entire 90 acres under the present quote, and the committee will request the contractor and partners identify priority areas for treatment to maximize ecological benefit.
Separately, staff confirmed water chestnuts were found in a reach of Beaverbrook extending from Orange Pond through parts of Westford and Littleton to I‑495. Because water chestnut seeds remain viable for about a decade, staff filed notices of intent with the local conservation commissions, submitted materials to Natural Heritage, and began collecting landowner permissions; about half of the roughly 25 affected parcels have granted permission so far. The removal plan relies primarily on hand‑pulling from kayaks and canoes, buoyed by volunteers and organized boat support, and staff cautioned that successful removal depends on timely coordination and obtaining additional permissions.
The committee supported continuing to pursue permits and volunteer mobilization while the conservation department and partner towns finalize logistical plans and funding arrangements.
