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Baptist Pond residents ask Springfield to help curb invasive Curly‑Leaf Pondweed
Summary
Residents of Baptist Pond told the Selectboard they are in year three of a five‑year plan to control Curly‑Leaf Pondweed, which was identified by the state in 2023; treatment costs have ranged from about $15,000–$28,000 and property owners covered half of 2025’s work. They asked the town to consider help if needed in 2026.
Residents who live on Baptist Pond urged the Springfield Selectboard on Sept. 22 to monitor and consider assistance with an ongoing invasive‑weed control effort aimed at Curly‑Leaf Pondweed.
Hilda Lyon, who has attended Conservation Committee meetings on the pond for years, told the board the infestation was confirmed by state officials in 2023 and a five‑year management plan was developed. She said year‑one work included divers to hand‑pull plants and that a 2024 herbicide treatment using Diquat cost about $25,000–$28,000 and was covered by the state. ‘‘This year the cost was $15,000 and all of the property owners on Baptist Pond were responsible for 50% and the state covered the remainder,’’ Lyon said, adding that the association covered its share through fundraising and outside help.
Lyon told the board she believes divers removed ‘‘about 900 pounds of the pondweed’’ during recent efforts and that residents have pre‑applied for a 2026 grant to continue treatments. She said the likely next step will be another Diquat application because "it would be impossible to pull it all." Lyon asked the Selectboard to be aware of the situation and to consider town help if necessary to prevent the weed from spreading to other waterbodies.
The board recommended that a Baptist Pond representative attend upcoming budget meetings in December and coordinate with the town Conservation Committee as the pond group obtains more information from the state about potential costs and the status of the grant application. No formal town commitment or funding vote was taken at the Sept. 22 meeting.
Why it matters: Curly‑Leaf Pondweed can be difficult to eradicate and can spread between waterbodies; local containment efforts typically require sustained funding and coordination between property owners and state agencies. The board’s suggestion to include the pond group in the budget process creates a clear opportunity for the town to consider one‑time or ongoing assistance if state support is reduced.
What’s next: Baptist Pond residents expect to learn details of any 2026 treatment plan and costs in December and will present requested information during the town’s budget cycle.
