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Surveys show native plant diversity increasing after milfoil knockdown
Summary
Commissioners were shown that native species richness per sample increased compared with 2021 surveys; presenters said several Potamogeton and other natives are spreading into areas formerly dominated by milfoil, though full species-by-site tables remain in draft reports.
Presenters reported an increase in native plant diversity in treated areas where dense milfoil beds have thinned. Bob Bombard, a former Soil and Water plant expert who now consults with the commission, said rake-toss and dive observations found more species per toss than in 2021: "We're finding 5 species now," he said, summarizing the reversal of a previously milfoil-dominated composition.
Officials cautioned that species lists and counts are still draft and that final maps and numerical tables will be posted when the report is finalized. The presenters emphasized continued multi-year monitoring to track which native species ultimately dominate open spots once milfoil biomass declines; they recommended further monitoring next year to see if the observed trend consolidates.
