Milfoil and Invasive Aquatic Weeds Committee
Minutes of Meeting
October 19, 2011
6:30 PM
Present: Art Hoover, Fred Quimby, Cynthia Quimby, Alan McQuiston, Tom Rogenski, Aline Goss, Leeann Beals
Absent: Fawn Choate, Don Holm ( Skip Atkinson filled in)
Guest: Wayne Glidden
(1). Call To Order: Art Hoover convened this meeting at 6:30PM at the Fire Station conference Room.
Minutes of the September 21, 2011 meeting were reviewed and approved unanimously.
(2). Art reviewed the past three years work with the DES and Aquatic Control Technologies leading to the present situation regarding the control efforts for milfoil in the Merrymeeting River. At present the DES believes we need the re-treat about 10 acres above the Jones pond dam and at that point we may begin treatment in Downing Pond. The plan is to ask the Town for $10,000. this year allowing us to complete chemical application above Jones Pond dam and begin the first treatment at Downing Pond. Our application for State assistance in 2012 has been renewed but a new long term management plan needs to be developed with Amy’s assistance.
(3). Fred reviewed the results of the DES survey of Downing Pond and suggested we begin by treating the east shore of the Pond across from the inlet, where the growth of milfoil is the most dense. Amy Smagula will be dictating the actual treatment area. State maps of the infested area will be sought from Amy and distributed to the committee members.
(4). Art and Wayne lead a general discussion about the Downing Pond community and the need for more community support while proceeding with requests from the Town for financial assistance. This discussion also involved previous attempts to have the State inact ordinances against motor boats in infested areas, the use of benthic barriers, and estimates of the area to be treated.
(5). Skip Atkinson asked if there was any source of information on how milfoil infestation impacts property values. Art replied that there are empirical assessments made by real estate agents in their attempts to sell homes were infestations occur.
(6). Fred will provide Wayne with the acreage of Downing Pond and will provide the Committee with the Des survey of Downing Pond. Art will work with Amy on a treatment plan for 2012.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15PM.
Respectfully,
Fred Quimby, Secretary
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