View our comprehensive annual report by Solitude Lake Management
📥 Download 2024 Year-End ReportThe WLA focuses on two primary invasive plants: variable milfoil and fanwort, with eurasian milfoil being monitored. Invasive plants are non-native plants which can become dominant and interfere with the growth of native species.
Birds and animals move between water bodies, transferring species through direct contact or droppings. Beaver, coyotes, and seagulls self-relocate.
Boats traveling between water bodies carry invasive species on hulls, bilges, trailers, and towing vehicles. Zebra mussels represent particular concern, as they lay thousands of microscopic eggs and travel in live wells and bilges. Asian clams currently infest Webster Lake and may contribute to blue-green algae.
People release unwanted pets (fish, turtles, snakes), dump aquarium plants, and cultivate exotic species that spread into natural environments.
Plants, animals, insects, seeds, spores, and branches spread naturally via wind and water currents.
Invasive plants spread through fragmentation—parts of plants can break off, be carried to a different location, and then root and grow.
Native species develop balanced communities over time. Non-native introductions become dominant due to lacking natural predators. Consequences include:
ACT conducts invasive weed surveys, determines growth locations, and applies treatments based on available funds and priority areas. Only approved state and federal chemicals are used by licensed applicators.
Management has proven effective. The 2013 ACT report states:
"The 2013 Aquatic Management Program at Webster Lake continued to utilize a balanced approach to vegetation management. This approach maintains the recreational utility of the lake by controlling the density and distribution of invasive plant species, while preserving ample native vegetation."
Our goal is control and reduction, not elimination, to avoid unintended ecological consequences.
Risks widespread, dense invasive weed infestation affecting habitats, species, and recreation.
WLA holds Conservation Commission license. Access available for small swimming/boating areas with homeowner payment.
Limitation: Cannot be used where invasive species present due to fragmentation risks. Not offered annually.
Uses containment systems preventing fragmented weed spread. Typically prohibitively expensive for individual homeowners.
Suitable for small, low-density areas. Requires complete plant removal including roots and debris collection.
Limitation: Prohibitively expensive for large areas. ACT recommends for herbicide-treatment areas that are too small.
Plastic sheets on frames placed on lake bottom. Effective but expensive and impractical for large areas.
Use Case: ACT recommends for small, non-herbicide-suitable zones.
Reduces water level, killing weeds through air exposure.
Not Viable for Webster Lake: Due to small watershed, recovery would be prolonged and difficult. Risk of nearby residential well depletion. (Referenced: Ernie Benoit, Fall 2013 WLA Newsletter)
Attacks invasive weeds while minimizing native plant effects through careful application timing and location selection. Maintains environment supporting native species and wildlife.
Access comprehensive environmental data including field data sheets, lake level charts, water quality tests, and monitoring equipment records.
View Water Testing Records →Your contributions help fund our invasive weed control efforts and protect Webster Lake's ecosystem.
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