Many of you were aware that the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had proposed the use of the herbicide ProcellaCOR to remove milfoil from the “canal” adjacent to the middle lake, between the boat launch and the lower narrows. This proposal was based on the premise that removal by diver assisted suction harvesting, as we do on the main lake, wouldn’t be feasible. On Wednesday, June 24, the DEP held a public meeting, in Windham, to discuss this proposal. The meeting was attended by approximately 30 people, consisting of LSLA members and interested individuals from other lakes and ponds. The DEP had also published a link to attend the meeting virtually, by Zoom. Unfortunately, the required passcode wasn’t published, and the virtual participation was minimal.
As part of the discussion, following the DEP’s presentation, Pam Wilkinson, of the LSLA Milfoil Militia Team, noted that LSLA’s two divers surveyed the “canal” earlier in the day. Due to many circumstances, they didn’t have an opportunity to get there earlier this year. Their finding was that there was significantly less milfoil than when they surveyed it two years ago, and when an LSLA Water Quality Team member surveyed it in October 2025. It’ s the divers’ opinion that the current amount of milfoil can be removed by hand.
It was concluded that ProcellaCOR will not be used this year, nor will it be likely in the future. The removal of milfoil by hand will take place and the “canal” will continue to be monitored periodically. The DEP representative stressed that they consider the use of herbicides to be a last resort, when other methods aren’t feasible for milfoil removal. When asked about the final decision-making process, regarding a herbicide application, the DEP representative stated that they would not go forward with a herbicide application if it was opposed by a lake association and/or residents.
On behalf of the LSLA Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of you that attended the DEP’s public meeting, those that worked to gather information on ProcellaCOR, and those that spread the awareness of this situation on social media.
On a related matter, I hope to see you at the LSLA Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 11, at the American Legion hall in Gray. This year’s meeting will be a new format. It will beginning at 8:30 AM with an Information Fair outside under a tent, including one of the milfoil removal boats there for your review. At 10:00 AM, we’ll begin the regular business meeting, with the expected end time of 11:30 AM.
Sincerely,
Gary Kenny, LSLA President
