Hudson/Marlborough – Ft. Meadow Reservoir will be treated on Tuesday, June 12 by Aquatic Control Technology, Inc. to control Eurasian watermilfoil and variable watermilfoil, both invasive non-native weeds species.?? According to Marlborough Conservation Commission officials, if not controlled, these weeds will spread and grow rapidly and choke the lake, making boating, swimming and fishing difficult.
These sections will be treated with an herbicide called Reward (active ingredient Diquat), to specifically control the milfoil.? This treatment will not adversely affect the native plants or aquatic species that are important to a healthy lake.
Officials request that ?
1. No boating or swimming on Tuesday, ?June 12 to allow maximum contact of the herbicide with the weeds. This restriction is for the entire lake. ?(There is no harm in swimming or fishing the day of application, but to maximize effectiveness it is preferred that those activities +be refrained.)
2.?? No drinking of lake water for 72 hours (June 16).
3.?? No irrigation with lake water for five days (June 18). (Herbicides may harm your lawn and plants.)
Once treatment is completed officials ask that lake users check boats and trailers for weeds when taking boats in and out of the water.? This will ensure that weeds are not being reintroduced from other lakes into Ft. Meadow Reservoir and vice versa.
This year the Marlborough Conservation Commission is also seeking volunteers who might be interested in hand pulling some small patches of fanwart, another invasive plant which does not respond to treatment.? This invasive fanwart is spreading to some small areas where hand pulling may be the solution.
For additional information, contact the Marlborough Conservation Commission at (508) 460-3768 or Aquatic Control Technology, Inc. at 508-865-1000.