How can I help?

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Given the infestation levels of the three invasive species in Lake Arrowhead, there is no hope of eradicating any of them, but help is needed in other areas.

We need to prevent the spread of invasive species from Lake Arrowhead to other lakes, and prevent additional invasive species being added to the Lake Arrowhead list.

Eyes on the water

You can learn how to spot a suspicious plant. There are free online courses that you can take at the web site of the Lake Stewards of Maine. See https://www.lakestewardsofmaine.org/training-certification/


In addition, one can attend a local Plant Paddle which are presented from time to time free of charge. 

Once you have learned the fundamentals you will know what to look for when out on the water. You can also start systematic surveys either along your own shorefront or in an area of the lake that has not recently been surveyed for invasive plants. Kayaking is an ideal way of performing plant surveys and snorkeling provides excellent coverage as well as being a fun activity in the water.

You can contact us for more information.

Curtesy Boat Inspections

We need to prevent plants from infesting other lakes, and also prevent any more invasive species from coming into Lake Arrowhead.

The biggest vector for invasive plant spread is via boating. Fragments or seeds can cling to a boat, skis, PWCs or fishing tackle, and hitch a ride to the next lake where the equipment is used. It is therefore extremely important for everyone using any lake to thoroughly check their equipment on leaving, and before entering any water body. Run the motor of your jet ski for 5 seconds when after taking the craft from the water to eject contaminated water.

Maine has a program that is paid for my the milfoil stickers that are purchased when boats are registered in the state, called Curtesy Boat Inspections (CBI)

You can help by becoming a Curtesy Boat Inspector. You could volunteer your time, or get paid for it.



Water Quality Monitoring

You can also learn how to monitor the water quality. See https://www.lakestewardsofmaine.org/water-quality-monitors/training-certification/

One takes a set of readings at different points on the lake periodically. At the time of writing there is nobody doing this on Lake Arrowhead.

Other contributions

If you are unable to participate directly you could also consider joining the LACC which uses membership due to help pay for the suction harvesting of milfoil.