by Debbie Broderick & Dale Schultz
The invasive naiad (Najas minor) discovered in Lake Arrowhead in August of 2020 has re-emerged. It is an annual plant, so this means the seeds it produced last year have germinated, producing entirely new plants. A rapid response team was called in last year to remove the known patches, but the manner of seed dispersal makes this a very difficult plant to contain, since the tiny seeds float off and away from the parent plant to other locations. That means that areas previously surveyed as clear of invasive naiads in 2020, might have new plants starting from seed this year. Additionally, there are still large areas of the lake that have not been surveyed for signs of this plant, so it’s possible new plants could be elsewhere in the lake too.
The plant in the picture was found in Lake Arrowhead on June 29 of this year, representing this season’s new growth. We need more eyes on the water to help determine the extent of the infestation.
For anyone who is interested in learning how to identify Najas minor, The Lake Stewards of Maine will be presenting a free Plant Paddle on Lake Arrowhead on the afternoon of July 29, 2021. We will collect samples of native aquatic plants, observe samples of the invasive plants that are known to occur in the lake, and practice skills needed for local invasive aquatic plant survey efforts. You will need a canoe, kayak, or rowboat.