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STEWARDS’ HANDBOOK
Lovell Invasive Plant Prevention Committe
Stewards Progra
Hydrilla infestation in Maine’s Pickerel Pond, depth illustrated with an oa
Stewards’ Handbook
2021
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STEWARDS’ HANDBOOK
Table of Content
Introductio
What Are Invasive Aquatic Plants And Why Should I Care
Lovell Invasive Plant Prevention Committee (LIPPC
LIPPC Voluntary Boat Inspection Station
Stewards Progra
Stewards Responsibilitie
Out tting and Guidelines for Steward
Conducting a Shoreline Patro 1
Reporting Procedur 1
State-wide Invasive Plant Program 1
Kezar Lake Watershed Ma 1
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STEWARDS’ HANDBOOK
Introductio
Lovell’s invasive plant prevention program began in 2001 when the town formed the
Lovell Invasive Plant Prevention Committee (LIPPC) charged with developing and
implementing programs to prevent invasive aquatic plants (IAPs) from infesting the
Kezar Lake Watershed. An existing infestation of Variable leaf milfoil in Cushman Pond
already posed a threat to the health of the watershed. Today LIPPC’s activities are
focused on preventing IAPs from entering the watershed, detecting any IAPs in the
water before they can spread, eradicating milfoil in Cushman Pond, and educating the
community about of the dangers of IAPs and to encourage volunteers.
LIPPC works with State agencies and other volunteer organizations to attack the
problem of IAPs. LIPPC has established partnerships with others in the State with
experience in coping with IAPs including professional aquatic botanists that regularly
survey all the water bodies in the Kezar Lake Watershed to search for IAPs. None have
been found to date except in Cushman Pond where a vigorous eradication program is
underway. LIPPC will continue to pursue prevention, detection, mitigation and an
education program in order to preserve the health of the Kezar Lake Watershed.
LIPPC’s Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) program is the rst line of defense to prevent
the introduction of IAPs into the watershed. LIPPC’s Stewards Program is the second
line of defense to detect any IAPs that might escape prevention methods. The
Stewards Program maintains a cadre of volunteers who patrol shorelines in the Kezar
Lake Watershed looking for IAPs and other invasive species. The key to early detection
is regular and comprehensive inspection of all shorelines, particularly vulnerable areas
such as boat ramps.
Invasive Variable Milfoi
The purpose of this Stewards’ Handbook is to introduce LIPPC and to describe the
Stewards Program to its volunteers.
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STEWARDS’ HANDBOOK
What Are Invasive Aquatic Plants And Why Should I Care?
• Invasive aquatic plants (IAPs) are non-native plants that signi cantly disrupt the
ecology of a water body, spreading rapidly to choke off shorelines and killing other
native plants and sh. IAPs hitchhike from an infested lake or pond on trailers, boats
and motors, shing gear, and wildlife.
• Once introduced, these invasive plants are practically impossible to eradicate,
especially if they have gone undetected for a year or two
• Invasive aquatic plants can spread quickly and form dense mats, doubling or tripling
the area of infestation each year.
• Once a body of water is infected, the most common way to manage an infestation is by
manual harvesting, the laying of benthic barriers, or with herbicides. Treatment is very
expensive, continuing, and has a very low success rate.
• Eleven invasive species currently threaten Maine waters and are a serious concern
• More than twenty bodies of water in Maine are now known to be infested with one or
more species of invasive aquatic plants. Several of these lakes are within 30 miles of
the Kezar Lake Watershed, and new infections are being found every year.
• Invasive aquatic plants can make boating and swimming very dif cult, if not
impossible
• Established colonies of IAPs crowd out native species
• There has been at least one death attributed to drowning by entrapment in Eurasian
milfoil
• Real estate values for waterfront properties can decline when aquatic invasive plants
become established. This affects both the waterfront property owner and the entire
town. As the value of waterfront property erodes, taxes of off-lake properties will
increase. Local businesses are also negatively impacted as the lake quality and sh
population declines.
The Lovell Invasive Plant Prevention Committee is dedicated to preventing the
infestation of invasive aquatic plants within the Kezar Lake Watershed and to
eradicating such infestations where found, as in Cushman Pond. You can help by
volunteering to join LIPPC’s activities and by serving as a courtesy boat inspector or a
shoreline steward.
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STEWARDS’ HANDBOOK
Lovell Invasive Plants Prevention Committee (LIPPC)
The Lovell Invasive Plant Prevention Committee (LIPPC) is a Town committee and
works to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive aquatic plants in the Kezar Lake
Watershed. The committee organizes and maintains a set of prevention programs,
detection programs, an eradication program, and an education program. LIPPC obtains
its support from the Town of Lovell, the State of Maine, grants, donations, and most
importantly from volunteers. You can nd information on LIPPC and its activities on its
website: http://www.lippc.org.
LIPPC Prevention Activitie
Courtesy Boat Inspections (CBI
A free, courtesy inspection of boats prior to entering the water at public boat ramps in
the Kezar Lake Watershed to identify and remove any plants that might be clinging to
trailers, boats, motors and shing gear. Staffed by both paid and volunteer inspectors.
Voluntary Self Inspection Kiosk
The CBI program cannot maintain a 24-7 presence at all entry points into the
watershed. Kiosks are maintained at public boat ramps to remind and request boat
owners to inspect their own boats if there are no CBI inspectors present
LIPPC Detection Activitie
Stewards Progra
Establishes and maintains a team of volunteers to patrol the littoral zone (the zone near
the shore where light reaches the bottom) along the entire shoreline throughout the
Kezar Lake Watershed to search for any changes in the native aquatic plant population
that might indicate potential infestation by IAPs. This generally results in about a half
mile of shoreline per steward requiring on the order of 60 or more stewards to cover
Kezar Lake and all six major ponds.
Local Rapid Response Tea
A set of trained LIPPC volunteers to respond quickly to any potential sighting of IAPs, to
identify suspect plants, and forward suspicious plants to experts for positive
determination re: invasive or native. The Rapid Response Team will work with Maine’s
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the event that a new infestation is
discovered to isolate the site of infestation and begin the process of remediation.
Invasive Aquatic Plant Survey
In addition to the local stewards inspecting the watershed’s shoreline regularly during
the season, LIPPC contracts with a professional organization for a comprehensive
survey of plant communities along 1/3 of the watershed littoral zone each year with
annual focus on particularly vulnerable areas.
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STEWARDS’ HANDBOOK
Local Invasive Aquatic Plant Surveyor
A program to develop a local group of IAP surveyors with skills on a par with a
professional survey contractor by conducting on the water training with participants
using boats and littoral zone viewing equipment to look for suspicious plants.
Participants will progress through training and then be certi ed by the Lake Stewards of
Maine, ultimately positioning LIPPC to conduct its own Invasive Aquatic Plant Surveys
LIPPC Eradication Activitie
Cushman Pond Invasive Aquatic Plant Eradicatio
Cushman Pond is the only infected pond in the Kezar Lake Watershed at present
(2021). IAP surveys are conducted in Cushman multiple times each year. Trained
SCUBA and snorkel divers are engaged for hand removal of any IAPs found and
benthic barriers are emplaced to prevent any further growth where they have been
found. This very active program has controlled the infestation and will almost certainly
eradicate the infestation soon.
Kezar Lake Chinese Mystery Snail Eradicatio
Individual Chinese Mystery Snails (CMS) have been found recently at various locations
in the Lower Bay of Kezar Lake. A CMS Survey Team has been formed to search for
and remove CMS and to identify any clusters of CMS for eradication.
LIPPC Education & Awareness Activitie
A program to provide residents, visitors and tourists with information on IAPs, to design
activities to make the community aware of the dangers of invasive aquatic plants, and to
provide educational activities both in the classroom and on-the-water in order to train
motivated residents and shoreline stewards in the detection of IAPs and how to
distinguish them from native plants.
Education Program Plant Paddle for on-the-water training
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LIPPC Voluntary Boat Inspection Stations
LIPPC’s goal is to do as many inspections of incoming and outgoing boats as possible
in the Kezar Lake watershed. Inspections 24/7 are not possible, but by conducting as
many inspections as is possible, placing signs asking owners to inspect their own boats
during hours when no inspector is present, and making shoreline owners as aware of
the problem as possible, LIPPC hopes to prevent the introduction of invasive aquatic
plants into the Kezar Lake Watershed’s ponds and shoreline.
Inspection stations with the longest operating hours
Kezar Lake Public Landing (Narrows) - daily coverag
Kezar Lake North End Landing - daily coverag
Others operating as workforce permits
Horseshoe Pon
Farrington Pon
Heald Pon
Cushman Pond
Inspections at the North End Landing
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LIPPC Stewards Progra
The LIPPC Stewards Program consists of a dedicated, motivated network of volunteers
throughout the Kezar Lake Watershed who keep their eyes on the water along the
shorelines of the watershed for changes or anything unusual or different that might be a
sign of potential infestation by IAPs or activities that could potentially introduce them.
Having many eyes on the water is the key to early detection, and early detection is the
key to success in eradication. Lately, stewards have undertaken to look for invasive
aquatic fauna as well, such the Chinese Mystery Snail (CMS) a few of which have been
found recently in the Lower Bay of Kezar Lake. Stewards also serve as a link between
their neighborhood shoreline residents and LIPPC.
The LIPPC Stewards Program Committee (SPC) is responsible for the Stewards
Program. The SPC recruits shoreline stewards for the lake and ponds in the Kezar
Lake Watershed and provides their out tting and support. A list of the current members
of LIPPC’s Stewards Program Committee is attached.
Steward’s Responsibilitie
Being a shoreline steward is simple and even enjoyable. And you will be helping to
protect the lake from damaging invasive aquatic plants.
If you like being on the water in your canoe or kayak, then you will be comfortable being
a steward. The primary function of a shoreline steward is to conduct patrols along a
designated section of shoreline to become familiar with the native plant population and
to look for anything different or unusual that might be an IAP.
Stewards are the alarm system for any infestation by IAPs. Any nding or concern is
reported to the Chair of the Stewards Program Committee, and any suspicious plants
are taken to the courtesy boat inspector at the Narrows or to the Marina.
Stewards are not required to be immediately familiar with aquatic plants. It is less
important that a steward be able to identify a plant than it is to become familiar with the
population of plants along the shoreline and be able to notice any change that might be
suspicious
Stewards are expected to conduct at least one dedicated patrol of their shoreline each
season. They are asked each month by email for a brief summary on any shoreline
patrols conducted, any reported sightings, and any issues or concerns.
Stewards are provided with resources to help identify aquatic plants and to distinguish
invasive from native aquatic plants. Stewards are out tted with a Patrol Kit to aid in the
examination and identi cation of plants while on the water and are encouraged to take
classroom and on-the-water training offered by the LIPPC Education Committee.
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Out tting and Guidelines for Steward
Stewards are out tted with the Stewards Handbook, the ABCs of Aquatic Plant
Identi cation guide, and a Steward’s Patrol Kit to aid in the examination and
identi cation of plants while on the water. The Steward’s Patrol Kit is described in the
next section and includes waterproof plant identi cation cards and a Quick Key guide to
help identify any suspicious plants. A “Lovell Shoreline Steward” ball cap is also
provided to wear while on patrols to satisfy curious shoreline residents and to increase
awareness among the shoreline population on the dangers of IAPs.
Guidelines for conducting a shoreline patrol are given in the next section. If a steward
should nd an unusual plant, whether attached to the bottom or a oating fragment, the
steward should make an assessment of its potential as an IAP using the tools provided
in the Steward’s Patrol Kit. No suspicious plant should be pulled out by its roots or
fragmented. If there is ANY concern about the plant, the sighting should be reported
and a sample of the plant turned in as described below.
It is common practice for boaters, shermen and recreationists to move their boats and
gear from one body of water to another. Many New England lakes and ponds are
infested with IAPs that can hitch a ride on transiting trailers, boats and gear. Unless
cleaned of plants before launch, the Kezar Lake Watershed could be infested by this
mechanism of transmission. Stewards and their neighbors should be aware of any
circumstances that may expose the watershed to new invasive plant infestations.
LIPPC maintains a Courtesy Boat Inspection Program at public ramps, but cannot
monitor the entire watershed shoreline 24/7 for launch activity.
Patrolling on Horseshoe Pon
The principal focus of stewards is on maintaining watch for unusual plants that might be
IAPs and activities that could potentially introduce them.
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LIPPC provides each steward with a patrol kit for collecting, examining and identifying
plants. The Stewards Patrol Kit contains:
1. Quick Key guide to distinguish native from potentially invasive plants
2. Plant ash cards to assist in identi cation of native and invasive plants
3. Small white plastic tray in which to examine plant samples
4. Tweezers for handling and manipulating plants in the tray
5. Small scissors to snip pieces from plants in the water or in the tray.
6. Small hand lens magni er to examine plant characteristics
7. Small ziplock bags to store plants.
8. Marker pen to make notations on the bags.
Several optional on-the-water tools are useful but not provided by the SPC. These can
be home-made or purchased:
1. Bucket-scope for viewing the bottom
2. Location marker buoy to use for suspicious plants
3. Long-handled small rake to bring plants to the surfac
Bucket-scopes are sometimes available from area hardware retailers and the LIPPC
Education Committee keeps a number of them on-hand to loan.
Before conducting your patrols, become familiar with how plants will appear in the water
by using the accompanying ABCs of Aquatic Plant Identi cation. Take your Patrol Kit
with you on patrol and mentally note (or record if you like) the plant types and their
distribution along the shore. Use the plant ash cards to identify plants. If you want to
examine a plant more closely, snip off a section, place the sample in the white plastic
tray with some water and spread the plant with tweezers. Many submersed plants
collapse when removed from the water. Use the hand lens to examine the plant’s ne
details. Finally, use the Quick Key guide to rule out an invasive plant or to con rm
suspicion.
If after examination the plant appears suspicious, follow the reporting procedure given
on page 13.
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Conducting a Shoreline Patrol
Looking for IAP
Shoreline stewards are expected to conduct at least one patrol of their designated
shoreline area each season. Stewards are not required, nor trained, to conduct
extensive plant surveys but are required to keep watch along their shorelines for any
sign of IAP infestation. Shoreline stewards provide the rst line of defense against new
infestation by providing “eyes on the water” to catch the earliest signs of change.
Stewards should use their patrols to become acquainted with the distribution of native
aquatic plants along the shoreline so that any change or new plants can be detected
and investigated for possible IAPs. The ABCs of Aquatic Plant Identi cation which
accompanies this handbook provides a simple means to identify aquatic plants using
pictures and descriptions of the most common aquatic plants native to the Kezar Lake
Watershed and potential invasive species. It is less important that a Steward be able
to identify a plant than it is to become familiar with the native population and be
able to recognize any change that might be suspicious.
Suggestions on conducting a patrol are
1. Use a canoe, kayak, or small boat that can be readily maneuvered in shallow and
sheltered areas very near the shore
2. Conduct your patrol when the water is clear and dead calm or nearly so
3. Make sure there is good light to see into the water with minimal re ection and glare
4. Early morning often provides the best viewing conditions
5. Mid-July thru September are best, when plants are at their peak maturity and the
water has cleared of Spring debris
Remember - whistles are required on all canoes and kayaks
The Education Committee’s Plant Paddles are highly recommended as an excellent
way to get experience in patrolling the shoreline and identifying native plants.
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Reporting Procedure
If you nd suspicious oating plant debris:
1. Collect the specimen from the water surface being careful to avoid fragmentation
If you nd suspicious submerged plants
1. Carefully snip off a piece of the plant, being careful not to create any plant fragments.
Do not pull the plant out by its roots.
While still at the site
2. Place the plant in a ziplock bag with water and seal. Do not allow the plant to dry.
3. Note the location. Best done by placing a stake or location marker buoy.
4. Document the date, location, observers’s name and contact information, and details
about the site using a marker pen on the ziplock bag
Upon return to shore:
5. Bring the bagged specimen to the Courtesy Boat Inspector at the Narrows launch
ramp, or to the Marina if there is no CBI on duty.
If you have any concerns about activities that can introduce plants:
1. Note the location, date and time
2. Try to get some information about the activity, for example if a boat launch then try to
determine if the launchers know about invasive plants and have inspected or washed
their boats.
3. Contact the Steward Program Committee Chair.
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State-wide Invasive Plant Programs
Lake Stewards of Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program
The Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program was
established to provide a citizen-based “front-line” in the battle to protect Maine waters
from the threat of invasive aquatic plants. Through this program, the LSM has
developed hands-on workshops, technical and educational resources including plant
identi cation assistance, and online resources. The training program includes an
Invasive Plant Patroller Handbook lled with useful resources for becoming a monitor of
lake plant communities and problems.
http://www.lakestewardsofmaine.org Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Progra
Websites with information about Maine lakes and invasive aquatic plants
http://www.lakesofmaine.org Maine Lakes Informatio
http://www.maine.gov/dep Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP
http://www.maine.gov/dep/water/lakes Maine DEP/Lake
http://www.mainelakes.org Lakes Environmental Associatio
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