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Invasive Milfoil Found in Winthrop Lake

Courtesy Maine Department of Environmental Protection

WINTHROP, Maine - State scientists have identified the presence of invasive milfoil in a lake in Winthrop - the first new sign of the troublesome aquatic plant in Maine for two years.

John McPhedran and his team will be keeping a close eye on Annabessacook Lake from now on. McPhedran heads the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's invasive aquatic species unit.

He says two milfoil samples collected from the 1,400-acre body of water in Winthrop have been identified as being of the invasive, non-native variety - which could spell trouble for the local environment

"They can crowd out native plants and create a mono-culture," McPhedran says, "which alters the habitat for other organisms that live in the lake."

McPhedran says dense growth of invasive milfoil along the shoreline can also affect property values.
But he says the DEP is hopeful that this latest infestation - which most likely arrived on fishing or boat gear - has been found early enough to be controlled.