Lake group asks state to close ramp to stem milfoil spread

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Associated Press

OAKLAND — The Messalonskee Lake Association is asking the state to shut down a popular boat ramp on Route 27 to stem the spread of variable-leaf milfoil, an invasive aquatic plant that can quickly take over lakes and ponds. In a letter to the commissioners of three state departments, the association said milfoil continues to spread in the lake despite four years of state-sanctioned restrictions at the boat ramp.

Department of Environmental Protection data showed milfoil fragments were found on 46 percent of the boats and equipment exiting the lake last year, up from 35 percent last year.

In response to those findings, the association sent a letter to the DEP, the Department of Conservation and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife asking that the ramp be closed. The state has resisted past efforts to close the ramp.

Maj. Gen. Bill Libby, the association's president and head of the Maine National Guard, said the evidence shows that boat inspections no longer work and that not closing the ramp poses a threat for milfoil spreading to other lakes.

"The numbers are pretty clear," he said. "I don't understand why the state would want to put at risk the other 6,000 lakes in this state."

The state has been battling milfoil in lakes and ponds for several years through aggressive educational efforts, boat inspections and other means. Milfoil can form dense mats on lake bottoms and degrade the habitat for native fish and other wildlife species.

The commissioners of the three departments the letter was sent to typically meet each February to decide what action is appropriate for the Route 27 ramp, said John McPhedran, director of the DEP's invasive aquatic species program.

Outdoors groups have opposed past suggestions to close the ramp, saying they have made every effort to inspect their boats for milfoil fragments.

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