act 2015 dudley pond weed survey (preliminary)
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Email from Marc Bellaud, aquatic biologist ACT - preliminary findings, maps of Dudley Pond weed survey done 10/15/2015TRANSCRIPT
Mike Lowery <[email protected]>
Dudley Pond Preliminary 2016 Herbicide Treatment RecommendationsMarc Bellaud <[email protected]> Mon, Nov 9, 2015 at 11:09 PMTo: Mike Lowery <[email protected]>Cc: Dominic Meringolo <[email protected]>
Mike,
Attached are maps from our recent survey of Dudley Pond. We haven’t had a chance to prepare a more detailedreport yet, but I wanted to send you the maps and provide my preliminary thoughts on treatment.
As you already know there is varying density Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) found throughout the littoral zone. Weestimate that EWM growth is found throughout approximately 57 acres. Invasive curlyleaf pondweed (CLP) wasfound in a smaller footprint, but even more growth may be evident earlier in the season. While it is uncommon tosee such extensive CLP growth in the fall, we did observe and hear reports of similar occurrences on other waterbodies in the region. The most abundant native plant growth was claspingleaf pondweed. This is a heartierpondweed species that can be challenging to manage.
While there are several herbicide treatment options available, based on past treatment experiences at DudleyPond, recent experiences in other lakes and the current mix of plant growth, we believe that three options makethe most sense.
Sonar (fluridone) – has been used effectively in Dudley Pond in prior years. The most current research suggeststhat ultralow dose applications can be effective when applied early in the growing season and when utilizing thelatest formulations. There is a new pellet formulation called Sonar H4C that has a lower percent activeingredient, so more pellets are applied per acre resulting in a more uniform coverage. There is also a new liquidformulation called Sonar Genesis that is absorbed by the plants more rapidly and results in more rapid plantresponse. We would recommend initiating treatment at the onset of active plant growth, probably earlymidApril. Using the new liquid and pellet formulations should reduce the number of applications required and resultin plant control by midsummer. We would expect excellent control of EWM, CLP and some thinning of thenative plants including claspingleaf pondweed. The estimated cost for a Sonar treatment program would likelybe in the range of $42,500$45,500.
Reward (diquat) – effectively controls both EWM and CLP. It should also impact claspingleaf pondweed, but ifenhanced control is desired then a tankmix with Aquathol (endothall) may be warranted. The disadvantage ofusing contactherbicides like diquat and endothall is that only seasonal control may be achieved. This needs tobe weighed against the lower cost and the need to use other strategies such as diver handpulling to provideextended control of EWM. The total estimated cost for a diquat treatment would be in the range of $15,000$20,000 depending on whether or not any endothall was required.
Renovate (triclopyr) and Aquathol (endothall) combination treatment – this combination treatment approach hasbeen used to target mixed communities of EWM and CLP. Considerable work has been done in the Midwestand in other areas. It allows for lower concentrations of each product to be used to provide the systemicbenefits of triclopyr for EWM control and still control the pondweeds. Using triclopyr alone could be considered,
but this will not provide any control of CLP and other pondweeds and the cost would exceed that of usingfluridone. Used in combination the cost may be slightly lower, but still may be in the range of $42,500.
I am out of state at meetings until late tomorrow night, but wanted to get something off to you. Let me know ifyou have any questions and I’ll try to respond later tomorrow or on Wednesday. I should also be available for acall on Wednesday or Thursday if you’d like to discuss any of this in more detail.
Regards,
Marc
_______________________
Marc Bellaud
President/Aquatic Biologist
Aquatic Control Technology
11 John Road
Sutton, MA 01590
508.865.1000 work
508.865.1220 fax
508.954.8577 cell
www.aquaticcontroltech.com
3 attachments
Dudley15_Oct_MSPIC_ALM.PDF3643K
DudleyPd_nonTRG_ALM.PDF3674K
Dudley_Oct15_PCRISP_ALM.PDF3758K
October 2015 Distribution of Native Aquatic Vegetation
Dudley PondWayland, MA
Data Collected: 10/15/2015Map Prepared: 10/15/2015For: Wayland Surface Water Qualty CommitteeBasemap © 2013 Esri ± 21 West Main Street • Spencer, MA
LegendPotamogeton perfoliatusNymphaea sp.
Naiad flexilis Vallisneria americana
0 750375
Feet
October 2015 Density & Relative Abundance of E. Milfoil
Dudley PondWayland, MA
Data Collected: 10/15/2015Map Prepared: 10/15/2015For: Wayland Surface Water Quality CommitteeBasemap © 2013 Esri ± 21 West Main Street • Spencer, MA
0 750375
Feet1:6,800
LegendDense (2.52 acres)Moderate (5.86 acres)Sparse (22.83 acres)Trace (25.97 acres)
October 2015 Density & Relative Abundance of P. crispus
Dudley PondWayland, MA
Data Collected: 10/15/2015Map Prepared: 10/23/2015For: Wayland Water Surface Quality CommitteeBasemap © 2013 Esri
GF
± 21 West Main Street • Spencer, [email protected]
508-885-0101
0 750375
Feet1:6,800
Legend
GF Individual PlantModerate
SparseTrace