A small amount of invasive variable leaf water milfoil, a quick-growing plant known to harm ecosystems and lower property values, has been found in Annabessacook Lake in Winthrop.
Two samples of the invasive aquatic plant species were found in the north end of the 1,400-acre lake during a July survey of its shoreline. Workers for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection removed a plant Wednesday after DNA testing confirmed it was the invasive milfoil species, said John McPhedran, the department’s invasive aquatic plants unit leader.
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It’s the first time invasive milfoil has been found in the lake, according to the department.
Two of eight plant samples tested were found to be the invasive milfoil, McPhedran said. One of the confirmed samples was floating and the other was from the plant removed Wednesday, he said.
Paul Koenig can be contacted at 621-5663. or at:
pkoenig@centralmaine.com
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