Echo Lake Protective Association’s AIS (Plant) Rapid Response Plan
One of the principal missions of the Echo Lake Protective Association (ELPA) is to preserve and protect the healthy ecology of the lake by preventing the introduction of non-native aquatic invasive species (AIS). If introduced, it seeks their eradication. To achieve these objectives, the ELPA has established a Rapid Response Plan for AIS (plants).
This Rapid Response Plan is in place to protect the health of Echo Lake. It seeks to contain and control the spread of AIS by implementing best management practices with the intent of achieving complete control and eradication. In full compliance with Vermont state regulatory requirements, the Plan will employ an objective management approach in evaluating how best to control each AIS site discovered, with the least interference with lake activities.
Once the plant has been sent to the State for identification and confirmation that it is an Aquatic Invasive Species the following actions will be taken by ELPA:
If the location of the plant is unknown, ELPA Vermont Invasive Patrollers will immediately conduct lakebed surveys to determine the area of infestation.
If the plant’s location can be determined or has been determined, then:
Additional information will be gathered and shared with the State which will include (if possible and applicable):
The exact location and size of the infested area.
A measurement of the lake depth, water current, and sunlight penetration level.
An estimate of the chances of dispersal (heavy traffic area, vulnerable to wind currents).
Assess the possible impediment to recreation accessibility.
The next actions to be taken:
Collaborate with the Echo Lake Protective Association’s Board of Directors and the Department of Environmental Conservation to initiate and maintain an effective lake management plan. Timely updates will be provided to ELPA’s Board of Directors on the status of the infestation and the proposed next steps needed for eradication.
Mobilize a rapid response team of volunteer ELPA’s Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIPs) to contain the invasive species infestation, marking the site by placing orange buoys at the lake surface for lake users to avoid recreation near that site to minimize water disturbance and prevent further plant spread.
VIPs will monitor the area and report any changes or concerns to the Lakebed Survey Coordinator.
Encourage shoreline property owners to regularly monitor their waterfronts for the identified AIS plant or any unusual underwater plant growth and immediately report it to the Lakebed Survey Coordinator.
Provide educational outreach to Association members and lake users on the non-native AIS infestation and the dangers it poses to Echo Lake through email blasts, ELPA’s Facebook page, and on the ELPA website.
Containment and eradication methods to be deployed by the Echo Lake Protective Association (in order of prescription):
All methods will have prior approval by the ELPA Board of Directors. If any method other than hand pulling is used, then a permit must be obtained from the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Further information can be found at: https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/wsm/lakes/ans/docs/Managing%20Aquatic%20Invasive%20Species%202018.pdf
Hand Pulling: Best for widely scattered plants (less than 500 stems per acre). It is a highly selective plant removal method. Effective control for small areas and prevents reinfestation. Labor intensive but can be done by trained volunteers.
Benthic Barriers: Non-selective, impacts all plants, and may impact macroinvertebrates and other nontarget organisms. Barriers require routine, annual maintenance, installation & removal, but can be reused. Labor intensive during installation and removal. The approximate cost is $400.00 for each 8 ft. x 100 ft. Mat.
Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH): Best for small to moderate infestations (less than 1 acre in size). Skilled staff and technical equipment are required for this method. More efficient than hand pulling for higher plant densities. Cost per acre is $25,000 – $50,000 per acre.
Mechanical Harvesting (“mowing the weeds”): These are large barges that cut the AIS at or below the water surface. This is good for larger, dense areas. This method risks fragments to be released where they can be transplanted. Cost is $500-2,500 per acre.
ELPA’s Additional Preventive Work:
Purchase and maintain all equipment necessary to operate the control program.
Procure or design educational materials and distribute, as necessary.
Provide the most updated information to the Echo Lake Protective Association’s Facebook page and website.
Apply for grants for State and Town funding, and for any necessary State environmental permits to strengthen our control program.
Network with knowledgeable experts for technical advice to help ELPA prevent and defend against additional infestations of aquatic invasive species or other emerging environmental issues.
Attend relevant seminars and workshops.
The Echo Lake Protective Association would like to thank the Shadow Lake Association for sharing their procedures, information, and experience. Their help in developing this plan has been invaluable.