(NECN: Amy Sinclair) - A lakeside community in Jefferson, Maine, is banding together to fight a monster that's threatening their way of life.
That monster is an invasive aquatic plant called hydrilla. The water weed can grow up to a foot a day, making hydrilla the most aggressive aquatic invasive plant in North America.
"Left unchecked, this plant in southern climates has taken over lakes to the point where they have to buy equipment to mow through the water so recreational boat traffic can go through." said Jody Jones, executive director of the Damariscotta Lake Watershed Association.
Now the assocation is fighting back with the help of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection by covering the infested section of Damariscotta Lake in Cranberry Cove with $3,000 worth of high quality pond liner.
"It's rubberized PVC material that we ordered specially for this project," said Jones.
Counselors from nearby Camp Kieve helped install th barrier, anchoring it into the murky cove bottom with rebar. It's a system that should last between 10 and 20 years.
The project is generating a lot of interest because it's the first time the pond barrier is being used in Maine and it's the first time this pond liner is being used to fight hydrilla anywhere in the country, so lake associations will be watching closely.
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"We’d love to eradicate it," said Garrison Beck, Senior Program Manager for the D.L.W.A. "But it’s so aggressive, the best we can hope is to control it."
For the 700 landowners around Damariscotta Lake, there's a lot at stake.
"It wouldn't be any fun swimming and boating with a bunch of hydrilla around," said Diana Stevens, whose family has been spending summers here since 1957.
A major infestation could also impact property values and stem the flow of tourist dollars into Lincoln County. They’re hoping this new weapon keep the hydrilla monster at bay, so families can continue to enjoy summers on Damariscotta Lake for years to come.
