2004 -An infestation of Hybrid Variable Leaf Milfoil was detected in Collins Pond. This was probably caused by plants washing into our lake from Little Sebago Lake and Mill Pond, both upstream in the watershed of Collins Pond.
2007 – We began using benthic barriers which are large, weighted tarps to cover and smother small areas of infestation.
2009 – We built and operated our own DASH boat (Diver Assisted Suction Harvester) with volunteers in addition to the benthic barriers.
2014 – We expanded our milfoil mitigation efforts by hiring a professional contractor (New England Milfoil) to add to the efforts of our volunteer crews.
2021 – DASH Boat retired due to age/costly repairs. We continue to contract with New England Milfoil.
2023 -First herbicide treatment performed. The DASH method is effective, but we didn’t have the necessary funds to get the milfoil under control using this method. Hybrid Variable Leaf Milfoil was found in at least half of the acreage of the lake up until 2023 when the first herbicide treatment was performed. This was effective in eliminating milfoil in the shallower areas of the lake, but milfoil plants were still noted in the deeper areas.
2024 – A second treatment was performed in 2024. No viable milfoil plants found on the post-treatment diver survey.
2025 – Future – Surveys to be done this summer will determine if the herbicide treatment was effective in controlling the milfoil. It is expected that we will need to bring in New England Milfoil for at least one week to completely survey the lake and remove any milfoil they find. If regrowth occurs, we will then plan how best to eliminate those areas.
The goal of our efforts has always been to eliminate milfoil from Collins Pond. Realistically we expect at least some regrowth to occur. Each summer we will need to perform a swim survey early in the season to detect and mark any new infestations noted. We expect that only limited DASH work will be necessary to control any regrowth.
Volunteer working on laying benthic barriers
New England Milfoil harvest 2200 gallons of Milfoil in one Day!
