SOKOKIS INVASION
THIS IS VERY SERIOUS BUT
WITH MANY HANDS WE HAVE A CHANCE TO BEAT THIS
SOKOKIS FAMILY,
It is unfortunate that we must deliver this message:
On September 8th, Laurie Callahan of York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project (YCIASP), and with whom we work closely, did an area-specific survey screening for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The area was near the ramp and dam, and a couple of adjacent coves. Unfortunately, she found an invasive, the European Naiad (Najas minor).
The naiad was found in Lake Arrowhead in 2020. It is known as an “annual”, which means it generates tiny seeds which then spread through the water and grow the following year, in any number of locations. (For additional info, we recommend visiting https://lentic-life.mixmox.com/2020/10/naiad-discovery.html)
Although Laurie was able to remove as much of the plant as she could find, along with fragments, that does not by any stretch mean the naiad is no longer here.
Next Steps:
We are presently awaiting feedback from the DEP on best approach. What the Association really needs, moving forward, are more volunteers willing to help with the look-out.
What Members Can Do:
- Do NOT pull plants out of the lake without knowing exactly what they are. Removing invasives is tricky, and can easily cause them to multiply.
- Use the Invasives Quick Key. This helps to more easily identify potential invasives, and will keep you from misidentifying grasses, lily pads, and other not-invasives, which make up the majority of our aquatic plants. There is one attached, a copy on the website under Things To Know/Invasive Aquatic Plants (http://sokokislakeassociation.com) or you may request one from Diane Shepherd (contact info below.)
- Keep an eye on your shoreline and surrounding area. The Quick Key will help. Mark any plant that looks suspicious with a small float (Association can provide or offer suggestions) and notify the Board immediately. We will go to the float and review. (Again, use of the Quick Key will keep you from tagging grasses, lily pads, and other not-invasives, the majority of our aquatic plants.)
- If the plant is freely floating, secure in a plastic bag with a small amount of water and notify the Board immediately. We will pick up for analysis.
- Volunteer for on-water screenings, when you are here.
- If you have a hands-on desire to help, the Association can provide on-water and video training, along with a list of sources.
We will update as soon as necessary. Please do not hesitate to ask questions by email through sokokislakeassoc@yahoo.com, or by contacting a Board member directly. Diane, Roy here in Limerick, Calece and Tom at winter home:
Roy Bagley roybagley@yahoo.com (207) 233-9323 Calece Johnson calece@gmail.com (617) 306-5737
Tom Creamer nondairycreamer426@gmail.com (781) 593-5291
Diane Shepherd diane_shepherd422@yahoo.com (207) 216-0206
