An invasive plant (European/brittle naiad) has been found in the lake during surveys over the past 3 years.  Originally confined to a small unused cove in the lower basin, it spread outside the cove, and has now been found at another location not far from the narrows.  The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with Lake Stewards of Maine, is working with us to eradicate the invasive before the situation progresses further.

The DEP will use an herbicide treatment to remove the brittle naiad from the two locations identified, and possibly others, depending on the July 16 survey results.  It will most likely not reduce the native “water weeds” that wash up on beaches.

Treatment Area – The treatment areas at present (prior to July 16th survey results) are both in the lower basin.  Location is shown here.

TIMELINE:  Except for the Public Meeting on June 16th, dates are subject to change.  Post will be updated as needed.
June – July
  • The DEP will be sending notices to all residents, property owners, businesses, etc. within 1,000 feet from the lake, advising of the treatment.  DEP will comply with all notification requirements and obtain a permit (NOI).
June 16th, 6:00 pm
  • The DEP will hold a public meeting at the Municipal Building, prior to the Select Board meeting, to explain the process and answer questions.  The meeting will be available for viewing (Spectrum Cable Channel 5, or https://www.youtube.com/@SRCM-TownofLimerick/.  Questions will be taken.
July 16th/17th
  • Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) will work with Sokokis Lake to conduct a Level 3 survey.  Volunteers from other lakes who are certified Invasive Plant Patrollers (IPP) along with LSM and YCIASP will try to complete the survey of the entire lake in one day.  The purpose is to ensure there are no other locations or invasives that would require treatment.
  • Divers will be towed to search deeper areas of the lake not visible from the surface.
  • A map showing the survey sectors may be seen here.
July 28th –  Aug 2nd
  • At present, these are target dates for the herbicide treatment, subject to change.
Post-treatment
  • The DEP will monitor the water post-treatment until the herbicide is below the detection limits of the test.  They will conduct post-treatment surveys, to ensure eradiciation of the naiad.
Herbicide
  • The DEP will be using a product called AquaStrike, which will be applied by a professionally trained company.  Once the actual treatment date is confirmed, you will be receiving a Notice advising the name of the herbicide, the certified applicator and any cautions/restrictions.

Warnings/Restrictions – At present, the following water use restrictions on the AquaStrike label apply to the treatment area.  This will be updated once the herbicide to be used and treatment date are confirmed:

  • Do not drink lake water for 3 days after treatment
  • Do not allow livestock to consume lake water for 1 day after treatment
  • Do not irrigate turf and landscape ornamentals for  3 days after treatment
  • Do not irrigate food crops for 5 days after treatment
  • There is no label restriction on recreational uses, including swimming but Maine DEP advises against swimming and boating in the treatment areas on day of treatment as an added safety precaution.