Weed Control Divers. A Panel Discussion. Jen Waselchuck Big Island Pond Corporation. Tara Johnson Baboosic Lake Association

Transcription

1 Weed Control Divers A Panel Discussion PANELISTS Tara Johnson Baboosic Lake Association Jen Waselchuck Big Island Pond Corporation Tom Ouhrabka Lake Wentworth and Crescent Lake, Wolfeboro MODERATOR AMY P. SMAGULA NHDES

2 Session Goals Briefly review the Weed Control Diver Program in NH, and related elements Hear from panelists representing different waterbodies dealing with Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) issues Learn about how and why they initiated a Weed Control Diver Program in their waterbody Gain an understanding of why it is important to have this type of management available locally Have contacts and information for future reference

3 Weed Control Diver Program Initiated around 2007 in NH Increase in diving activities regionally and nationally Local research projects evaluated

4 Weed Control Diver Program, cont. Change in Wetlands Rules ~2008 Permits versus certification Permit by notification Development of a training course with a Master Dive Instruction (Ted Aldrich) Recognition of course as a PADI level certification Some level of diving is integrated in nearly every management project at this point It is an additional tool, NOT a replacement for other control techniques!

5 Small patch of fanwort growing in Robinson Pond, Hudson

6 A few stems of variable milfoil growing in Otter Pond, Greenfield

7 Small patch of milfoil in another area of Otter Pond, Greenfield

8 Moderately dense growth of variable milfoil in a busy marina, Lake Winnipesaukee

9 Weed Control Diver Programs in NH DES can perform small scale diving in limited infestations Two staff divers, usually two can dive once a week through growing season Three DASH contract companies in NH, others in neighboring states Over 200 certified Weed Control Divers in NH Some work as contractors for hire in various waterbodies Most volunteer their time in their own waterbody

10 Dense and expansive growth of variable milfoil in a shallow inlet stream

11 Infestation Overview- Baboosic Lake Please provide a brief overview of the infestation in your waterbody, including: Species How long it has been in the waterbody Extent of growth (localized or widespread)

12 Infestation Overview- Big Island Pond Please provide a brief overview of the infestation in your waterbody, including: Species How long it has been in the waterbody Extent of growth (localized or widespread)

13 Infestation Overview- Wentworth and Crescent Please provide a brief overview of the infestation in your waterbody, including: Species How long it has been in the waterbody Extent of growth (localized or widespread)

14 Initiating a Weed Control Diver Program WHENAND WHYDID YOU DECIDE TO INITIATE A WEED CONTROL DIVER PROGRAM ON YOUR WATERBODY?

15 Developing a Local Program Briefly describe the steps you took to initiate such a program on your waterbody, including: Identifying interested divers? Did you host the training or did they travel elsewhere to train? How many active divers do you maintain? How do you fund the work? Who does your mapping, DES, Weed Watchers, or others? How frequently do you dive?

16 Types of Diving DO YOU USE: Basic SCUBA diving Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting

17 Challenges Uh-oh What, if any, challenges have you encountered with running a local Weed Control Diver Program? How did you overcome those challenges?

18 Changing Course Have you had to change course with your diving program? Why? How did you change? Eradication? Shift in management approach? Other?

19 Words of Wisdom W H A T K E Y G U I D A N C E C A N Y O U G I V E A U D I E N C E M E M B E R S R E L A T I V E T O Y O U R E X P E R I E N C E S A N D S P E C I F I C T H I N G S T H E Y S H O U L D F O C U S O N I F T H E Y W I S H T O I N I T I A T E S U C H A P R O G R A M O N T H E I R W A T E R B O D Y?

20 Thank you! Tara Johnson: Jen Waselchuck: Tom Ouhrabka: Amy Smagula: To become a Weed Control Diver contact: Master Dive Instructor/Weed Control Diver Instructor: Ted Aldrich: weedcontroldiver@gmail.com