North Reading Treating Martin's Pond for Eurasian Milfoil

The Town of North Reading said Eurasian Milfoil treatment for Martin’s Pond will begin next week.

According to the town, Eurasian Milfoil is a highly aggressive invasive plant that can quickly overtake small lakes and ponds. If not checked, the invasive plant, which can grow at a rapid pace, can affect natural wildlife, vegetation and recreational activities.

The town has set restrictions on the use of Martin’s Pond following the July 22 treatment of the Eurasian Milfoil:

• All of Martin’s Pond will be closed to all water uses (including swimming, boating and fishing) on the day of the treatment only which is Wednesday, July 22, 2015.These water uses may resume on Thursday, July 23.
• Water from the Pond cannot be used for watering livestock until Friday, July 24.
• Water from the Pond cannot be used for domestic purposes until Sunday, July 26.
• Water from the Pond cannot be used for irrigation until Tuesday, July 28.

Aquatic Control Technology, which was retained to respond to the invasive plant, will be using a herbicide treatment specifically designed to combat the Milfoil, the town said. The herbicide will only target the Milfoil and not natural vegetation.

The Eurasian Milfoil in Martin’s Pond has increased by 20 percent over the last year, according to Dr. Jon Lyon of Merrimack College, who has been monitoring the growth of the Milfoil in the pond. Lyon will be conducting follow-up studies regarding the effectiveness of the treatment as part of an overall management plan, the town said.

Additional information can be found on the Martin’s Pond Association web site and questions can be directed to Aquatic Control Technology at (508) 865-1000.