TPA’s CBI Program, launched in 2001 with volunteer inspectors, was augmented in 2012 by paid inspectors so that, by 2019, we were providing 6 hours’ coverage 7 days a week during high summer. Inspectors have found variable leaf milfoil at the East Orland boat landing on three occasions. Newly discovered infestations to our west in Central Maine and in Big Lake to our north in Washington County are cause for alarm. Invasive aquatic plants such as variable leaf and Eurasian water milfoil and hydrilla are a serious threat to Maine’s lakes. These plants are so vigorous and propagate so fast that they can crowd out native plants, affect fish populations, and make swimming and boating difficult, if not impossible. When that happens, controlling them is challenging and costly.
Many new infestations occur in shallow waters near boat access points, suggesting that invasive plants move from lake to lake on the boats and trailers of unsuspecting boaters. In 2000, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began developing a program to reduce the risk of spreading invasive aquatic species. This is the Courtesy Boat Inspection Program. Inspectors educate boat owners about prevention measures and assist them in inspecting boats, trailers and gear and in removing whatever plant material is found. While DEP provides education, inspection protocols and modest funding, prevention work can only be done with the support of local residents.
Funding for the CBI program at the state level comes from the sale of stickers required for motorized boats used on inland waters. Failure to display a current sticker may result in a fine. It is illegal to transport ANY aquatic plant, native or non-native, on the outside of a vehicle, boat, trailer or equipment. Violations may result in heavy fines.
Lake CBI programs, principally funded by local lake associations, are usually carried out by teams composed of paid and volunteer inspectors, who do the following:
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