In August, the Little Ossipee Lake Association identified and confirmed the first evidence of an invasive aquatic plant species on the lake. Swollen Bladderwort, or Utricularia Inflata, was found in various coves throughout the lake. While this is not welcome news, the Association is working to contain and, hopefully one day soon, eradicate the plant.
What We Know
- There are nine native bladderwort plants in the state of Maine; one is invasive (Swollen Bladderwort) and Little Ossipee is home to many varieties of non-invasive bladderwort.
- Swollen Bladderwort is a rootless, floating, carnivorous (yes really!) aquatic plant.
- Since it does not have roots, it floats as wind and waves push it around the lake.
- Currently, only four other lakes in the state of Maine (including Lake Arrowhead) have this invasive.
- It is likely that the plant was brought into the lake via a boat or fishing tackle.
Next Steps
- LOLA quickly responded once the plant was confirmed and enlisted the help of the Lake Stewards of Maine and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
- On August 17, 2023, LOLA’s Invasive Plant Patrol team (IPP) surveyed the entire lake and identified the coves where the Swollen Bladderwort is currently found. Please reference the map below.
- Working with Maine DEP, buoys will be placed in the area of greatest infestation, which is Eon Cove, alerting boaters to stay out of the cove.
- LOLA will conduct ongoing plant removal by hand harvesting, and potentially with Maine DEP using a suction ponton boat.
How You Can Help
- Learn how to identify Swollen Bladderwort; click here for a photo and more information on how to distinguish between native and invasive bladderwort.
- Look at your shoreline often. The more eyes on the water the better. Remember to look not just for bladderwort, but to stay alert for any type of invasive plant or animal.
- Please Do Not Enter Eon Cove, the area of greatest infestation. If you must enter Eon Cove, Turtle Cove, or Ricker Cove, be sure to stop your boat and remove any plants on your prop before leaving the cove. Plants should be put in a trash bag and disposed of in the trash — not in the lake.
- Help spread the word to your neighbors and guests on the lake that everyone should remain vigilant about curbing the spread of Swollen Bladderwort.
If you haven’t already, or if you never have, truly, this is the most important time to renew or become a member of the Association. To be frank, fighting an invasive will take time and money and we need everyone to give as generously as they can. If you’ve already paid your dues this year, thank you!
In the coming days and weeks, the Association will share more information here and on our Facebook page. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. You can email the entire board at directors@littleossipeelake.org. Your support and help is much appreciated.
