Barnstable Schedules Hydrilla Treatment In Town Ponds: What To Know

BARNSTABLE, MA — Town officials are set to begin hydrilla treatments in ponds and lakes across the community of Friday, they announced.

Officials say the town annually manages the growth of the invasive, non-native plant in Long Pond in Centerville, as well as Mystic Lake and Middle Pond in Marstons Mills. The treatment is done with an EPA-approved chemical treatment called Sonar, which is a chemical treatment used to control a number of invasive species.

Officials say that hydrilla is among the most invasive aquatic plants in the world, which could prove problematic for these waters if gone untreated.

"Mystic Lake has three state-listed mussel species, and there are three plant species of special concern in Long Pond. Additionally, Long Pond is a key piece of the herring fishery that extends from Centerville River to the reaches of Wequaquet Lake," officials said.

"Controlling Hydrilla in these waterbodies is crucial to protecting native plants, as uncontrolled Hydrilla growth can take over a lake or pond, shading and crowding out other plants."

Not only can plant life be impacted by uncontrolled hydrilla, but fish and animal populations can also be affected.

"Weight and size of sport fish can be reduced. Waterfowl feeding areas and fish spawning sites can be eliminated by dense surface mats. Mats of vegetation can obstruct boating, swimming and fishing, thereby reducing the value of shorefront property," officials said.

The town published a video further explaining the process and reasoning. Watch it below: