05/02/2022 Special Town Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Explanation: Johns Pond- Milfoil is a well-documented invasive aquatic weed that can spread rapidly and out-compete native species, resulting in loss of native aquatic habitat and adversely impacting recreational opportunities. In the summer of 2021, invasive milfoil was detected by residents on Johns Pond and reported to the Conservation Department and Department of Natural Resources. Subsequent to this, the town appropriated emergency funding to engage a contractor and secured wetland permits to conduct a pond-wide survey and treatment of milfoil using a state approved aquatic herbicide. A total of 8 acres of Johns Pond was identified for milfoil infestation and subsequently treated. A summary report and post treatment survey on the pond revealed that most, if not all of the milfoil has been successfully eradicated; however, as is the case when dealing with invasive species, a follow up survey for the next growing season is recommended to ensure complete eradication. The contractor hired to conduct this work (Water and Wetlands LLC) recommends budgeting approximately $5,500 to cover the costs of a follow up pond-wide survey in the late spring/early summer of 2022 to check for any remaining areas of milfoil infestation. This estimate also includes potential treatment of any detected areas. I recommend an additional $1,000 for any contingencies, bringing the total amount of requested funding to $6,500. Ideally, no detections will be found and funding for treatment will not be needed; however, until a follow up survey is conducted, this is an unknown. Santuit Pond: In the late fall of 2021, The Department of Natural Resources discovered invasive milfoil infestation in Santuit Pond. Preliminary observations using GPS tracking indicate roughly 6+ acres of pond area that are currently infested with milfoil. Funding will be needed to pay a qualified contractor to conduct a full pond-wide survey and subsequent treatment of milfoil based on survey results. Using the costs of milfoil surveying, permitting and eradication on Johns Pond as a reference, funding in the amount of $28,500 is requested to cover all estimated costs for eradication of invasive milfoil (including permitting, surveying, treatment(s) and contingency costs) The Board of Selectmen recommends approval of Article 22 by a vote of 5-0 The Finance Committee recommends approval of Article 22 by a vote of 7-0 Motion Made by Selectman Gottlieb: I move that the Town vote to approve Article 22 as printed in the Warrant, with the exception of the phrase “or take any other action relating thereto.” Motion passes unanimously at 8:01 PM Special Town Meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM