This invasive plant has a feathery appearance. If disturbed the seeds scatter and the plant multiplies quickly throughout the lake, except at the deepest areas. The District monitors the lake for milfoil growth, marks areas discovered with floats and retains the services of experienced divers who carefully remove the plants so as not to scatter the seeds.

Do not remove the plants! If you notice an area, you can mark it with a float yourself. If you see any detatched milfoil floating on the surface, please gently remove and discard it with your trash. It is also critical to thoroughly clean any boats or floats used at any other body of water prior to launching them in Center Pond. This helps to control the spread of milfoil and other invasive species into our lake.

Periodically the District treats the lake with a product that kills off the milfoil without undue stress on native plants and water life, such as fish. The most recent treatment was completed in spring of 2022 at approximately $75,000. It was successful. However, a few isolated signs of milfoil are just appearing a year later.

It’s anticipated that treatment will be needed every 3-5 years. The process requires an initial permit application, treatment plan, fees and subsequent approval. The 3-year permit can be renewed for 3-year periods. Extensions require Becket Conservation Commission approval and allow the District to treat the lake without completing the entire approval process, which is costly and time consuming.

Blue/green algae blooms have only been spotted at Center Pond once over the past 10 years. However, it can block sunlight from reaching the native plants below. When it dies off, it depletes the surrounding water of oxygen needed by aquatic life for survival.

This kind of algae bloom can cause rashes, eye irritation, nausea or stomach upset and tingling of fingers and toes to those swimming, wading, tubing or water skiing nearby.

One cause of algae blooms is fertilizer runoff from treating adjacent lawns (especially those products including nitrogen or phosphorus). Please do not use fertilizers on shoreline properties to avoid this issue.

There are other invasive species around Center Pond. While non-native lily pads are attractive, they spread, creating a thick vegetation on the surface of the water. Pulling them by the roots can help control their growth, though this may not remove the entire plant or prevent reseeding.

The fernlike plant (Robbins’ Pondweed) that grows at the bottom of Center Pond, creating a thick blanket, is a perennial herb found in lakes and rivers throughout North America. While it may feel slimy underfoot, it tends to choke out milfoil and should not be removed.

Along the shoreline and adjacent to many roads and highways, “bamboo” (or Japanese knotweed) grows extensively. If left, it will invade and control large expanses within a short timeframe. The plant is made up of underground rhizomes and sends shoots upward out of the ground. Pulling the weed can remove the shoots and a small amount of root, but will not destroy the plant. Since herbicides cannot be used adjacent to the lake, regular pulling and digging out the rhizomes limits its ability to spread and choke out other plant life.

Purple loosestrife, a tall purple flower, is also an invasive plant that negatively impacts both natural plant life and wildlife. It can be pulled as a weed and discarded with household trash.

A natural way to maintain the health of Center Pond is encouraging natural plant growth along run offs, streams and the shoreline. Plant life serves to filter the water before it enters the lake.