Aquatic Invasive Species Patrol

Photo credit: Don Yurewicz

WHO WE ARE

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Patrol is a group of volunteers who monitor Conway Lake in canoes, kayaks, on paddle boards, or even while swimming/ snorkeling, checking for the presence of invasive plants and animals. Invasive species are primarily introduced to a lake by "hitching" a ride on boats and recreational gear and can appear anytime. Early detection is critical -- once introduced, invasive species grow vigorously and spread rapidly (see photos below). It is difficult and costly to control or eradicate most of these species once established. The sooner we spot them, the sooner we can begin remediation and stop their spread.

We also monitor the lake for Cyanobacteria. These microorganisms can produce neurotoxins, and under the right conditions can multiply rapidly creating blooms that can be a health hazard to humans, pets, and wildlife. Want to learn more about this risk? Tap the Cyanobacteria link to the left.

Our goal is to collectively patrol the entire shoreline of Conway Lake twice a month for the duration of the growing season, usually July through September. Our volunteers are the "eyes" of Conway Lake and the more volunteers we have to monitor its 21 miles of shoreline, the less likely an invasive species will have a chance to become established.

JOIN THE AIS PATROL

We need your help! We welcome anyone who wants to join us and help to protect Conway Lake. You don’t need any prior experience or knowledge. We will show you how we patrol and what to look for. We will also give you guides to help you identify the plants and animals in the lake. It’s a fun and rewarding way to enjoy the beauty of Conway Lake while playing an important role in keeping it healthy. To learn more about our training process, please click the Training Overview link on the left.

You can also learn more about us on the AIS Patrol Blog:

(www.conwaylake.org/ais blog) The Blog is where we post the results of our patrols on the lake and where you can find detailed descriptions of native and invasive species, and helpful reference guides.

To join or if you would like more information please contact either:

Maria Gross: maria.m.gross@gmail.com

603-491-3107 (cell) or 603-447-6068 (home)

Don Yurewicz: don.yurewicz@gmail.com

713 253-1211 (cell)

Plant Quiz - the Look-Alikes

To view the quiz as a slide select 'Present' or 'Full Screen Mode. depending on the software you are using.

LOOK at the Growth Difference Between INVASIVE and NATIVE Water-Milfoil !

INVASIVE Variable Water-Milfoil from a Nearby Lake

NATIVE Water-Milfoil in

Conway Lake

Our Mission

Learn as much as possible about NH's native and invasive aquatic plants & animals, regularly patrol Conway Lake in order to identify and immediately address potential threats, and teach our communities ways we can defend the lake together. To meet these goals, we strive to:

Learn to identify all native flora and fauna of Conway Lake.
Patrol the assigned zone(s) every other week from the end of June to early-mid October
Be accountable and notify fellow patrollers if patrolling is not possible at any time.
Mark suspicious plants using weighted floating markers and obtain GPS coordinates.
Share all patrol findings and areas patrolled at www.conwaylake.org/blog. These patrols will be noted on a digital map of the lake to assure that all zones are covered.
Review patrol coverage in August and the end of September to assure that all zones are being checked.
Build awareness in the community by informing friends and neighbors about our efforts and the NH law to Clean-Drain-Dry ALL watercraft, trailers, live bait boxes, anchors, ropes, and fishing gear before launching into Conway Lake!
Attend relevant webinars offered by NH Lakes and Lake Stewards of Maine.
Aim to recruit one new patroller every season.