and how to distinguish these invaders from the native species they resemble. A variety of 
advanced training opportunities is also offered. The number of Maine water bodies being 
screened for the presence of invasive aquatic plants has increased several hundredfold 
since MCIAP began its training effort. Surveys conducted by volunteers now account for 
more than half of all surveys being conducted in the state. Maine inspects watercraft, 
trailers, and outboard motors and provides educational materials to the public. In order to 
decide which ramps to target, ME DEP conducts a rough risk assessment to determine 
which ramps are used most often. The Department uses paid inspectors for the high-use 
hours, to keep any invasive plants from spreading. Officials have completed a 
vulnerability assessment (remotely, using GIS) to assist the analysis, examining the 
distance from infested water bodies to highways and whether infested water bodies are 
hydrologically connected to other water bodies. 
• Draft Rapid Response Plan, ME DEP, MDIFW. The Commissioners of the ME DEP 
and the MDIFW have agreed to direct their respective agencies’ responses to new 
infestations of invasive aquatic species under the auspices of a single, coordinated rapid 
response plan. Species covered by the 172-page plan include invasive plants and fish 
already in some Maine waters and other exotic organisms not yet established in Maine, 
such as zebra mussels. 
• Integrated Pest Management Strategy (for purple loosestrife), Maine Department of 
Agriculture. This program works to avoid water drawdown and site disturbance during 
the growing season to avoid exposing mudflats where seeds can germinate. The program 
surveys all wetlands (at least every 3 years) to pinpoint infestations, and every year, 
stems at “active” wetland sites are sprayed with the herbicide glyphosate and counted at 
selected sampling sites. Park authorities are beginning to work with landowners on sites 
adjacent to park boundaries to enact similar preventative strategies. 
A.20.3. CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS 
• Maine’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plan states that “... with global 
climate change, [AIS] may spread even further as freshwater and ocean temperatures 
moderate.” 
A.20.4. CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIONS 
• The AIS Management Plan has a category entitled “No Action at This Time” that 
emphasizes the need to “[l]eam more before acting” (p. 14). The category lists climate 
change as an issue. Specifically, the Plan states that: 
Maine’s cold climate and ocean temperatures now limit warm 
water species. But warming temperatures and fluctuating weather 
patterns may in time be more favorable to their introduction. At 
the same time, changing conditions may become less favorable for 
cold water species, thus contributing to an overall shift toward 
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