warm water assemblages. Taking the long view, Maine will 
monitor climatic conditions to provide early warning of potential 
infestations. 
A.20.5. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION USED 
• The state has recently completed a 2-year research project studying the relative 
effectiveness of different manual methods for controlling variable watermilfoil, as well as 
the viability of variable milfoil fragments under different conditions. This research will 
be continued in the future and will focus on the impacts of variable watermilfoil on native 
ecosystems. 
• Students of one professor at the University of Maine at Farmington routinely are involved 
in invasive aquatic plant surveys, assessments, and mapping projects in Maine, as well as 
research on fragment regeneration. 
A.20.6. RESEARCH NEEDS 
• Research need to be conducted to find a native organism that can function as a safe, 
effective biocontrol for variable watermilfoil. 
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