the infestations. An ad hoc milfoil task force has been formed between SLA, the marina 
operators, and SLA’s consulting ecologist. In 2006, NHDES granted research funds to 
Plymouth State University, which was working in partnership with SLA to conduct 
research projects in portions of Squam Lake. Research examined the impacts of a 2,4-D 
herbicide treatment on the benthic fauna of the lake (including macroinvertebrates). 
• Exotic Species Management, NHDES. NHDES annually coordinates the management 
of exotic aquatic plants in 15-20 water bodies. Variable milfoil, and more recently, 
fanwort, are the two plants that are most often the target of these control practices. 
Control measures for new, small infestations include hand pulling or benthic barriers, and 
may include designation of a Restricted Use Area in the vicinity of the infestation. 
Larger, established infestations are usually controlled with herbicides. 
• Milfoil Research (general and specific), NHDES. (See RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 
AND INFORMATION USED below.) 
A.30.3. CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS REPORTED BY STATE PERSONNEL 
• Many species that NHDES encounters are southern species from South America and 
Africa that have migrated northward and are surviving in this cooler climate. Plants may 
be adapting, or climate change may be lengthening the growing seasons. With recent 
mild winters, plants may have the opportunity to gain a foothold. Plants of concern 
because of climate change include: giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and water lettuce. 
These are warm water southern species that can currently survive the summer, but not the 
winter. 
A.30.4. CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIONS 
• NHDES has just expanded the list of prohibited species to include a total of 27 plants. 
This was done to account for the northward migration of southern species. NHDES 
hopes that by listing plants as prohibited, they will not be circulated in the state through 
the aquatic plant industry, thereby lessening their likelihood of introduction through that 
avenue. Neighboring states to New Hampshire are also following suit. 
A.30.5. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION USED 
• Specific strategies are being developed for aquatic herbicide use that incorporate plant 
phenology, water quality, and treatment timing for optimal, cost-effective, and selective 
control of variable milfoil. 
• The plant and nematode communities, along the with water chemistry and sediment 
conditions, associated with variable milfoil in its native range and in New Hampshire 
lakes are being compared and characterized, and possible plant-nematode association for 
biocontrol of variable milfoil are being sought. 
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