Saturday, June 17, 9-11 A.M., Alfred Town Hall, Alfred, ME

2006 York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project Presentation/Workshop

Join Laurie Callahan (aquatic biologist) at the Town Hall in Alfred, Maine, for the first of a series of three free public presentations/workshops focusing on invasive aquatic species in York County. At the first workshop, on June 17, information will be presented about the three invasive aquatic plant species that are currently present in York County waterbodies, about invasive aquatic species that are present in other areas of Maine and about others that are close by, just over the border in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Callahan will provide information on invasive plant management projects currently underway in York County and other areas of Maine, and will also have information about native and invasive aquatic plant training opportunities that will be happening this summer in York County and Maine. Included in the Saturday program will be an invasive aquatic plant identification exercise utilizing fresh and pressed samples of the eleven invasive aquatic plant species of concern in Maine. A discussion session will be held at the end of the program to gather attendees’ suggestions and concerns to determine the content for the second two workshops to be scheduled in July and August. An additional half hour (11-11:30) will be available if needed.

In addition to the three presentation/workshops this summer, Callahan will also lead several “on-the-water” outings to check waterbodies for invasive aquatic plants. The “outings” will be a good opportunity to get “hands-on” training in plant identification and aquatic plant survey experience. June 17 workshop attendees will also be asked to help determine where the “on-the-water” outings will be held.

This 2006 “York County Invasive Aquatic Species Project” (YCIASP) is sponsored by the York County Soil & Water Conservation District (YCSWCD) and has received funding from the Davis Conservation Foundation (Falmouth, ME). Laurie Callahan is an aquatic biologist that has been working on invasive and native aquatic plant projects in VT, NH and ME since 2001. The Alfred Town Hall is located on Saco Road, in the village of Alfred. To RSVP (preferred, but not required) or for more information email Callahan at yciasp@hotmail.com or contact Debbie Mayo (YCSWCD) at 207-324-7015 or by email at Debbie.Mayo@me.nacdnet.net.