PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is advising the public that Silver Spring Lake in North Kingstown will receive an inspection and possible follow-up treatment to control noxious weed infestation on Tuesday, September 25. The initial treatment in June significantly reduced the infestations of milfoil and fanwort, whose dense weed beds and foliage outcompete native aquatic vegetation that are important habitat for fish and food sources for waterfowl and some mammals.
The inspection will be conducted by Solitude Lake Management LLC, the company contracted for the earlier treatment. If there has been substantial regrowth of the invasive weeds, the lake will be treated using the herbicides Reward and Clipper as in the initial treatment. Anglers and boaters are advised to avoid using the lake on this day.
If the lake is retreated, the restriction of use will be posted as follows:
• No use for irrigation for 5 days • No direct drinking for 3 days • 1-day restriction for livestock watering • There are no restrictions for swimming and fishing other than the day of treatment.
The Silver Spring Lake fishing access and boat ramp along with the Shady Lea Grove picnic area are owned by DEM and are popular with anglers and boaters. This lake is stocked with trout several times during the year. DEM will not stock additional trout until treatments are concluded for the year.
To prevent the spread of invasive weeds and other harmful aquatic "hitch hikers," Rhode Island strictly prohibits the use of external felt soled or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in the state. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. Fanwort spreads by fragmenting. Its invasion of fresh water bodies in New England is attributed to boats, trailers, live-wells, boat bilges, and fishing equipment carrying fragments of it from other, already-compromised water bodies. For these reasons, DEM recommends that all boaters thoroughly clean their vessels and equipment of attached weeds before and after using Rhode Island lakes, ponds, and rivers at a distance away from these freshwaters.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Limit the ecological function of water bodies by: - Outcompeting beneficial native species - Decreasing biodiversity - Reducing water quality - Decomposing slowly and reducing oxygen levels - Degrading conditions for fish
Cause economic harm by: - Requiring substantial funds to manage - Reducing water flow thus interfering with industrial, agricultural, and municipal water systems - Clogging irrigation ditches, canals, farm ponds, and irrigation equipment - Possibly devaluing waterfront property - Threatening tourism and recreation
Impede recreation by: - Reducing open areas on water bodies and along shorelines, aesthetics, and visibility - Minimizing fishing opportunities - Washing up on beaches - Becoming entangled around motors - Obstructing access to boat ramps, lanes - Snagging fishing lines
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