[Blue Thunder]

The invasive species sticker has been a requirement in Maine since 2002. The fees cover the costs of regional efforts to eradicate milfoil from affected lakes and ponds. Here on Sebago, the Lakes Environmental Association operates a specially outfitted boat that has special pumps and sifting devices. A diver in the water carefully pulls the plants from the bottom which are then sucked up the hose to a series of aluminum screens. The milfoil is then bagged for disposal. It works quite well. The sticker for out of State boats is $45 per year, is mandatory and is aggressively enforced. For those that register in Maine, it’s included in the registration fee.
Milfoil spreads aggressively. If you have signs of it anywhere, it should be eradicated early on. It can ruin the aquatic life of a small lake, pond or cove very quickly.