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Conservation professionals gather in Sharon to discuss non-native invasive species

Posted on: April 2, 2024 - 6:00am

The Sharon Conservation Department hosted local conservation professionals March 14 to discuss non-native invasive species in the Neponset River Watershed with representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR).

Sharon Conservation Administrator Josh Philibert and Lake Massapoag Advisory Committee Chair Laura Russell represented Sharon.

Sharon’s waterways are a part of both the Neponset River Watershed and the Taunton River Watershed. The Neponset River Watershed begins at the Sharon/Foxborough border and extends over 120 acres to Boston Harbor. 

Both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species are present in Sharon. Lake Massapoag alone is home to two invasive plants: Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) and Variable Milfoil (Myriophllum heterophyllum). The Asian Clam (Corbicula flumineaI) also has a presence and poses a threat to the lake’s health. On land, Phragmites (Arundo phramites; P. communis and A. australis) are a great concern to both volunteer groups and the Conservation Department alike. 

The Sharon Conservation Department hosted local conservation professionals March 14 to discuss non-native invasive species in the Neponset River Watershed.The Sharon Conservation Department hosted local conservation professionals March 14 to discuss non-native invasive species in the Neponset River Watershed.

Mitigation plans are divided into three basic categories: prevention, containment and eradication. As there are already invasive species present in town, efforts go towards containment. Eradication, a long-term and highly challenging tactic, remains improbably achievable. However, great progress can be made working towards eradication, even if the main goal is never achieved.

Like most other towns in the watershed, treatment includes a combination of chemical and manual efforts. Sharon faces a unique challenge as there are endangered species in Lake Massapoag, as well as invasive species. Mandated policies protecting endangered species limit mitigation options.

With the hope that the March 14 meeting will be the beginning of creating action-oriented, collaborative strategies within the watershed, presenters shared local priorities. 

Ian Cooke, executive director of the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) and Sean McCanty of NepRWA described monitoring, education and outreach activities that NepRWA leads across the region. 

Canton Conservation Agent Regen Milani makes a presentation at the Sharon Community Center.Canton Conservation Agent Regen Milani makes a presentation at the Sharon Community Center.

The Neponset River Watershed is one of the top five infected water bodies in Massachusetts, according to David Wong of DEP. He led a discussion on the relationship between state and federal regulations with local efforts. Wong linked the invasive weeds present in waterbodies and cyanobacteria blooms. 

For more information about the human impact on water quality health and what residents can do to help protect the local watersheds, contact the Conservation Department at sharonconcom@townofsharon.org and Lake Massapoag Advisory Committee at lakecom@townofsharon.org.  

The Neponset River Watershed Association at neponset.org is another great resource. The association will hold a volunteer cleanup event June 8 at Memorial Park Beach in Sharon.