Togus Pond supports a diverse community of Flora and Fauna
	Aquatic plants are vital to lake ecosystems.
	*They provide food and habitat for aquatic organisms,
	*oxygenate the water column through photosynthesis,
	*and reduce shoreline erosion by anchoring shoreline sediment
	In addition, aquatic plants tie up nutrients (such as phosphorus) required for algal growth, reducing the occurrence of blooms in the lake.
	*However, not all aquatic plants are good.  Invasive aquatic species are a serious threat to Maine lakes.
	*Invasive species possess ecological characteristics that make them good competitors in new habitats.
	*These plants can seriously degrade their new environment by out-competing native species, reducing economic values, or by reducing recreational activity.
	*Invasive species are primarily spread from one body of water to another through human activities, especially boating.
	Plant fragments may be carried on boats, motors, trailers, and fishing gear from an infested water body to another and some of these plant fragments can survive for days out of the water.
	Once invasive species are established in a lake, they are extremely difficult to eradicate often requiring labor intensive work just to manage them.
	Togus Pond does not currently have any invasive species, but is at risk and should be carefully monitored for preventing future infestations.
	*Show slide