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