Hydrilla
Many of you are aware of the past overgrowth of invasive Hydrilla in Long Pond and the efforts to control it. Over a number of years, the pond was treated with a safe aquatic herbicide and then remaining scattered Hydrilla was removed by divers pulling the plants from the roots. You may also remember a boom largely separating the east basin from the rest of the pond to control the spread. The Town of Barnstable provided the funds and managed the project which largely rid the pond of Hydrilla (complete eradication is virtually impossible).
They continue to monitor the extent of any re-growth through annual surveys and treat as required with a safe aquatic herbicide (Fluridone) to control the growth of non-native and invasive Hydrilla. The herbicide is distributed by liquid or pellet (it is not airborne).
Purple Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria, commonly known as Purple Loosestrife, is an aggressive wetland plant that can be found in places around Long Pond. It is highly competitive and is capable of spreading rapidly by seed dispersal and root offshoots. During late summer (July to September) Purple Loosestrife produces vibrant purple flowers on an elongated spike that may look nice on the water’s edge, but it displaces natural species, reduces biodiversity, degrades wetland habitats and chokes waterways (in our case, think herring run).
Fortunately it is not out of control around the pond due to individual efforts but it does exist in certain areas and can easily get out of control, dominating an area to the complete exclusion of other plants. If you suspect you have purple loosestrife, please contact the conservation department at the Town of Barnstable. They will identify the plant (there is a similar looking native plant, pickerel weed, that is loved by bees and should NOT be pulled) and will advise how and when to dispose of the loosestrife.
Other Species of Special Concern
In addition to the species listed above, we need to keep our eyes peeled for plants like Plymouth Gentian and Rusty Willow. Please see the following report produced after a 2016 survey by the Town: