[Watersheds] Aquatic Weed Treatment Scheduled for Meshanticut Lake 7-7-25

[Zwarg, Jonathan (DEM)]

[DEM-logo-small]
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 | http://www.dem.ri.gov <http://www.dem.ri.gov > | @RhodeIslandDEM

CONTACT:                                                                                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100                                                                                           Monday, July 7, 2025
DEM.communications at dem.ri.gov<mailto:DEM.communications at dem.ri.gov>

AQUATIC WEED TREATMENT SCHEDULED FOR MESHANTICUT LAKE

[cid:image003.jpg at 01DBEF23.48435E30]PROVIDENCE, RI - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that Meshanticut Lake in Meshanticut State Park<https://riparks.ri.gov/History-HistoryMeshanticut >, Cranston will receive treatment to control infestations of invasive aquatic plants<https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/research-monitoring/aquatic-invasive-species-plants > on Friday, July 11. Anglers and boaters should avoid using the lake during the treatment. Signs will be posted with information about temporary water use restrictions. Neighbors and other users of the lake should keep pets from drinking the water for at least three days. This treatment will target invasive plants including sacred lotus, variable water milfoil, and fanwort. It will not harm fish or other aquatic life.


Invasive sacred lotus in Meshanticut Lake, Cranston.
Meshanticut Lake is popular with anglers and boaters and is stocked with trout<https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/freshwater-fishing/trout-stocked-waters > annually. Sacred lotus is a highly aggressive invasive species that threatens the healthy balance of native plants and impedes fishing and boating. In 2014, the plant was illegally transplanted into the lake and has spread rapidly. In 2022, DEM and URI students removed 96 bags<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/posts/pfbid025XtT62GAM6knUj1m8YhT1at91rJVQuti5mgRXAmFprqBe67exG2FFnsdEGuzt1nbl__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!NX0hMLncAijZWpYSgeyzM-P26jEYnBf3e1mBHEfxcMZnkSvd5mHkD9TUZ6IHEu2GuWoBCYMCdtc1qv5JRN4P5yy01xOLbPQeZUsv$ [facebook[.]com]> of sacred lotus at the lake as part of a collaborative research project.  Despite these efforts and treating the lake with permitted herbicides in 2020<https://www.ri.gov/press/view/38781 >, 2021<https://www.ri.gov/press/view/42165 >, 2023<https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/aquatic-weed-treatments-scheduled-meshanticut-pond-and-silver-spring-lake-october-24 >, and 2024<https://riparks.ri.gov/press-releases/aquatic-weed-treatment-scheduled-meshanticut-lake-cranston-thursday-july-25 >, the stubborn plant persists.

To prevent their spread, felt-soled waders and other porous gear that absorb water is prohibited<https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/250-60-00-10 > in all RI freshwater, including any waters shared with adjacent states where RI fishing regulations apply. Transporting plants on boats, vehicles, trailers, and gear is also prohibited<https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/250-60-00-10 >. Boaters must clean all equipment and vehicles before and after use. For more on stopping the spread of aquatic invasives, click here<http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/water/quality/surface-water/invade.php >.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov <http://www.dem.ri.gov/ >. Follow DEM on Facebook<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!NX0hMLncAijZWpYSgeyzM-P26jEYnBf3e1mBHEfxcMZnkSvd5mHkD9TUZ6IHEu2GuWoBCYMCdtc1qv5JRN4P5yy01xOLbEVb3UO-$ [facebook[.]com]>, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up here<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/JKHsVOn/medialist__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!NX0hMLncAijZWpYSgeyzM-P26jEYnBf3e1mBHEfxcMZnkSvd5mHkD9TUZ6IHEu2GuWoBCYMCdtc1qv5JRN4P5yy01xOLbMEHlWYA$ [lp[.]constantcontactpages[.]com]> to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.

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Evan LaCross, MPA
Programming Services Officer, Public Affairs
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908
401-799-0100 (c)
evan.lacross at dem.ri.gov<mailto:evan.lacross at dem.ri.gov> (E); http://www.dem.ri.gov <http://www.dem.ri.gov/ > (W)
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