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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023 Evan. LaCross@ dem. ri. gov
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:Evan.LaCross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Evan.LaCross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">
</span></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">AQUATIC WEED TREATMENTS SCHEDULED FOR MESHANTICUT POND AND SILVER SPRING LAKE ON OCTOBER 24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="389" height="292" style="width:4.052in;height:3.0416in" src="cid:image003.jpg@01DA00FB.AC584BF0" align="right" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_3"><![endif]><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">PROVIDENCE,
RI –<span style="color:black"> The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is advising the public that Meshanticut Pond in
</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://riparks.ri.gov/History-HistoryMeshanticut"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Meshanticut State Park</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">,
Cranston and Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown will receive treatments to control infestations of
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/environmental-protection-bureau/water-resources/research-monitoring/aquatic-invasive-species-plants"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">invasive
aquatic plants</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">, including sacred lotus, variable water milfoil, and fanwort on Oct. 24. The aquatic weed control treatments are specifically targeted for the
invasive nuisance plants and does not harm fish or other aquatic species. These waterbodies are popular with anglers and boaters and are
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/freshwater-fishing/trout-stocked-waters"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">stocked
with trout</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> several times during trout season.
<br>
<br>
</span><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Invasive sacred lotus in Meshanticut Pond, Cranston.</span></i></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Anglers and boaters are advised to avoid using these waterbodies on Oct. 24 when the treatments will be applied. Signs will be
posted with information about temporary water use restrictions. During treatment, users should avoid impeding the applicator staff. Neighbors and other users of the pond should not allow domestic pets to drink from the water for at least three days.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">On Oct. 2,
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/posts/pfbid025XtT62GAM6knUj1m8YhT1at91rJVQuti5mgRXAmFprqBe67exG2FFnsdEGuzt1nbl__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KlbmBXsSDZmxs7Jo2NF6SUdWuz2eOS_9fSq6W5Xtix-s141sydq0Go8PgDl5VLQaW0rBc1C4ULuomCIbuE7urBWAoEUnAgAOEed9$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM
and students from the University of Rhode Island removed 96 bags</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> of the three-acre sacred lotus population at Meshanticut Pond as part of a collaborative research
project </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#050505;background:white">studying the most effective methods</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> to treat and manage
the invasive aquatic plant. Sacred lotus is a highly aggressive, invasive species that threatens a healthy balance of native plants and impedes fishing and boating opportunities. The plant was illegally transplanted into the pond in 2014 and has grown considerably
each year, covering approximately one-quarter of the 12-acre pond in ten years. In 2019, DEM held several community harvesting events to remove the plant from the pond. Despite these efforts and DEM treating the plant with permitted herbicides in
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://www.ri.gov/press/view/38781"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">2020</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
and </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://www.ri.gov/press/view/42165"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">2021</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
to manage its growth, the stubborn and aggressive plant has continued to persist and spread over the pond.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Aquatic weed infestation is a nuisance to anglers, boaters, and swimmers and can affect proper management of freshwater ponds for wildlife. To help control
the spread of invasive species, the use of external felt-soled or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in Rhode Island is strictly
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/250-60-00-10"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">prohibited</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.
This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. The transport of any plant or plant part into or out of any Rhode Island waterbody on boats, vessels, other water conveyances, vehicles, trailers, fishing
supplies, or any other equipment is also </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/250-60-00-10"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">prohibited</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.
It is recommended that all boaters thoroughly clean their vessels and equipment of attached weeds before and after using the freshwaters of the state. For more information on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species,
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/water/quality/surface-water/invade.php"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">click here</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
Follow </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!KlbmBXsSDZmxs7Jo2NF6SUdWuz2eOS_9fSq6W5Xtix-s141sydq0Go8PgDl5VLQaW0rBc1C4ULuomCIbuE7urBWAoEUnAprpOQ-U$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">,
Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">###<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
Evan LaCross, MPA</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Programming Services Officer, Public Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#004678;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">401-799-0100 (c)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:gray;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
</span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">(E);
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
(W)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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