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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, June 25, 2024 Dem. communications@ 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, June 25, 2024<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:Dem.communications@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#3366FF">Dem.communications@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#3366FF">
</span></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">AQUATIC WEED TREATMENT SCHEDULED AT INDIAN LAKE
<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">IN SOUTH KINGSTOWN FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 27<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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Description automatically generated" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![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 Indian Lake in South Kingstown will receive treatment to control an aquatic invasive plant,
</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur861/files/2024-06/hydver.pdf"><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Hydrilla verticillata</span></i></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">,
on Thursday, June 27. The aquatic weed control treatment is specifically targeted for the invasive nuisance plants and does not harm fish or other wildlife.
<br>
<br>
</span><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Fragments of hydrilla, an aggressive aquatic invasive plant. Aquatic invasive plants like hydrilla can outgrow native species, reduce biodiversity, alter fish habitats,
degrade water quality, and disrupt recreational activities.</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"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Anglers and boaters are advised to avoid using the pond on Thursday, June 27 when the treatment will be applied as not to impede the state-licensed applicator’s
airboat and staff. Signs will be posted with information along the shoreline, but the chemical being applied does not limit or restrict boating, swimming, nor fishing. Indian Lake is a 260-acre lake popular with anglers for Largemouth bass and other warm water
species. <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"><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. Hydrilla,
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/dem-announces-ris-first-detection-aquatic-invasive-plant-hydrilla-indian-lake-south"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">first
observed in August 2023</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">, is often referred to as “the perfect aquatic weed” because it is so difficult to manage, due to its several different modes of reproduction,
and wide tolerance to a range of water conditions. The spread of hydrilla can result in significant ecosystem changes that threaten habitats of fish and wildlife and reduce water quality. Indian Lake was the first waterbody where invasive hydrilla had been
identified in Rhode Island. In response to the first detection of hydrilla in RI, DEM
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/weeding-out-invasive-species-reed-touts-133000-for-ridem-to-fight-destructive-aquatic-plants__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IQ-2_pbr2y2lGEb7MIKYmkIK9jGDSbNr5SczFBB6uIzR1ZqjOnVyrO4QCI1akMuOttmZ1AWbWTVhbudLRy41NRPL6vJRHdH_pcVo$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">received
federal grant funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service</span> [reed.senate.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> (USFWS) to help rapidly respond to the new invasive and begin management efforts to treat the plant
this summer. DEM will also educate boaters that they are the first line of defense helping prevent the spread of hydrilla by ensuring their recreational equipment is clean of any plant fragments.</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The most efficient and cost-effective
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/dem-reminds-boaters-and-anglers-clean-gear-after-invasive-hydrilla-plant-found"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">management
strategy to further control hydrilla from spreading</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> throughout Rhode Island is to prevent the plants from being moved by people out of Indian Lake.<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"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Hydrilla easily multiplies from small plant fragments and can quickly spread when contaminated boats travel to other lakes and ponds. 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!IQ-2_pbr2y2lGEb7MIKYmkIK9jGDSbNr5SczFBB6uIzR1ZqjOnVyrO4QCI1akMuOttmZ1AWbWTVhbudLRy41NRPL6vJRHaqquuIq$"><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>
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<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>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Follow DEM on
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<span style="color:#00B0F0">and</span> <i><span style="color:#0096D2">on </span></i></span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://twitter.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!IQ-2_pbr2y2lGEb7MIKYmkIK9jGDSbNr5SczFBB6uIzR1ZqjOnVyrO4QCI1akMuOttmZ1AWbWTVhbudLRy41NRPL6vJRHcHc9MSu$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Twitter</span></i> [twitter.com]</a></span><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">.</span></i><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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