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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, July 23, 2024 Dem. communications@ dem. ri. gov</div>
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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, July 23, 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 MESHANTICUT 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 CRANSTON FOR THURSDAY, JULY 25<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@01DADCF0.24506040" 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 will receive treatment 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 Thursday, July 25 with a rain date of Friday, July 26. 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">Invasive sacred lotus in Meshanticut Lake, 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">This lake is popular with anglers and boaters and is
</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"> annually during trout season. Anglers and boaters are advised to avoid using the lake on July 25 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">Last year,
</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!OgYbUFXLN_cPrOumvHOMX5tt4xupEjGH1qF11xCgujYIs8shvvIvoVIh_Ij02x3zNTix1M5eLrJELQv0k4kIIrvB76qSx9fcBIsZ$"><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 Lake 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 lake in 2014 and has grown considerably
each year, covering approximately one-quarter of the 12-acre lake in ten years. In 2019, DEM held several community harvesting events to remove the plant from the lake. 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">,
</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">,
and </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/aquatic-weed-treatments-scheduled-meshanticut-pond-and-silver-spring-lake-october-24"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">2023</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 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">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!OgYbUFXLN_cPrOumvHOMX5tt4xupEjGH1qF11xCgujYIs8shvvIvoVIh_Ij02x3zNTix1M5eLrJELQv0k4kIIrvB76qSx3oSinrE$"><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>
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<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>
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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!OgYbUFXLN_cPrOumvHOMX5tt4xupEjGH1qF11xCgujYIs8shvvIvoVIh_Ij02x3zNTix1M5eLrJELQv0k4kIIrvB76qSx2U9Nya4$"><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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