Five trained inspectors worked at the boat access on Pleasant Lake near the town beach.
By Joanie Perry
Special to the Sun Journal

OTISFIELD – The first year of inspections of boats for milfoil before they enter Pleasant Lake went well, according to a report presented to selectmen Wednesday night.

“I believe our inspectors did a good job and got better as weeks progressed,” Pleasant Lake/Parker Pond Association President Joel Bloom said.

Five trained inspectors worked at the boat access on Pleasant Lake near the town beach from May 10 to Labor Day weekend.

Bloom reported only one plant was found during the inspections. It was on a boat trailer and was not milfoil. No boats needed washing and all had Protection Stickers on bows, he added.

Boat traffic was heavier weekends and lighter than anticipated Monday through Thursday. Bloom said during the first month of the program they realized they would be short of funds if inspections continued 12 hours per day. Hours were shortened to 10 in July and seven in August. Through the program 153 boats were inspected.

“I feel that the program went fairly well and we did learn a lot about how to improve its efficiency and effectiveness,” Bloom said.

He then proposed changes to the program for next summer. The changes included working two split shifts of two hours each Monday through Thursday in May and seven hours on weekends. June, July and August inspectors will work seven-hour schedules weekdays and eight hours on weekends.

Bloom then offered services of two of his volunteers to inspect other waterways in the community for signs of milfoil growth.

Selectman Gerald Robinson first asked if the volunteers were willing to inspect Thompson Lake and Bloom said that waterway is too large. Robinson then suggested Saturday Pond and Moose Pond.

“They’ll do it,” Bloom said.

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