LEWISTON – The Maine Milfoil Summit will turn 10 years old this Friday as its members gather to discuss efforts to fight the invasive plant.

The summit will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the University of Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College. It is free and open to the public.

Col. Joel Wilkinson of the Maine Warden Service will discuss enforcement efforts against milfoil and how the economic downturn may affect boat registrations and milfoil revenues.

Carol Ann Doucette of the Little Sebago Lake Association will report on an effort by environmental groups to secure federal funding to fight milfoil in 29 Maine lakes. Last year, the association said groups were seeking approximately $4 million from federal appropriations and grants, as well as a state match and private contributions.

In addition, Peter Lowell of the Lakes Environmental Association will discuss past efforts to control milfoil and Peter Kallin of the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance will discuss the status of a milfoil infestation in Salmon Lake. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Congress of Lakes Association, and Maine Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants will also present updates.

In the event of inclement weather on the day of the summit, call 647-8580 for an update on the status of the event. For more information or to register for the summit, contact Lowell at the same number.

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