RANGELEY — Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust not only conserve lands, but works to ensure the waters of the Rangeley region lakes, ponds, rivers and streams remain in the pristine condition they are known for.

Sarah Fredrick, water quality coordinator, oversees the courtesy boat inspector program

Inspections begin in 2001 as a statewide initiative to protect water bodies from 11 invasive aquatic species. The trust inspection program began in 2002.

“There are more invasives on the watchlist now than there were when the program started. Maine is currently looking out for 15 invasive plants. Many of these invaders are not in Maine but they are moving closer,” she said.

Invasive plants of concern include variable-leaf milfoil, Eurasian watermilfoil, curlyleaf pondweed, parrot feather and swollen bladderwort.

“A courtesy boat inspector is an individual who inspects motorized and nonmotorized boats as they enter or leave a body of water,” Fredrick explained. “They are the first line of defense in protecting waterbodies from aquatic invasive species. A boat inspector’s job is to educate the public as much as possible along with preventing invasive species from getting in.”

It is illegal in Maine to transport aquatic species, native or nonnative, on a boat or trailer.

Inspectors are stationed at the town park, Oquossoc Cove, Haines Landing, Cupsuptic River, Shelton Trail and Mill Brook boat launches from Memorial Day weekend through September. Inspectors are a mix of paid employees and volunteers.

“We have paid employees who focus on water quality monitoring, including invasive plant patrol and dissolved oxygen readings. We also have some high school students who work as (courtesy boat inspectors), and we have some high school students and adults who volunteer,” Fredrick said.

Fredrick said there is a certain level of agility needed to become an inspector, as the job requires bending and crawling under boats to look for and remove plant material.

“So far this season, our CBIs have pulled 26 plants from boats,” she said. “All but three have been native plants.”

The three nonnative plants have been identified as noninvasive, Fredrick said.

“Some of them look very similar,” Fredrick said. “Once we determine that it is not invasive, we are no longer concerned. We most recently found a noninvasive bladderwort and had some concerned citizens bring us milfoil. There are numerous native milfoils in our area and they are completely safe to the lake. Native and invasive milfoils look very similar so we always appreciate people alerting us.”

According to the inspector training handbook, native plants are essential elements of the aquatic ecosystem and provide the basis for all life in the water. The problem with nonnative invasives is that they have no natural competition or predators and out-compete native plants.

If a milfoil is found, and the type cannot be identified, it is sent to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for a DNA test.

Inspectors enter data for every inspection into the state’s DEP dashboard. The information collected includes whether plant material was found, where the boat registered, where the inspection took place, and whether the boat was entering or leaving the water.

The dashboard indicates, as of July 31, there have been 76 invasive aquatic plants, verified by an expert, removed from boats statewide this year. There have been no invasive aquatic plants identified in the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust coverage area this year, Fredrick said.

Most people are open to having their boats inspected.

“People who enjoy our lakes regularly are just as concerned as we are about keeping invasive plants out. Some boaters who have seen invasive plant infestation are also very aware of what can happen when an invasive plant gets into a waterbody,” Fredrick said.