Hi all-- I forwarded Pat's and Tom's questions on to Roy Bouchard at DEP, who is in charge of the invasive aquatic plants program initiated this past summer (some of you know I'm also married to him!) His replies are below. From my soapbox, I'll add that this milfoil initiative is a very important project-- if any JBS folks want to help out next summer, there's a need for volunteers to help with boat checks or as resources to help identify aquatic plants. For more information or to volunteer, check the DEP website Roy mentions, or get in touch with him directly. Thanks! Sue Gawler Variable watermilfoil etc. does refer to M. heterophyllum, and it has been positively identified from all the sites listed on our website ( www.mainedep.com ) . Generally this had been done by a "real botanist" (such as B. Hellquist or Don Cameron) or by knowledgeable "amateurs" (yours truly, Scott Williams of VLMP etc.) These ID's are , and based on flowers and/or fruits. The milfoil at Crystal Lake incident was not confirmed as M. spicatum 100%, as there were no flowers etc. Givent the recent origin of the boat and the fact theat the last immersion was in a lake infested with spicatum (and no other extensive growths of other milfoils) the assumption was made that it was spicatum. We were careful to tell everyone that it was likely but not confirmed. As far as aircraft as vectors: Yes aircraft are one of several other vectors which we have not had time to address,. We assume they are a relativley minor threat, but have potential to transport biological material to distant waters, some of which are not often frequented by boats... the prime vector for movement of plant matirial in this case. see the website below for more on various vectors http://152.119.239.10/docimages/p56/119638.pdf Roy Bouchard ME DEP Lake Assessment Section SHS 17, Augusta, ME 04333 (207)287-7798 (fax -7191) [log in to unmask] http://www.mainedep.com/ or http://janus.state.me.us/dep/blwq/lake.htm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Susan C. Gawler Plant Ecologist Maine Natural Areas Program 93 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 207-287-8042 [log in to unmask]