NHDES informational slideshow on aquatic plants & invasive aquatic plants in the Merrymeeting Watershed

The following slide show is intended for residents of New Durham and Alton who want to participate as weed watchers in the Merrymeeting River watershed. The slides are presented in four sections. The first section are native aquatic plants found in Marsh, Jones, and Downing Ponds (all in the Merrymeeting River) in New Durham. Most are likely found in Alton as well. The second section presents algae found in the Merrymeeting River and demonstrates the difference in appearance of native green algae and the harmful cyanobacteria. Both of these species are found in New Durham and Alton. The third series of slides are invasive aquatic plants of which variable milfoil is found in New Durham and Alton, Common Reed found in New Durham, and Purple Loosestrife found in New Durham and Alton.  And finally, the last series of slides documents invasive animal species of which the Chinese Mystery Snail has been documented in New Durham. Invasive species outgrow their native counterparts and often cause major disturbances to the habitat they occupy. Weed watchers who believe they have found a new invasive aquatic plant or animal, not previously mentioned above, should take a photograph or collect a specimen, note the exact location, and send the photo or specimen to the NH DES ( address on a slide). These slides may be used as a guide for weed watchers looking in other waterbodies in each town.