CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — Anglers and boaters are being advised to stay away from Meshanticut Pond in Cranston on Thursday.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) said it will be treating the pond for a variety of invasive aquatic plants, including sacred lotus, variable water milfoil and fanwort.
BACKGROUND: Invasive aquatic plants are an expensive problem in RI
The treatment is not harmful to fish or other wildlife, but the DEM said pets should not be allowed to drink from the pond for at least three days after the treatment is applied.
Last year, the DEM said it removed 96 bags of the sacred lotus from the pond with the help of URI students.
FILE – Sacred lotus at Meshanticut Pond in Cranston (Leah Crowley/ WPRI-TV)
The sacred lotus was illegally planted in the pond in 2014. The plants now cover around a quarter of the pond. The DEM has been trying to get rid of the plant for years, but the sacred lotus has continued to spread over the water body.
Aquatic weed infestations cause problems for native ecosystems and are also a nuisance to anglers, boaters and swimmers.
MORE: DEM tackling ‘infestations’ of invasive aquatic plants in Cumberland pond
The DEM said anglers and boaters should make sure their equipment and vessels are cleaned, drained and dried before and after they come into contact with freshwater.
You can learn more about preventing the spread of invasive aquatic plants by clicking here.