Commission reports knotweed control work; Friends fund Mono Pond invasives study

Columbia Conservation and Agricultural Commission members reported progress this week on Japanese knotweed control and outlined plans for a follow-up study. "Nothing new, but the state did spray and mow on 66 where the knotweed was, and the town did the same on Pine and Johnson. We are hoping that the town is being intentional about spraying and cutting knotweed," a member said during the meeting.

Members noted that Friends of Mono Pond will fund a study of invasives at Mono Pond to inventory species and inform management options. Tom McGrath said the commission will coordinate with town public works and state transportation crews as needed; Ann Dunnack and others listed as leads on coordination with DPW and CTDOT. The commission discussed centralizing oversight of lake and pond invasive work to reduce duplication and share a limnologist when possible.

The commission did not vote on a new program or funding during the meeting; members agreed to continue outreach with state and town agencies and to return updates at a future meeting.