The DRAFT Massachusetts Aquatic Plant Management Guide
The Massachusetts Aquatic Plant Management Guide (Mass APM Guide) is intended to provide an update to the 2004 Generic Environmental Impact Report on Eutrophication and Aquatic Plant Management in Massachusetts (GEIR) and the accompanying Practical Guide to Lake Management in Massachusetts. The original GEIR was developed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Over the last two decades, much experience has been gained with the management of lakes and ponds. Additionally, changes in regulations have created additional needs not addressed in 2004 and this document incorporates this information. This 2025 guide incorporates updates to both the GEIR and Practical Guide into one hybrid document.
The draft Mass APM Guide was recently posted for public review and comment for 30 days. There were over 100 comments, questions, edits and suggestions received for the draft; all of these are currently under review by the interagency team that has worked on the Mass APM Guide. Replies to comments, questions, edits and suggestions will be posted once they are available. If you have any questions, please contact the DCR Lakes & Ponds Program.
Eutrophication and Aquatic Plant Management In Massachusetts General Environmental Impact Report
This report presents a brief summary of the science of limnology (the study of freshwater ecosystems), describes procedures for lake management, and reviews case studies of lake management in Massachusetts. If you would like a copy of either the GEIR without appendices, GEIR Appendices, or The Practical Guide to Lake Management in Massachusetts, please email the lakes and ponds program at dcr.lakesandponds@mass.gov.
Understanding Massachusetts Lakes: Protection Through Education
Massachusetts has over 3000 lakes and ponds that provide opportunities for recreation and valuable habitat for a wide diversity of plants and animals. However, over the years, many citizens of Massachusetts have observed a decline in the health of their lakes and ponds. This guide is a starting point for concerned citizens who wish to learn about lake ecology and ways they can protect the future of their lake or pond. From basic concepts of watersheds and ecology of a waterbody to water quality issues and proactive management approaches, consider this a “Lakes 101” type of guide with various resources to dig deeper into!
If you would like a copy of "Understanding Massachusetts Lakes: Protection Through Education", please email the lakes and ponds program at dcr.lakesandponds@mass.gov.
A Guide to Aquatic Plants in Massachusetts
This guide is a dichotomous key to the common aquatic plants found in Massachusetts, with a series of questions to lead you to the identification of a plant you’re observing. Your answers to the questions will allow you to narrow down what you’re looking at and hopefully arrive at a species that looks like yours. However, Massachusetts’ waterbodies have a diversity of aquatic plants, with some that can only be distinguished by fruit and/or flowers, or sometimes even genetic analysis. The guide has a helpful hints section based on different features that a plant may have, as well as quick reference charts at the end.
If you would like a copy of "A Guide to Aquatic Plants in Massachusetts", please email the lakes and ponds program at dcr.lakesandponds@mass.gov.
A Guide to Invasive Aquatic Species in Massachusetts
This guide is a smaller sized, waterproof, booklet with invasive aquatic species in Massachusetts, which is perfect for keeping in your boat to utilize while you’re on the water and may observe a plant that is invasive. Many species within this guide are well established and prevalent throughout the Commonwealth. However, some species in this guide are merely present in a few waterbodies and are not yet widely distributed here. Lastly, there are species that are threats also in the guide that may be in nearby states, and species of concern that are not yet here or nearby, but have the potential to be invasive if they were to establish in Massachusetts.
If you would like a copy of "A Guide to Invasive Aquatic Species in Massachusetts", please email the lakes and ponds program at dcr.lakesandponds@mass.gov.
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Handout Card
This handout card is perfect to give out at events, boat ramps, and to new lake users as an easy to use educational resource on how to properly clean or decontaminate any recreational equipment that has been used in a waterbody.
If you would like a copy of "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Handout Card", please email the lakes and ponds program at dcr.lakesandponds@mass.gov.
Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Boat Ramp Sign
This metal sign is designed to be hung at boat ramps and similar access areas to remind users to clean their boat(s) and equipment before using it again at another waterbody.
If you would like a copy of "Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Boat Ramp Sign", please email the lakes and ponds program at dcr.lakesandponds@mass.gov.
Weed Watcher Program
You can request an in-person plant identification training class, known as a Weed Watcher Class, from us! You provide the people, venue, tables, chairs and faucet water source, and we’ll bring the live plants, educational materials for participants to keep and teach you how to easily identify common aquatic plants in Massachusetts.