Last year saw the implementation of a new approach for controlling water chestnut in Fitzgerald Lake known as “Pull Early, Pull Often”. As we began with a haul of over 400 lbs of this aquatic invasive in June and wound up with less than 10 lbs in September, we were cautiously optimistic about the effectiveness of the new approach and hope for reduced yields this coming summer. Nonetheless, viable water chestnut seed can persist for up to ten years on the lake bottom, so we plan to continue our more aggressive technique this coming summer. We’ll start to organize crews in early May, scout for emerging water chestnut rosettes in late May, and begin pulling in mid-June. Meet at North Farms Road parking lot. We will need volunteers with canoes or kayaks, but we can always use the help of those who don’t have their own boats. Contact : Bob Zimmermann at raz@umass.edu or 585-0405.