Fragment screens help prevent the spread of swollen bladderwort

To help prevent the spread of the aquatic invasive plant swollen bladderwort from Tilton Pond to downstream waterbodies, this spring and summer we’ve worked with Maine DEP staff to install two fragment screens along Titlon’s outlet to catch plant fragments – the plant’s primary method of reproduction. Built using half-inch hardware cloth and galvanized steel posts, the screens span 25 ft and 40 ft across the outlet channel. During our routine checks of the screens since they were installed, we have observed significant amounts of swollen bladderwort plants up against the screens, indicating promising results.