Five years ago we implemented a new approach to controlling water chestnut in Fitzgerald Lake called “pull early, pull often.” In 2017, we removed roughly 1,100 lbs. from the lake while in 2021 the yield was down to 100 lbs. Though we are pleased with the results so far, viable water chestnut seed can persist for up to ten years on the lake bottom so we plan to continue our “pull early, pull often” approach again this year. We’ll organize crews in late May, begin pulling in mid-June and continue at 3-week intervals throughout the summer. Volunteers should bring their own canoes or kayaks. This is the 1st of 5 planned pulls.   If interested, contact Bob Zimmermann by email (raz@umass.edu) or phone (585-0405) for further information or to volunteer.