PETERSHAM — Following the discovery of an invasive species in Pottapaug Pond, private boats have been restricted.

According to a Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) spokesperson, earlier last week, staff at Quabbin Reservoir discovered an aquatic invasive species called Swollen Bladderwort in the pond. According to the DCR, this plant is native to the Southern United States, but is non-native to Massachusetts. Swollen Bladderwort is a rootless, carnivorous, bushy submerged plant that can form dense mats at the water surface. Swollen Bladderwort is described as a competitive plant that has the potential to displace native species, reduce biodiversity and hamper recreational uses.

“Swollen bladderwort was discovered by a DCR environmental analyst at the containment boom that separates Pottapaug from Quabbin Reservoir,” the spokesperson wrote in an e-mail. “This is the first documentation of it in the pond and it has not been documented in Quabbin Reservoir.”

The spokesperson added that there’s no way to know how the plants came to be in the pond, as they can move around in a variety of ways, including being carried by wildlife or people via their fishing and boating equipment.

To prevent the spread of this invasive plant to the reservoir and other surrounding waterbodies, DCR has restricted the use of private boats in this area. DCR staff are doing survey work to develop a plan to deal with this plant and boats will be restricted until it is in place and further spread can be prevented.

Motorized boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent.

Pottapaug Pond is part of the Quabbin Reservoir, with several access roads and a boat launch in Petersham. It is in Fishing Area 3 of the reservoir and is adjacent to Fish Pond.

Max Bowen can be reached at mbowen@recorder.com or 413-930-4074.

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