The Lake St. Catherine Association (LSCA) is pleased to announce grant funding from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's Grant-in-Aid Program on two fronts for a total of $21,695.00. The Aquatic Invasive Species Grant-in-Aid is an important piece of funding that the LSCA utilizes to manage milfoil and educate the public on water quality issues and invasive species threatening the health and balance of the lake.

Our Greeter Program is stationed at the Fish and Wildlife boat access in Wells. Our greeters welcome boaters at the launch to inspect boats and trailers for any signs of invasive species, particularly the introduction of milfoil and zebra mussels. They also educate people on other threats that might be in other waters that could be transported if a boat was recently in another body of water. Boats are also inspected and any fragments of weeds are removed from boats and trailers so they will not be transported to other lakes. It is highly encouraged to wash your boat as well as clean, drain, and dry bilges and engine intakes before traveling from one lake to another. In addition, in partnership with the Lake St. Catherine State Park, our greeter station at the park is also operating this year as well. These important grant dollars make it possible for the LSCA to expand its program to monitor as many boats as possible coming and going from Lake St. Catherine.

A portion of the grant also contributes to support our Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) Control Program which focuses on the in-lake methods used to combat the invasive milfoil and monitor the water body for signs of any other threats of non-native species. The LSCA uses an integrated, multi-faceted approach to management which includes DASH (diver assisted suction harvesting), diver hand pulling, and spot herbicide treatment.

The most recent success of the program has led to a greatly reduced population of milfoil in the Little Lake. This expansion of the program is part of a 3-year program the Lake St. Catherine Association planned with participation from the Lake St. Catherine Conservation Fund (LSCCF) to focus on areas that have been unable to benefit from the treatment program over the past several years. The Little Lake program received support funds from the LSCA, LSCCF, and individual donations through a fundraising campaign, to successfully treat 40% of the Little Lake with ProcellaCOR.

We would like to thank the Town of Poultney and Wells, as well as the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District (PMNRCD) for their support and partnership in the successful application and administration of the grants as well as the peripheral programs that enhance the Lake St. Catherine environment for all to enjoy.