The LSCA would like to thank Kimberly Jensen (and her great crew!) from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) for both performing a Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIP) training and zebra mussel water testing at Lake St. Catherine On August 9th. Much was learned - and a good time was had by all!

What is the Vermont Invasive Patrollers Program?

The VIP program was established by the VTDEC in 2007 to focus on early detection of all known and potential aqua c invasive species (AIS). Although VIPs now emphasize aquatic invasive plants more broadly in their surveying efforts, they are trained to identify both aquatic invasive plants and animals that are either established in Vermont or in nearby states and pose the greatest threat to Vermont’s water bodies.

This hands‐on workshop trained participants what aquatic invasive species are, how to prevent the spread of AIS, and how to identify the species that pose the greatest threats to Lake St. Catherine.

The goals of the program are:

• To increase AIS knowledge of lakeshore residents and lake users.
• To create an early detection volunteer network with a primary focus on aquatic invasive species, including plants and animals.
• To increase VTDEC’s knowledge of new infestations and the spread of AIS in lakes.

This is a GREAT addition to our invasive species control and prevention initiatives which includes our Greeter Program. Our Greeters work at the Wells boat launch and at the State Park to inspect vessels before (and after) they enter Lake St. Catherine to check for AIS like spiny water flea, asian clams, zebra mussels, and other invasive plants and animals that are only a lake away from LSC.

Volunteer!

If you enjoy paddling on Lake St. Catherine and would also like to be part of an early warning system looking for invasive species, we hope you will join us and participate in this program. You can help us to monitor LSC for invasive species, survey our healthy native plant populations, and reduce the threat for invasive plant species introductions. Email us at info@lakestcatherine.org to let us know you’d like to volunteer for this program!