Good morning LSC. We have some exciting news to share!
We are very happy to report that the LSCA has earned the 2026 Healthy Ecosystems - Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention and Management Grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) & NEIWPCC for $25,000 to be used for our Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting Program (DASH), and our Greeter Program at the public access boat launch in Wells.
These funds will help to partially fund these two very important programs for Lake St. Catherine in 2026.
About the Greeter Program:
Our Greeter Program is very important to the health of Lake St. Catherine. Our Greeters have been trained to identify aquatic invasive species (AIS) - like spiny waterflea, golden clams, water chestnut, starry stonewort and zebra mussels - to stop them from entering LSC at the boat launch in Wells. They also educate boaters about the importance of looking for these invasives on their boat or trailer so they are not spread to LSC or another lake. Each year, they do a fantastic job checking vessels and educating the lake community on the dangers of invasive species for Lake St. Catherine. They are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Traditionally, through State Grant funding and contributions from our members, we were ale to staff the boat launch on the busiest days: Friday through Sunday, holidays, and during fishing tournaments. Earning this grant last year allowed us, for the first time, to be able to staff every day between Memorial and Labor day, and we will be able to do this again this year.
About the DASH Program:
Our DASH crew suits up in scuba gear and hand-pulls milfoil by the roots from the lakebed. In sections of lower milfoil density, they will swim the area and hand-pull milfoil with mesh bags. In higher density areas, they will set up the DASH equipment which allows them to suction the hand-pulled milfoil up through a tube to a catch table on a boat. Milfoil is then placed in 17.5 gallon buckets for transport off the lake. Using plant data collected from the fall survey, and the survey that will be conducted in the spring, a map will be created to show where the DASH team will focus on this season.
Thank you to the LCBP & NEWIPCC for their continued support of Lake St. Catherine!
The LSCA will also be applying soon for State funds through the State's 2026 Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-in-Aid program to earn additional funds that will also help to partially fund both of these programs. Contributions from both Wells and Poultney, and membership contributions make up the funding for the important programs.
Finally, our 2026 Membership Drive just launched in the New Year, and we hope to earn your support. You can learn more about becoming a member of the Lake St. Catherine Association on our website here: https://www.lakestcatherine.org/become-a-member
Thank you!
