Since its creation in 1998, the Vermont DEC’s Watershed Grant Program’s primary focus has been to support watershed-related education and recreation and directly protect and restore Vermont’s watersheds.

In 2019, the Watershed Grant program recognized the Lake St. Catherine Association’s “Greeter” program at the State’s boat launch. Entitled “Taking the Lake St. Catherine Greeter Program to the Next Level of Performance through Evidence-Based Decision-Making”, The Association will use the $5,000 full funding of the outreach grant to expand the aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention program to keep invasive species out of Lake St. Catherine.

Specifically, the grant will expand the AIS Prevention Program (Greeter Program / Boat Launch Monitoring), through a 25% increase in hours, a special focused pilot study on July 4th weekend, to initiate outreach through a dialogue with Lake St. Catherine State Park on common goals and protocols, and a structured review of best practices and outcomes, for consideration of the feasibility of a pressurized decontamination station.

The Public Access Greeters perform a variety of inspections and decontaminations: visual and tactile inspection, removal of organic material, boater remove the bilge plug until drained, and distribute educational materials. In 2018, over 800 watercraft were inspected.

The Greeter Program is not only aimed at preventing the introduction of invasive species to Lake St. Catherine, but also at education and community building. It is an opportunity to interact with boaters, gain trust, and provide information on how to safely enjoy the Lake.

Half of the proceeds derived from the sale of Vermont Conservation License Plates go towards funding the Vermont Watershed Grants Program.

The Program, co-administered by DEC and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, distributes grant dollars for noteworthy local and regional water-related projects within Vermont.

All are encouraged to consider switching your current license plate to a Vermont Conservation license plate. Applications to do so can be found at here at the Conservation License Plate website. Currently, there are 3 plate options to choose from: Deer, Loon, Trout:

If you know of a conservation-minded student who would enjoy working at the boat launch this summer, kindly contact LSCA Board Member John Belnavis at: john.beinavis@lakestcatherine.org.

The Board of Directors of the Lake St. Catherine Association sincerely thanks the Vermont DEC for supporting its efforts to protect Lake St. Catherine, now and in the future.