Hello LSC.
We'd like to let you know about an upcoming presentation about the Vermont DEC's Public Access Greeter Program being hosted by FOVLAP - The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds via Zoom on April 27th, 2023 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM - all the details are below.
You can RSVP to attend here: https://vermontlakes.org/event/what-it-all-means-a-look-into-vermonts-public-access-greeter-program/.
In recent years, the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program has seen a jump in the number of boat inspections, and with it, an increase in threats of invasions.
The statewide Vermont Public Access Greeter Program, supported primarily by local municipalities and associations, serve to protect one of Vermont’s most important assets, it’s native aquatic ecosystems.
While these Greeters focus is to prevent the spread of an invasion and educate the public, they also provide the AIS program with important data to answer many questions, mainly: Where should we look next?
Olin Reed, an Aquatic Biologist with the AIS program, will discuss the answers that the Public Access Greeter Program provides to the state, how this data is shared with our partners, and how it is used to better protect our lakes and ponds.
The LSCA has managed and funded (through membership contributions & donations, and grants) the Lake St. Catherine Greeter Program since 2004.
Our Greeters are hard working young adults who have been trained to identify aquatic invasive species (AIS) to stop them from entering LSC. 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.
Their duties include:
- Approaching and interacting with boaters
- Inspecting watercraft
- Identifying and handling suspicious specimens
- Collecting and reporting data
- Distributing educational material on aquatic invasive species
Greeters do not just check boats and trailers for milfoil - they are checking for many invasive species that are just a lake or two away from us. These invasives include zebra mussels, spiny waterflea, asian clams, water chestnuts and starry stonewort.
Our Greeters are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day - working on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They also cover holidays and fishing tournaments.
If you'd like to learn about this great program, sign up for this 1 hour webinar.
Finally, we may have some greeter positions available this spring & summer. If you are interested, please email us at info@lakestcatherine.org.
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