Activities

The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds (FOVLAP) holds two “Main Events” each year.

• Our Annual Meeting is held annually in early September at a centrally-located site accessible to all members and attendees. The meeting is a full day and provides member associations with the opportunity to network with other Vermont lake associations, hear about their activities and learn from their experiences. The day is highlighted by keynote speakers with professional backgrounds in a variety of subjects of interest to our members, such as aquatic invasive species (e.g., Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussels, spiny waterfleas), best management practices to control erosion and nutrient runoff when developing waterfront land, boating rules and regulations, and other pertinent and timely topics. Individual lake associations also give reports on their concerns and activities. (See the bottom of our annual meetings page for minutes from these meetings).
• The Lake Seminar is a one-day educational seminar held anually in early June in conjunction with VTDEC Lakes and Ponds staff. Agenda topics typically include water quality protection, aquatic invasive species, and shore land and watershed management, with numerous speakers and workshops providing the latest information on topics critical to the success of our members’ lake management and protection activities.

In addition to our two main events, other activities include:

• As members of the international North American Lake Management Society (NALMS), and the New England Chapter of NALMS (NEC-NALMS), our officers frequently attend national and local chapter meetings, providing information in areas of interest to our members.
• We monitor and speak to proposed state legislation that we perceive to have a material effect on the interest of our members. Visit our Legislative News page for specifics.
• Our biannual newsletter keeps members informed of matters of interest throughout the year and provides current content on lake protection and areas of interest.
• We depend on, and receive, professional advice and counsel from the staff of the Watershed Management Division, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. Division staff attend our annual meeting, participate in our annual Lake Seminar, and meet with individual lake and pond associations, providing onsite guidance and advice. They are an integral part of our organization.
• Many of our directors and members participate in volunteer lake monitoring opportunities:
  • Vermont DEC Lay Monitoring Program
  • Vermont DEC Vermont Invasive Patroller Program (VIPs)
  • Vermont DEC Vermont Public Access Greeter Program
  • For more information on lake monitoring opportunities, visit the Vermont DEC Watershed Management Division.