Early Identification of Aquatic Invasive Species in VT Lakes and Ponds:

How to Launch, Grow and Nurture a Lake Inspection Program

On April 6th, 2022, the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds held a special event to discuss early detection of AIS (aquatic invasive species).

FOVLAP Special Events

The Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds organized this virtual meeting to help organizations and individuals prepare to be trained or improve existing lake inspection programs. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), both plant and animal, are an ever-growing threat to all lakes, ponds and waterways in Vermont. Early identification of new invasives is critical so resources can be marshalled to mitigate spread. Well trained volunteers can monitor their waterbody and be the first to detect invasives or other important changes to plant and animal life in their lakes. The Vermont Invasive Patrollers Program (VIP) organized by the VT Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC), is one lake inspection program that many lakes participate in. The VTDEC plans several trainings every summer to educate volunteers on lake inspections. This seminar discussed that program along with discussing other lake inspections programs and how to organize and sustain such programs.

Topics included:

  • Overview of the Vermont Invasive Patroller (VIP) Program
  • New Hampshire lake inspection programs
  • Alternative approaches using iNaturalist
  • Roundtable discussion: VIP experience, and how to improve it

The meeting was recorded and can be viewed here, and on YouTube.

2022 Early Identification of AIS: