Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation to Hold Boat Access Greeter Trainings, Seeking Concerned Community Leaders to Help Stop the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
MONTPELIER – The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Watershed Management Division is holding three public training sessions for those already involved in the Greeter Program and for anyone interest in starting a new program in helping to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) by becoming boat access greeters.
In its 13th year, the Vermont Boat Access Greeter Program utilizes courtesy boat inspections to visually inspect boats and associated equipment for signs of aquatic invasives, to remove any plant or animal materials, and educate water users on the importance of AIS spread prevention. During inspections performed in 2013, a total of 315 boats were intercepted with aquatic plant material or animals. Of those intercepts, Eurasian watermilfoil was removed from 253 boats. This highly invasive species is a threat to the ecological, recreational, and economic health of our lakes and ponds.
With the 2014 boating season fast approaching, trainings are once again being offered to the public. There is no cost to attend, and there are three workshops scheduled during the month of May:
Saturday May 17th
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Hubbardton Town Hall
1831 Monument Hill Road, Castleton VT 05735
Friday May 23rd
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Glover Town Hall
3018 Glover Road (Rt 16), Glover VT 05839
Saturday May 31st
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Marlboro College Graduate Center
28 Vernon Street, Brattleboro VT 05301
Registration is required. For more information about the workshops or to register, contact Misha Cetner at [email protected] or by phone at 802-490-6121. To learn more about aquatic invasive species, please visit http://www.watershedmanagement.vt.gov/lakes/htm/ans/lp_ans-index.htm
United States