Lake Champlain Zebra Mussel Monitoring ProgramThe Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC), in cooperation with the Lake Champlain Basin Program, initiated the Lake Champlain Zebra Mussel Monitoring Program in 1994 to track the zebra mussel's distribution through the lake. Reports are provided annually.
The Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) Grant-in-Aid Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and agencies of the state for aquatic invasive and nuisance species management programs. Funding for the ANC Grant-in-Aid grants comes from a portion of annual revenues from motorboat registration fees and federal funds. This grant program has supported over 70 municipalities since 1994.
Various aquatic invasive species control efforts have been implemented in Vermont, and many are ongoing. VTDEC permits many AIS control actions, and is directly involved in the implementation of others. Local governments, watershed and lake associations, and other individuals are also involved in a myriad of control efforts around the state.
With over 800 lakes and ponds throughout Vermont, and 100 of those infested with aquatic invasive species, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) staff annually monitor and survey priority lakes and ponds along with aquatic invasive species (AIS) considered a severe threat. During the growing season, VTDEC staff routinely survey and monitor Vermont waters to:
There are many ongoing programs in Vermont aimed at curbing the spread of invasive species and preventing new infestations. These initiatives are supported by Vermont DEC and often involve participation from landowners, watershed associations, and other interested volunteers.
The Vermont Aquatic Invasive Species Program, or Aquatic Nuisance Control Program as stated in the Vermont State Legislature (10 V.S.A.
The Lakes and Ponds Program hosts a variety of monitoring programs to study long-term water quality, habitat, climate, and other ecological trends on Vermont’s lakes and ponds.
