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Aquatic Invasive Species Program

The Vermont Aquatic Invasive Species Program, or Aquatic Nuisance Control Program as stated in the Vermont State Legislature (10 V.S.A. 1453), coordinates management activities associated with both aquatic invasive and nuisance species; works with local, state, and federal partners to obtain and provide funds for control projects; and provides education and outreach to reduce the threat and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). The Aquatic Nuisance Control statute also provides the framework for regulations on aquatic nuisance control management activities and permits (10. V.S.A. 1455). Highlights of the many activities that the program staff and technicians annually complete can be found in the 2020 Aquatic Invasive Species Annual Update. AIS population information, management actions, and spread prevention efforts can also be viewed geographically on the Aquatic Invasive Species Program Map.

Aquatic Invasive or Aquatic Nuisance Species?

Aquatic invasive species are non-native species whose introduction can cause harm to the environment, economy, and even human health. Aquatic nuisance species are defined in the Aquatic Nuisance Control statute (10 V.S.A. 1452) as undesirable or excessive substances or populations that interfere with the recreational potential or aquatic habitat of a body of water, including rooted aquatic plants and animal and algal populations. All aquatic invasive species are considered aquatic nuisance species, but aquatic nuisance species may be also be native. Below are Vermont's high-priority aquatic invasive species. The complete list of aquatic invaders threatening Vermont can be found in the Gallery of Invaders.

A Few of Vermont Aquatic Invasive Species

 

What is being done in Vermont?

Small clean boats sign

Aquatic Invasive Species Map

The AIS Map is a visual representation of aquatic invasive species population data, associated management actions, and spread prevention efforts statewide. This map can be used to filter based on the following layers: Public Access Greeter Programs, Vermont Invasive Patroller programs, AIS signage and public access information, AIS control efforts, and AIS status by waterbody. The AIS status by waterbody layer indicates known populations of high-profile AIS, and those waters where no AIS has been confirmed by DEC staff.

Screenshot of the Aquatic Invasive Species Map

Before moving boats between waterbodies:

  • CLEAN off any mud, plants, and animals from boat, trailer, motor and other equipment. Discard removed material in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of them washing into any water body.
  • DRAIN all water from boat, boat engine, and other equipment away from the water.
  • DRY anything that comes into contact with the water.  Drying boat, trailer and equipment in the sun for at least five days is recommended if rinsing your boat, trailer parts and other equipment with hot, high pressure water is not an option.

Stop aquatic hitchhikers logo and link to protect your waters dot net