Hello LSC.

We'd like to let you know about an upcoming seminar from the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds (Vermont Lakes), entitled: "Emerging Aquatic Invasive Species in Vermont Inland Lakes".

This seminar will take place via Zoom on Thursday, January 19th from 10 AM - 12 PM. You can RSVP to attend here: https://vermontlakes.org/event/emerging-aquatic-invasive-species/.

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plants and animals that are introduced and can cause harm to the local environment. You can read more about the issues and problems caused by AIS on Vermont's AIS webpage.

The seminar will discuss existing infestations in Vermont lakes and ponds, and will then focus on 3 emerging threats: spiny and fishhook waterflea, the round goby, and hydrilla.

The LSCA funds programs and works to both prevent new infestations of AIS with our Greeter Program which checks boats and trailers for AIS before and after they enter LSC, and to control the existing infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil in LSC with our Milfoil Control Program.

Many AIS are just a lake or two away from LSC, and include spiny waterflea, zebra mussels, asian clams, and water chestnut - and we do not want these to become established in the lake. Our Greeters are on the lookout for them - and we hope that you are too. Prevention is our best line of defense against invasives.

In August of 2022, LSCA Trustees were trained by the DEC to perform AIS patrols of the lake as part of their Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIP) program. We hope to work with and train volunteers to help launch this program on LSC in 2023 - please contact us if you are interested. VIPs monitor the lake, especially near boat launches, for new introductions of invasive species and report their findings to the DEC. If a new AIS is detected early, it's possible to eradicate it before it infests the lake.

We have also recently highlighted some articles and commentaries noting that Vermont's lakes and ponds are under increasing pressure from the spread of new and existing AIS, but funding from the State for AIS prevention and control is decreasing in 2023. The LSCA will continue to work to increase our membership and apply for grants to help fund our AIS prevention and control programs.

If you'd like to learn more about AIS, and these three new emerging threats, you can RSVP to this seminar here: https://vermontlakes.org/event/emerging-aquatic-invasive-species/. We hope to see you there.