VIP (Vermont Invasives Patrollers) Workshop

The West River Watershed Alliance and Laurie Callahan are hosting a Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIP) workshop on Saturday August 22 from 10-2:30. The workshop has two parts – an indoor portion followed by an “on-the-water” session. The indoor part will be held at the Town Office Building on Old School Street in South Londonderry, VT from 10 until noon and the “on-the-water” session will take place at Gale Meadows Pond, a short driving distance SW of South Londonderry, from 12:30–2:30 PM. Gale Meadows Pond is in the upper reaches of the West River watershed.

During the second part of the workshop at Gale Meadows Pond the group will launch from the VT Fish & Game boating access just above the outlet dam. At the pond participants will be trained to conduct an aquatic species survey – primarily looking for invasive aquatic plants, but also learning about native aquatic species and habitats. Eurasian milfoil has been found at Gale Meadows Pond in the past – and observed there in October of 2008. Attendees will need to bring a canoe, kayak or other non-motorized shallow draft boat for the “on-the-water” session. Also, please bring a lunch, water and other necessities for the day.
Leslie Matthews, of the Water Quality Division of VT Department of Conservation, will be the presenter and the leader of the field session. Callahan, an aquatic biologist, will assist Matthews in both portions of the workshop.

VIPs provide the first line of defense against harmful invasive species that can threaten the ecology and recreational potential of our lakes and rivers. They are trained to conduct systematic surveys for aquatic invaders like Eurasian milfoil and zebra mussels. Early detection is vital to protecting Vermont’s waterbodies from invasive plants and animals. When invasive species are detected soon after introduction, before having a chance to become well established, they can often be managed more effectively, and perhaps even eradicated.

The workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Register online at http://www.vtwaterquality.org/cfm/vip/vip_registration.cfm. You can contact Leslie Matthews at leslie.matthews@state.vt.us or at (802) 241-3798. For more information about the workshop or lfor directions to locations contact Laurie Callahan at therivermist@hotmail.com or (802) 258-1877.