The project purpose is for the vermont department of environmental conservation to support efforts in the lake champlain basin region to reduce the threats of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) found…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a $121,509 Project Grant under the CFDA 15.608 Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species program to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VT DEC). The purpose of this 3-year grant, with a period of performance from Oct 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2027, is to support efforts in the Lake Champlain Basin region to reduce threats from aquatic nuisance species (ANS). Key activities to be performed include conducting early detection and spread prevention, such as training, education, monitoring, and harvesting of ANS. VT DEC will also assist with watercraft inspections, support compliance with ANS laws and regulations, and prioritize at-risk waterbodies. The expected outcomes are a reduction in ANS threats, maintenance of healthy native aquatic species populations, and increased public understanding of ANS issues.

The project purpose is for the vermont department of environmental conservation to support efforts in the lake champlain basin region to reduce the threats of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) found within and outside of the basin through science based and ecologically accepted management practices. Activities to be performed include conducting early detection and spread prevention activities that included training and education outreach activities for a wide variety of audiences monitoring surveying and harvesting ANS by state agents and trained contracted staff and acquisition and development of supplies publications and signage etc. To assist those individuals who directly interact with or are responsible these activities. Additional activities include training and support for watercraft inspections assistance to support compliance of ANS laws and regulations by game wardens and prioritizing at risk waterbodies and new potential threats not yet found in the basin. Expected outcomes include a reduction in ANS threats to non infested waterbodies maintaining healthy and sustainable native aquatic species populations within all waterbodies and wildlife management areas and a broader capacity of understanding of ANS threats by the general public.(included in the SOW).