Once aquatic nuisance species are present in Lake Champlain, they are very difficult or even impossible to remove, and extremely costly to manage. Spread prevention relies on early detection of both species and pathways of introduction, rapid response to new threats, and public education programs.

Rapid Response Plan

In May 2009, the Lake Champlain Steering Committee approved the Lake Champlain Basin Rapid Response Action Plan for Aquatic Invasive Species. This plan is intended to ensure that appropriate protocols, trained personnel, equipment, permits, and other resources are in place to contain and potentially eradicate newly detected nonnative aquatic invasive species as they are reported in the Basin. The plan envisions a task force comprised of members from Quebec, New York, and Vermont to implement and oversee rapid response actions. The Plan will be updated regularly by the LCBP Aquatic Nuisance Species Subcommittee and Rapid Response Workgroup.

• Download the May 2009 Rapid Response Action Plan (250 KB PDF)

Champlain Canal Issues

The Champlain Canal, which connects Lake Champlain the Hudson River watershed and the Great Lakes watershed is potential pathway for transporting aquatic nuisance species (ANS) to Lake Champlain. As of 2008, the Champlain watershed had 48 ANS, whereas the Hudson had 91 and the Great Lakes had 184. In November, 2008 the LCBP, the NYS Canal Corporation and several partner groups hosted a stakeholder meeting to explore threats and solutions to the problem. For more information, please download the following documents in PDF format:

• Champlain Canal Aquatic Invasive Species Stakeholder Meeting - Summary
• Champlain Canal Aquatic Invasive Species Stakeholder Meeting - Public Comments
• Thank you letter to participants

Lake Stewards Program

In 2007, the LCBP began its Lake Stewards program at several Lake Champlain boat launches and expanded the program in 2008 and 2009. Lake Stewards station popular launches between roughly late June and Labor Day, informing people about aquatic nuisance species spread prevention. They are also trained to perform voluntary boat inspections for invasive species and collect boat launch use survey data. In 2007, the stewards greeted more than 2,000 boaters.

Publications and Websites

• Aquatic Invaders Brochure (Spread Prevention Tips) (1,553 KB PDF)
• Baitfish of Vermont Including Lake Champlain (VT FWD) (763 KB PDF)