| Title: | 2016 Aquatic Invasive Species River Steward |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ausable River Association |
| Publication Year: | 2017 |
| Number of Pages in Article: | 21 |
| Journal/Publication: | Lake Champlain Basin Program |
| Publication Type: | Final Reports |
| Citation: | Ausable River Association (2016). 2016 Aquatic Invasive Species River Steward, Grand Isle, VT: Lake Champlain Basin Program |
| How to Obtain: | Download Now |
| Dataset(s): | |
| Abstract: | The Ausable River is the longest of three Adirondack rivers that flows into Lake Champlain and has the potential to be a major vector for aquatic invasive species (AIS) spread. The Ausable River is known for its spectacular vistas and world class trout fishery and cannot afford the ecosystem-changing invasions of AIS whether it is a nuisance invader like didymo, or non-native invasives like New Zealand mud snail, rusty crayfish, or fish disease. The Ausable River Association’s River Steward Program works to protect the Ausable River and associated lakes from aquatic invasive species, and in doing so helps to protect the Lake Champlain Basin. The River Steward program began in 2010 and has been successfully disseminating the AIS spread prevention message and collecting survey data for six years. The goal of the program is to educate the public through multiple outlets such as direct streamside education to river users, distributing spread prevention materials to local businesses, and educating at public events. In addition to providing AIS spread prevention education, the river steward maintains wader wash stations, providing an on-site way for anglers to keep AIS out of the river, and observes and reports new terrestrial or aquatic invasive infestations in the watershed. |