For the fifth year, the Memphremagog Watershed Association (MWA) has served as the regional administrator for the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s (VTDEC) Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-in-Aid Program, distributing critical funding to local partners to support aquatic invasive species (AIS) management and prevention.

In 2025, MWA partnered with eight towns for greeter programs and two for milfoil management projects, awarding a total of $178,986 in state funds. Of that amount, $170,463 went directly to grantees to support on-the-ground work by lake associations and municipalities across the region. Most programs are operated by their respective lake associations, with Newport Town serving as the one municipally run program. MWA extends its appreciation to both the participating towns and lake associations for their shared commitment to protecting local waterways!

Greeter programs continue to be the first line of defense against the spread of aquatic invasives. Staffed at public access points throughout the watershed, greeters inspect boats, trailers, and gear while educating boaters about the importance of keeping all equipment clean, drained, and dry. Humans remain the primary vector for the transport of invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels—organisms that can quickly disrupt native ecosystems, choke waterways, and damage recreation opportunities. This work is especially important in our region, given the number of pristine lakes in our area.

This year, MWA also continued its leadership role in training and education, co-hosting one of Vermont’s three in-person Greeter Trainings this year. The session was led by Kim Jensen and Cedulie Benoit-Smith of VTDEC, providing local greeters with the knowledge and tools to effectively engage the public and prevent the spread of invasives.

In an additional commitment to conservation, the MWA Board of Directors voted to use the organization’s administrative fee from this grant for the vector lake targeted program this year, ensuring that every dollar goes directly into on-the-ground AIS control initiatives.

For more information about aquatic invasive species and how you can help protect our lakes, visit www.mwavt.org/invasives.

Averill Greeter Shed – Matt Leferriere and greeter Rob Roy.  Photo by Connie Jackson