To Report an Aquatic Nuisance Species Sighting in Vermont Call: 802-241-3777

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VT Aquatic Nuisance Species Sticker Program

This Aquatic Nuisance Species section of the of the Water Quality Division web site presents information regarding aquatic nuisance species. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation manages the Vermont Aquatic Nuisance Control Program. The goal of the Program is "to prevent or reduce the environmental and socio-economic impacts of nuisance (primarily non-native) aquatic plant and animal species." Many species are included in the Program; however, the priority species at this time are listed below.

Click on an image for more information on each species.

	Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) is a glossy, green, triangular-leaved plant can easily choke the waterbodies it invades, out-compete native plants, and reduce oxygen levels which can increase the potential for fish kills. Dense, nearly impenetrable water chestnut growth can make fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, and other recreational activities nearly impossible. Its sharply spined fruits wash ashore and can be hazardous to people who step on them.		Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) is a stringy, submerged plant that quickly proliferates. It is highly invasive and aggressively competes with native plant communities reducing biodiversity. Dense mats clog propellers, impair swimming, restrict boating and fishing accesses, and affect water quality.
	Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are small barnacle-like mollusks. They have caused some very serious economic and environmental problems in many areas. They are highly prolific and able to form dense colonies out-competing native species. They feed by filtering plankton out of the water which impacts water clarity and alters the food web.		Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a wetland perennial plant. It is highly successful and able to out-compete native vegetation due to it's high germination rate, and its abundant and easily transported seed. Dense growth can eliminate food and shelter for wildlife including shallow water fish spawning grounds.
	Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) is a marine fish from the herring family capable of surviving in freshwater. They reproduce quickly and can soon become the most dominant fish species in a lake. They are very efficient feeders and consume huge quantities of zooplankton which enable them to out-compete other species.		Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is a parasitic fish resembling an eel. It is negatively impacting recreational fisheries in Lake Champlain.
	Rusty Crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) can be identified by their robust claws with black bands on the tips, and dark, rusty spots on each side of their carapace (body). They can out-compete native species, forcing native crayfish from daytime hiding areas and destroying aquatic plant beds. They have likely been spread into numerous waterbodies in Vermont by anglers using them for bait.		Didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) is a non-native algae (diatom) species capable of forming thick nuisance mats on river and stream bottoms with potentially significant impacts to fisheries and other habitat. (Picture at left from New Zealand)

The State of Vermont is working in a number of ways to control and prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species (ANS):

• Vermonters and visitors to our state are learning about ANS through a variety of educational materials: pamphlets and newsletters, slide shows, identification posters, metal boater warning signs, and public meetings.
• Surveys that assess the types and amounts of aquatic plants growing in a lake are conducted to monitor existing nuisance plant growth and to detect newly introduced nuisance plant populations.
• A citizen-based, early detection program called the Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIP) Program has been established to search lakes for new ANS infestations. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in this program.
• The Department of Environmental Conservation is keeping abreast of current research to learn of improved ANS control methods and their applicability for use in Vermont.
• Demonstration projects have been implemented on a number of Vermont lakes to evaluate new control methods as well as to refine established techniques.
• Technical assistance on ANS control is provided to towns, lake associations, and others.
• Financial assistance (pdf, 196 KB) is available through the Aquatic Nuisance Control Program in the form of grants to municipalities for qualified applicants to implement restoration, management, or protection projects.

Prevent the introduction and spread of nonnative invasive species.

• Contact the Water Quality Division immediately if you think you have found a new occurrence of an aquatic invasive species.
• Join the VIPs! Vermont Invasive Patrollers help search for new infestations so we can respond immediately and prevent them from becoming established.
• Learn to identify aquatic invasive species. Know which waterbodies are infested. Review identification and distribution information on this website. The Maine Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants - Virtual Herbarium website also has identification information for many invasive aquatic plants found in the northeast.
• Spread the word, not the nuisance! Public participation is essential to the success of ANS spread prevention efforts.

Before moving boats between waterbodies:

• Inspect boat, trailer, motor and other equipment for attached plant or animal material.
• Remove all plant and animal material.
• Discard removed material in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of them washing into any water body.
• Drain all water from boat, boat engine, and other equipment.
• Rinse all boat and trailer parts with tap water (preferably hot, high pressure).
• Dry boat, trailer and equipment out of water and in sun for at least five days.

Additional Resources

• Report on the Vermont Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-In-Aid Program, January 2006 (pdf, 684 KB)
• Aquatic Nuisance Species Resources/Publications (Water Quality Division)
• Aquatic Plant Management Contractors List (pdf, 174 KB)
• Grant-in-Aid Program
• How to Conduct an Aquatic Plant Survey (pdf, 86 KB)
• Exotic Invasive Aquatic Plants of Concern in Vermont and Local Native Look-alikes (pdf, 295 KB)
• Lake Champlain Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (pdf, 1.1 MB)
• Links to Other Aquatic Nuisance Species Sites
• List of Aquatic Plant and Animal Species of Concern in Vermont (with links to fact sheets) (pdf, 147 KB)
• List of Prohibited Aquatic Plants (pdf, 72 KB)
• Noxious Weed Quarantine (pdf, 105 KB)
• Vermont ANS Highlights in Out of the Blue Newsletter
• Vermont ANS Permit Programs
• Vermont ANS Regulations

Updated: January 2006