Prevention

The Lake Iroquois Greeter Program


The greeters are back!

The greeters have returned to check boats at the Lake Iroquois Boat Access to ensure invasive species (plant and animal) do not enter the lake.  Their responsibilities include boat inspection and boat washing.  They are scheduled for all summer weekends (including Friday evenings) and holidays.  A new VT law, Act 67, requires that a boat be washed if a greeter is on duty, the washer (at Lake Iroquois for the second year) is operating at the time, and the greeter determines that the boat needs to be washed.  These conditions apply for boats entering AND leaving the water.  The greeters have documentation that more completely explains this law.  This station has been designated by the state as an Approved Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection Station, and all greeters have been trained in all duties by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.  Just one more step LIA is taking to improve lake water quality.
 

   
                                          2019 Greeters


Emilie Bernier:  Emilie is the only returning greeter from last year. She is a junior at Carleton university in Ottawa, majoring in environmental studies. Emilie is from Hinesburg.








Michelle Villeneuve: Michelle is a Hinesburg resident with a long background in physical therapy. She has worked for the VNA, Rehab gym, and a number of school districts. For the past 8 years Michelle has been working for Chittenden East schools to help provide assessments and treatments for the students in that district. She has a Master’s from Ithaca College.






Zachary Dubie: A senior from Hinesburg at the Center for Technology in Essex. Zach is looking at a career in heavy equipment. He has previously worked at the Public House in Hinesburg and as well as at the Mobil station.




Both Zeke and Zack also work over at the LIRD beach. 



Jim Johnson Greeter and Beach Manager: Jim is a Williston resident and graduate of the University of Vermont.  Jim has been managing the beach for the Lake Iroquois Recreation District for many years and has now added overseeing the LIA Greeters to his responsibilities.  Jim grew up on a family dairy farm that still operates in Williston. He has worked as a bus driver full-time for Champlain Valley Union High School for 29 years. He has also worked par- time driving a bus for CCTA/GMT in Burlington for past 7 years.




Isaac Giles - Check back soon to read the full bio.






Anna Igler - Check back soon to read the full bio.






Jeff Racine - Check back soon to read the full bio.





Support for the Greeter Program

The Lake Iroquois Greeter Program is funded by Lake Iroquois Association members and donors and by an Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.  In addition, the Greeter Program receives in-kind support from the Town of Williston.          

10 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BOAT INVASIVE FREE*

  1. Remove any visible vegetation, animals, mud, & dirt from your boat, trailer, boots, fishing gear, and all equipment exposed to the water.
  2. Check your vehicle bumper, trailer rollers, lights, and axle for vegetation that might have caught onto your trailer or tow vehicle at the ramp.
  3. Drain any water from the motors, jet drives, live wells, & bilge of your boat.
  4. Empty canoes & kayaks of any water when you pull them from the water.
  5. Drain foul weather gear including your boots, bibs & waders.
  6. Feel your hull for any rough or gritty spots, which could be young invasive mussels. Clean your hull & any equipment, including your boat's live wells & bilge, with hot water (at least 140 degrees F). If hot water isn't available, use a hose with a spray nozzle to increase the water pressure.
  7. Pay attention to your anchor, dock lines, & other equipment that spends a lot of time in the water.
  8. Don't release unused bait into the waters you're fishing; dump it into a trash can or on land far away from any water body. Be aware of any bait regulations, & don't use live bait in waters where it's prohibited.
  9. Make sure your boat & other equipment are allowed to dry for at least 48 hours and before using in a different waterway.
  10. Know the regulations & inspection procedures at the waterways you're visiting before you go.

* Taken from Boat U.S. Magazine January 2009