The Lake Iroquois Greeter Program The greeter program on Lake Iroquois is entering its eighth year for the summer
of 2016. Greeters
are stationed at the fishing access on all weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The purpose
of having greeters is to provide education on the ecology of the lake.
Greeters ask boaters as they enter the fishing access if they can inspect the
boats and trailers entering and leaving the lake to determine if any plant or
animal life is attached. Most boaters welcome this inspection as state
law allows for a stiff fine for carrying potential invasive species from one
body or water to another. Greeters also give out educational material to
boaters through a handout developed by the Lake Iroquois Association.
2016 Greeters
Rachel Smith lives in Shelburne and is a English Education major at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio. In addition to being a greeter, Rachel is working with Marian Mumford to create an educational program for the kids participating in area summer recreation programs.
Natalie Flemming is from Essex Junction and attends Wheaton College in Illinois. She works as a free lance graphic designer and book designer on the side while studying Biology and minoring in studio art.
Aaron Krimkowski is a recent graduate of UVM where he as done research in phosphorus mitigation in stream beds. He recently return from a post-graduation trip with his father to Hawaii.
Sadie Casale is a Williston resident who is a biology major at the University of New England where she is studying to become a Physician's Assistant. She is serving as greeter coordinator for the summer of 2016.
Greeters are on duty each weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Data is collected from all inspections during the season. Most frequent types of vessels to Lake Iroquois are: kayaks (45%), motorboats (34%), canoes (13%) and paddle boards with others comprising 8%. The number of boats exiting the water with weeds attached increases each weekend as the milfoil grows. The most frequently visited water body other than Lake Iroquois is Lake Champlain, followed by the closest smaller lakes, ponds and rivers. A vast majority of boaters entering and exiting the lake are cooperative and welcome the work of the greeters.
We welcome and appreciate these young adults’ efforts in education. If you use the boat ramp, or paddle by the boat access, be sure to say hello to our weekend greeters who are working hard to care for our lake.
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*
- Remove
any visible vegetation, animals, mud, & dirt from your boat, trailer,
boots, fishing gear, and all equipment exposed to the water.
- Check
your vehicle bumper, trailer rollers, lights, and axle for vegetation that
might have caught onto your trailer or tow vehicle at the ramp.
- Drain
any water from the motors, jet drives, live wells, & bilge of your
boat.
- Empty
canoes & kayaks of any water when you pull them from the water.
- Drain
foul weather gear including your boots, bibs & waders.
- Feel
you 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.
- Pay
attention to your anchor, dock lines, & other equipment that spends a
lot of time in the water.
- 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.
- Make
sure your boat & other equipment are allowed to dry for at least 48
hours and before using in a different waterway.
- Know
the regulations & inspection procedures at the waterways you're
visiting before you go.
* Taken from Boat U.S.
Magazine January 2009
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