The summer boating season is about to begin. In preparation, the LIA held a greeter training on May 11. We have five greeters this year: Paige, Lauren, Charles, Kate, and Danielle. The greeters are responsible for inspecting and cleaning all vessels and aquatic gear entering or leaving the lake. The greeters also provide information to lake users on lake friendly practices, water safety rules, and location of the wake sports zone. The goal of the greeter program is to prevent any new aquatic invasive species from entering Lake Iroquois and to prevent any vessel that has been in Lake Iroquois from carrying our invasive milfoil to any other lake.
There are over 50 invasive species in Lake Champlain. Any type of aquatic gear that has been in Lake Champlain or another infested waterbody could be carrying an invasive species. For example, the larvae of zebra mussels are nearly microscopic and can survive in a very small amount of residual water in a boat. Kayaks and canoes and other types of boats as well as motorboats are all potential carriers. So please be sure to clean, drain, and dry all of your vessels and gear whenever you move between waterbodies and to always comply when greeters stop you to inspect and wash your boat. You can find more information about aquatic invasive species here.
The LIA greeters are on duty all day Thursday – Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, with extra hours on holidays. Stop by and say hi – and thank them for the important work they do to protect beautiful Lake Iroquois.