HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF ZEBRA MUSSELS

Posted: April 15, 2011

PROTECT OUR LAKES – HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF ZEBRA MUSSELS - BECOME AN “INVASIVE INVESTIGATOR”
Under the supervision and sponsorship of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
Join the CT DEP’s Invasive Investigator Volunteer Program

History: Zebra mussels, an invasive species, have recently been found in the Housatonic River system, specifically in Lakes Lillinonah and Zoar. It is important to curb the spread of these species because they are detrimental to the ecosystem and can adversely impact recreational activities. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (CT DEP) believes that public awareness and education are key tools to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by recreational boaters and other users. You can help make a difference… Please join us.

General Description: The Volunteer Invasive Investigator Program is designed specifically to help educate people on ways to keep our waters clean and prevent the spread of aquatic hitchhikers into the lakes and rivers of Connecticut.  The Invasive Investigators will interact with boaters launching at community ramps, check for invasive species and collect information about where boats have been, if any invasive species were found, and what if any cleaning steps were done prior to launch.

Skills: Good communication skills; willingness to work weekend and holiday hours; ability to meet new people; sincere interest in lake protection.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

Training: Volunteers are required to attend an initial training of 2.5 hours and visit local boat launches. DEP Boating staff will familiarize you with local invasive species, teach you how to conduct a voluntary inspection and provide instructions regarding data collection. Annual refresher training will be approximately 1 hour. The program is administered under the authority of the CT DEP - training is held at local sites. Volunteers will be under the regional supervision of the Candlewood Lake Authority. COST: The workshop is free!

Next training: April 30th at the Brookfield Library from 9:30 AM till noon, 182 Whisconier Road (Route 25), Brookfield, CT 06804.

Monitoring: At the boat launch, we ask that you interact with boaters, familiarize them with invasive species present at the waterbody, distribute invasive species educational materials, conduct a voluntary inspection to see if there are any visible plant fragments or zebra mussels, and show the boater the steps needed to ensure they are not spreading unwanted plants and animals. Invasive Investigator will also conduct a voluntary survey to determine what, if any cleaning precautions were taken prior to launching, and return surveys and other information gathered to the DEP-Boating Division on a bi-weekly basis via FAX or email.

Flexible Hours–Local Ramps: Scheduling will be done according to times you are available. While volunteers may schedule boat launch monitoring times to their convenience, we encourage participation particularly on weekends, since that’s when most people go boating. For more information or to request a schedule of the next volunteer training workshop:

Please contact: Gwendolynn Flynn of the CTDEP at 860-447-4339 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address); or Mark Howarth of the CLA at 860-354-6928 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to sign up for training.

This message was originally prepared by The CANDLEWOOD LAKE AUTHORITY
Larry Marsicano
Executive Director
Candlewood Lake Authority
(860) 354-6928 - phone
(860) 350-5611 - fax
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
http://www.candlewoodlakeauthority.org