The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) has announced that it will hire up to 10 seasonal Lake Champlain boat launch stewards to work at New York and Vermont public boat launch access areas this summer.

In 2014, the LCBP boat launch stewards surveyed 14,175 boats at Lake Champlain access sites. This will be the 9th season of boat launch stewards on Lake Champlain. 

“The stewards discussed aquatic invasive species spread prevention with 31,159 visitors between Memorial and Labor Day weekends removing aquatic organisms and invasive species from boats, trailers and other equipment,” said Meg Modley, LCBP’s Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator. Of the total boats surveyed, 7.5% had confirmed aquatic invasive species present.

Boat launch stewards are expected to help Lake Champlain visitors to better understand the importance of the CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY message for boats, trailers and equipment. In 2014, eighty-three percent of visitors to Lake Champlain reported that they are taking measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

From more information on the boat launch steward program contact the Lake Champlain Basin program www.lcbp.org or call (802) 372-3213.