NEWPORT –– The Memphremagog Watershed Association has distributed $178,986 in state funding to local partners for aquatic invasive species management and prevention in 2025, marking the organization’s fifth year as regional administrator for the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-in-Aid Program.
MWA partnered with eight towns for greeter programs and two for milfoil management projects this year. Of the total funding, $170,463 went directly to grantees supporting on-the-ground work by lake associations and municipalities across the region.
Most programs are operated by their respective lake associations, with Newport Town serving as the one municipally run program.
Greeter programs serve as the first line of defense against aquatic invasive species spread. Staffed at public access points throughout the watershed, greeters inspect boats, trailers and gear while educating boaters about keeping equipment clean, drained and dry.
Humans remain the primary vector for transporting invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels, which can disrupt native ecosystems, obstruct waterways and damage recreation opportunities.
MWA continued its training and education leadership this year by co-hosting one of Vermont’s three in-person greeter trainings. The session was led by Kim Jensen and Cedulie Benoit-Smith of VTDEC, providing local greeters with knowledge and tools to engage the public and prevent invasive species spread.
The MWA Board of Directors voted to use the organization’s administrative fee from the grant for the vector lake targeted program this year, ensuring all funding goes directly to aquatic invasive species control initiatives.
