For the first time this summer, trained greeters at the public boating access on Lake Iroquois are offering free boat and trailer washing. The objective is to prevent additional invasive species from entering the Lake. The public is invited to an open house demonstration of the washer on Sunday, June 25 from 1p.m. to 3 p.m.
Lake Iroquois already has a serious infestation of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM), which the Lake Iroquois Association (LIA), with the help of the surrounding towns and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (VT-DEC), continue to fight. The LIA is trying to prevent other invasive species from entering the lake. For example, Lake Champlain has 50+ invasive species. Other Vermont lakes have additional invasive species as well (both plant and animal). Some examples are: zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, variable leaved watermilfoil, alewife, European frogbit, water chestnut, Asian clams, and many more. The washing of boats and trailers at Lake Iroquois will minimize the introduction of these and other invasive species into the lake.
The washer unit is a pressurized hot water spray operated by VTDEC-trained greeters. The washing of boats and trailers is highly recommended to keep the lake free of any other invasive species. VT-DEC also recommends washing on the way out to keep Eurasian Water Milfoil out of other lakes. The schedule for washing will coincide with the greeter schedules, typically Friday afternoons, Saturday, and Sunday of each week until Labor Day.
This boat washer is another step that the LIA is taking to prevent further invasives from entering the lake. This summer, LIA will also be installing Benthic Barriers (lake bottom barriers) to kill milfoil and maintain a clear boat lane from the launch area which was cleared by Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting last summer.
Both the Washer and the Benthic Barriers require a State permit which have been granted.
The washer and the benthic barriers were purchased through grants from VT-DEC, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
For further information, contact the Lake Iroquois Association PO Box 569, Hinesburg, VT 05461, email: lakeiroquoisassociation@gmail.com

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