The Town of Wilmington and the Lake Raponda Association are co-sponsoring a Southern Vermont Aquatic Invasive Species Training Program Workshop on Friday, May 11 from 3-7 PM in Memorial Hall, 14 West Main Street, Wilmington. The workshop will be led by Josh Mulhollem, Vermont Department of Environment Conservation (DEC), Waterways Division Aquatic Invasive Species Management Coordinator. Its goal is to protect Vermont's lakes, ponds, and waterways from the introduction of aquatic invasive species. Failure to do so has significant adverse impacts on swimming, boating, fishing, nearby property values, and outdoor recreational businesses. Topics to be covered Include:

• Aquatic invasive species biology, threats to Vermont, the importance of spread prevention
• Access area rules and regulations, baitfish regulations, invasive species laws
• Invasive species messaging; tips on interacting with the public
• Inspection and decontamination training

Attendees are eligible to serve as greeters at Vermont DEC sites, e.g., Lake Raponda, Somerset Reservoir. Advanced registration is encouraged but not required. To register contact Joe Taft at joseph.taft@Vermont.gov or (802) 622-4212 or Jack Widness (802-464-8981). This event is free and open to the public.