Zebra Mussel Citizen Action Program

The Zebra Mussel Citizen Action Program (ZMCAP) establishes community volunteer task forces to help with informing the public about zebra mussels and to help monitor waterbodies for possible zebra mussel infestations. The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) and the Lake Champlain Basin Program have a variety of resources available, including a Zebra Mussel Education & Outreach Specialist, to assist with these efforts. Please contact Michael Hauser at VTDEC, (802) 241-3777 for more information.

Following is a list of suggested tasks that ZMCAP Task Forces can perform:

• Sponsor a Zebra Mussel presentation/ZMCAP training workshop.
• Take Part in the Zebra Mussel Watch Program (specific instructions available) to monitor for zebra mussels at sites around the perimeter of the waterbody.
• Organize a volunteer task force to participate in ZMCAP.
• Post and maintain "Attention Boaters" signs (available from VTDEC) at all public and heavily used private accesses to the waterbody.

   

• Survey boaters at public boater accesses, to help assess lake vulnerability to the infestation of zebra mussels (survey forms available from VTDEC).
• Patrol accesses, especially during busy periods, to advise boaters, anglers and other water-users of the zebra mussel threat and to assist them in inspecting and cleaning their equipment.
• Report any zebra mussel sightings to VTDEC at (802)-241-3777
• Educate the community by conducting zebra mussel presentations/workshops to raise awareness about zebra mussels, their potential impacts, and controls.
• Arrange for zebra mussel information and articles to be included in organization newsletters and community newspapers.
• Distribute and maintain supplies of zebra mussel informational materials at municipal buildings (i.e., library, town office, etc.), retail businesses, campgrounds and other public facilities within the community. These materials are available, free of charge, from VTDEC.

Available Literature

Contact the VTDEC for copies of the above publications.

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