Be a VIP: Vermont Invasive Patroller!

Early detection is vital to protecting Vermont’s waterbodies from harmful invasive plants and animals.  Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIPs) monitor a local waterbody for new introductions of invasive species while also learning about native aquatic plants and animals and their habitats.  

What it takes to be a VIP:

Participate in at least one basic VIP training workshop (optional advanced workshops may also be available based on interest)

• Sign a Statement of Commitment promising to document survey results in accordance with standardized procedures and report them to Vermont DEC
• Conduct and submit at least two surveys during the summer for the presence of invasive plants or animals in your lake or pond (or a specific section thereof)
• Submit suspicious samples to DEC staff for positive identification

If you’re interested in becoming a VIP, please email Ann Bove or call (802) 338-4822

VIP Training Workshops

A basic VIP training workshop takes about 4 hours and consists of:

• a two-hour indoor session consisting of a powerpoint slide presentation and an introduction to native and invasive plant and animal identification
• a two-hour field session on the water, during which participants will learn how to conduct surveys of native and invasive species in their natural habitats

Host a VIP Workshop

If you would like to host a workshop for a group of volunteers in your area, please contact

Ann Bove or call (802) 338-4822

It’s helpful if you can provide:

• An indoor venue with electricity, for the slide presentation and plant ID introduction
• A nearby canoe-able waterbody, preferably with an existing invasive species infestation, such as milfoil, suitable for plant survey field training
• Canoes and/or kayaks and personal flotation devices (i.e. life jackets) for as many participants as possible;  Vermont DEC can only provide a limited number of canoes and/or kayaks for workshops

Click here for the VIP Program Brochure (pdf, 411KB)

2011 Workshop Schedule

Registration is required.

Participants are required to bring their own canoe or kayak to participate in the workshop field session. 

If you are unable to bring your own canoe or kayak please contact us at least one week prior to the workshop, and we can try to assist.  Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee participation in the field session if you do not have your own vessel available. 

 

Please click here to fill out an on-line registration form.

Additional details and directions to the workshop will be sent with your registration confirmation.

Please contact Ann Bove if you have questions.

All workshops are from 1pm to 5pm unless otherwise indicated. 

LOCATION	DATE
There are no workshops scheduled at this time

 

If you would like to suggest a potential workshop location please contact Ann Bove or call (802) 338-4822 .

 

Downloadable Forms for Certified VIPs:

Field data sheet (pdf, 25 KB)

Sample submission form (pdf, 18KB)