A page from the Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals Manual identifying features of the Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis).

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) Lakes and Ponds Aquatic Invasive Species Program is excited to launch a brand-new community science project this summer, 2022 called the Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals Program.

Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals Program.

The Vermont Invasive Patrollers for Animals (VIPA) Program stems from the previously established Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIP) Program. While the VIP Program focuses on aquatic invasive plants, the VIPA Program will train volunteers how to survey for, identify, and report fifteen animals included in the program. Vermont state statutes do not currently include a list of all aquatic invasive animals throughout the state. This means observations from volunteers are integral in providing VTDEC with the spatial data to understand the breadth, scope, and potential consequences of each of the species.

We will be offering kits for interested volunteers, which will include all equipment necessary to participate. There will be two trainings offered:

• An online training will provide information on how to identify, photograph, and upload findings of the animals to iNaturalist;
• An in-person field day at Lake Memphremagog which will go further in-depth in survey techniques and understanding your equipment.

Please visit the VIPA website, where you can register for the workshops, and view the VIPA Manual.

We can’t wait to dive into this new program with enthusiastic Vermonters!

For more information on either program, please contact Kimberly Jensen at kimberly.jensen@vermont.gov.