For yet another summer, volunteers of all ages hopped in kayaks and canoes to remove European frogbit, a non-native invasive plant species that spreads rapidly in bays and wetlands if given the opportunity. In 2007, Lewis Creek Association (LCA) initiated the “Water Quality Stewardship Program” and has since worked annually to manage the invasive plants and water quality of the rivers and streams that drain directly into Lake Champlain.

A grant from the state Clean Water fund (through the Clean Water Service Provider in the Otter Creek-Lewis Creek basin) allowed Lewis Creek Association (LCA) to hire engineers from SLR Consulting to design a fix for the road leading to Common Ground Center in Starksboro. Once constructed, this fix will decrease the erosion occurring on a section of the privately owned portion of Tatro Road.

Aquatic invasive plant species (AIS) have long threatened the health and populations of native plants in the Lewis Creek watershed. Terrestrial non-native invasive plants also create hazards by altering erosion patterns, out-competing native species, and impacting water quality.

Non-native invasive plant species have long threatened the health of ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and populations of native plants in the Lewis Creek watershed.