A proposal for the State of Vermont Legislature to declare the Saturday after Green Up Day a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day.
29
LETTERS OF SUPPORT RECEIVED
Count | Alphabetical order | Sequence received |
29 | Ascutney Trails Association | 17 |
28 | Bolton Conservation Commission | 28 |
27 | Branch Out Burlington | 3 |
26 | Brookfield Conservation Commission | 13 |
25 | Colchester Conservation Commission | 14 |
24 | Cornwall Conservation Commission | 16 |
23 | Craftsbury Conservation Commission | 18 |
22 | Danville Conservation Commission | 26 |
21 | Equinox Preservation Trust | 6 |
20 | Essex Conservation and Trails Committee | 21 |
19 | Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission | 11 |
18 | Greensboro Conservation Commission | 19 |
17 | Hinesburg Conservation Commission | 20 |
16 | Huntington Conservation Commission | 7 |
15 | Jericho Center Preservation Association | 1 |
14 | Lewis Creek Association | 2 |
13 | Middlebury’s Conservation Commission | 24 |
12 | Plainfield Conservation Commission | 8 |
11 | Pollinator Pathway of Addison County | 10 |
10 | Randolph Conservation Commission | 22 |
9 | Salisbury Conservation Commission | 4 |
8 | Shrewsbury Conservation Commission | 15 |
7 | South Burlington Natural Resources and Conservation Commission (NRCC) | 29 |
6 | Starksboro Conservation Commission | 9 |
5 | Tunbridge Conservation Commission | 23 |
4 | Vernon Conservation Commission | 27 |
3 | Warren Conservation Commission | 25 |
2 | Williston Conservation Commission | 12 |
1 | Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District | 5 |
I am seeking letters of support for this proposal from all interested organizations, especially Conservation Commissions. At this time, there is no deadline for sending in a letter of support. I expect it will be summer before all organizations with interest have been contacted.
VTDigger Article: Final Reading: A quest to combat invasives seeks lawmakers’ support
Just as Green Up Day participation represents our Vermont Values, so too does invasive species management represent our Vermont value of Land ethics and stewardship. - Bernie
Phase I
The intent is to have this declaration be part of a package to increase statewide recognition, and education about invasive Terrestrial Plants, and Aquatics, as well as Forest Pests and pathogens. Also to promote additional invasive management volunteer activities.
- New [UN] 9/9/2023 report sheds light on environmental, financial costs of invasive species as reported by PBS.
1. Synopsis from the Letters of Support received so far.
- Green Up Day is a good model for a Vermont Invasive Management Day
- Celebrate Success Stories
- Cultivate invasive management volunteering as a SOCIAL EVENT
- Invasives needing management include Aquatic as well as Terrestrial, Plant as well as Animal
- Early detection (attention to)
- Spread prevention and control
- Road crew mowing and ditching (training, best management practices) State and local road crews
- Invasive impacts: Frequent and constant education over a variety of message carriers
- Stop the Spread Campaigns
- Be on the Look Out for new (maintain a lookout list) invasive
- Vermont Land Stewardship Value and Ethic - as a call for invasive management
- Weed Wrench Tool Loans
- Invasive Town Mapping with plot and species ranking and prioritization
- Trail signs (education)
- Partnerships: Landscaping companies, Nurseries, Gund Institute UVM
- Promotional efforts to attract and support volunteers: Music, food, raffle, gift cards.
- Impact on biodiversity and our other natural resources
- Photos of widespread infestation in our forests - Habitat destruction and degradation visual examples
- Vt Invasive team STAFFING and FUNDING review
- More mechanisms for reporting Invasives. Promote iNaturalist for such a tool
- Proper disposal to prevent seeds and fragments from discards from creating new infestations.
- Create a VT CISMA, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Association to augment the VT Invasives team.
- Different periods are best for managing specific invasive plants. The Vt Invasives web page offers management practices guidelines.
- Concerns were expressed about herbicide use and if used - proper use (licensed applicator).
Letters of Support
29th Letter of Support
On behalf of the Natural Resources & Conservation Committee (NRCC), I would like to submit the following letter of support to the Vermont Legislature to encourage the creation of a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day.
Through a recent article published in VTDigger, titled “Final Reading: A quest to combat invasives seeks lawmakers’ support”, the NRCC became aware of a campaign to establish an annual Vermont Invasive Species Management Day. The idea is to model it after Green Up Day, where all residents would be encouraged to chip in and do their part to help protect the environment by managing invasive species within their own small piece of the bigger puzzle.
This effort is being led by a former South Burlington resident, Bernie Paquette, who is currently gathering letters of support from a variety of organizations, including many Town Conservation Committees/Commissions. The South Burlington NRCC voted unanimously on the language in the attached letter of support to encourage establishing this type of community-organizing day.
To Vermont Legislature Montpelier, Vermont
From: The South Burlington Natural Resources and Conservation Commission (NRCC)
Re: Vermont Invasive Species Management Day
Date: May 3, 2023
CC: South Burlington City Council Jessie Baker, City Manager
To Whom it may concern,
The South Burlington Natural Resources and Conservaon Commi ee (NRCC) would like to express its support for a state-wide Vermont Invasive Species Management Day to raise awareness of the presence and threat of invasive species to Vermont lands, both privately and publicly owned. The NRCC joins a coalition of other conservation groups and municipal organizations to ask the Vermont Legislature to declare a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day, to be held each May on the Saturday after Green Up Day.
In the forests of South Burlington, we have witnessed the spread of invasive plants such as non-nave honeysuckles, common buckthorn, and Japanese barberry. These invasive shrubs harm our woodlands by suppressing the regeneration of maples and other nave trees. In our waters, we have seen zebra mussels multiply, which filter out beneficial algae, while leaving toxic blue-green algae to flourish. We have seen phragmites take over our wetlands, growing over 10 feet tall and shading out nave marsh plants. We are also concerned with the imminent threat of the round goby, which aggressively feeds on the eggs of our nave fish and reproduces very quickly. Along our roadsides, we have seen the spread of wild chervil and wild parsnip, species that are harmful to human health and make agricultural fields unproductive. We are threatened by the regional presence of the emerald ash borer, which will wipe out swaths of street trees, leaving certain neighborhoods exposed to a higher risk of the urban heat island effect. None of these plants, animals, or insects are beneficial to wildlife.
Green Up Day has shown that a statewide volunteer-led approach is a model that can be extremely successful in engaging the public and bringing attention to the health of our environment. The NRCC believes that a declaration by the Vermont legislature for a Vermont Invasive Species Day would bring attention to the threats invasive species pose and mobilize volunteers to get involved.
Managing the economic and ecological threats posed by invasive species, whether terrestrial or aquatic plants, diseases, microbes, or non-nave insects, is a problem where local, small-scale efforts can have a significant impact. Vermont Invasive Species Day would be an easy first step by State leaders to encourage Vermonters, who all cherish the natural landscape of our State, to be more aware of the threats to our nave plant and animal communities posed by invasive species.
Best Regards,
South Burlington Natural Resources & Conservation Commission Committee
Jean-Sébasen Chaulot, Chair
27th Letter of Support
The Vernon Vermont Conservation Commission has unanimously voted to support Bernie Paquette's efforts to establish a Vermont Invasive Species Day.
Vernon is Vermont's southeasternmost town. With Massachusetts on our southern border, the Connecticut River and New Hampshire on our eastern border, I-91 bordering our west, route 142, and the railroad running through Vernon, we intimately understand the importance of raising awareness, limiting the impact of and preventing the transport of invasive species across and through our borders.
26th Letter of Support
The Danville Conservation Commission (DCC) supports and recommends the declaration of a state-wide Vermont Invasive Species Management Day in order to raise awareness of the presence and threat of invasive species to Vermont lands, both privately and publicly owned. The DCC has joined a coalition of other conservation groups and municipal organizations to ask the Vermont Legislature to declare a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day, to be held each May on the Saturday after Green Up Day.
A state-wide approach to invasives management would be more comprehensive and likely more effective in reducing the spread of invasives and potential loss of natural resources, Three invasive pests (the emerald ash borer, the Asian longhorned beetle and the hemlock wooly adelgid,) threaten more than 14 different species of trees in Vermont including maple, elm, horse chestnut, willow, ash, poplar, European mountain ash, hackberry, and hemlock.
State support for educational signage and programs could help enlist Vermont residents and visitors alike in reporting invasive plants and insects as well as reduce the risk of spread of plants, such as Japanese Knotweed, through encouraging proper disposal, and appropriate treatment measures for private landowners as well as public lands.
Managing such a large problem will require cooperation across the state, so the DCC urges the Legislature to declare a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day.
Best Regards,
Danville Conservation Commission
Danville, VT
Evangelyn Morse, Chair
25th Letter of Support
Vermont State Legislature
115 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633
March 26,2023
Dear Legislators,
The Warren Conservation Commission (WCC) has joined a coalition of other state organizations that have placed their ardent support behind the proposal asking the Vermont Legislature to declare a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day, to be held each May on the Saturday after Green Up Day.
By shining a light on the harm invasives can cause, this initiative would raise awareness among Vermonters and spur volunteer efforts to preserve and protect our native ecosystems. Similar to how Green Up Day has brought hordes of volunteers together to clean our roads and waterways – a remarkable grassroots accomplishment – an Invasives Day could have a great positive effect on our local environment.
It is our understanding that the declaration might be tied to funding and research to help Vermont towns address the spread of invasives. We would welcome these resources. We are particularly encouraged that the proposed declaration closely aligns with projects already outlined in the Warren’s Invasive Management Plan and look forward to the added relevance such a declaration would lend to our work.
If we want to go far, we must go there together. With that in mind, the WCC respectfully urges the Legislature to make Invasive Species Management Day an official part of the Vermont calendar.
Sincerely,
Jito Coleman, Chairman
The Warren Conservation Commission
24th Letter of Support
Christopher Bray, Chairman
Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy Vermont Legislature
Montpelier, VT
Dear Chris,
As appointed members of the Town of Middlebury’s Conservation Commission, we would like to express support for the proposal from Bernie Paquette to declare a Vermont Invasive Species [Management] Day, to be accompanied by education about invasive terrestrial and aquatic non- native plants and forest pests, as well as promotion of volunteer eradication activities. We are well aware of increasing problems with invasives in Middlebury, ranging from Japanese knotweed and poison parsnip along roadways to the Emerald Ash Borer attacking ash trees. Most invasives are on private lands, but town lands and tributaries to Otter Creek also have problems. Without efforts aimed at educating private landowners about how to rid their lands of invasive pests and coordination of volunteer work on public lands, these species will continue to spread and outcompete native plants on which birds and mammals depend for food.
We are already collaborating with Riverwatch to help clean up a tributary to Otter Creek that runs through town, and we are willing to help coordinate future volunteer efforts. Declaring a Vermont Invasive Species [Management] Day is free and would help to raise awareness of this issue.
Thank you for your consideration!
Signed,
The Town of Middlebury Conservation Commission
23rd Letter of Support
Vermont State Legislature
115 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633
March 26,2023
Dear Legislators,
The Tunbridge Conservation Commission (TCC) has joined a coalition of other state organizations that have placed their ardent support behind the proposal asking the Vermont Legislature to declare a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day, to be held each May on the Saturday after Green Up Day.
By shining a light on the harm invasives can cause, this initiative would raise awareness among Vermonters and spur volunteer efforts to preserve and protect our native ecosystems. Similar to how Green Up Day has brought hordes of volunteers together to clean our roads and waterways – a remarkable grassroots accomplishment – an Invasives Day could have a great positive effect on our local environment.
It is our understanding that the declaration might be tied to funding and research to help Vermont towns address the spread of invasives. We would welcome these resources. We are particularly encouraged that the proposed declaration closely aligns with projects already outlined in the TCC’s new Tunbridge Strategic Plan and look forward to the added relevance such a declaration would lend to our work.
Related projects in our Strategic Plan, which are to take place over the next five years, include:
Writing educational materials about invasive species and making them available to the public.
Launching a campaign to teach landowners about invasive species, their identification and how to control their spread.
Holding an annual Walk and Talk in Tunbridge featuring a different invasive species each year.
Creating an “Adopt a Patch” program whereby the TCC and interested landowners would apply invasive species control methods on specific areas on a regular basis and monitor progress.
Working with the Tunbridge road crew to minimize the spread of invasives through mowing and ditching.
If we want to go far, we must go there together. With that in mind, the TCC respectfully urges the Legislature to make Invasive Species Management Day an official part of the Vermont calendar.
Sincerely,
The Tunbridge Conservation Commission
22nd Letter of Support
Randolph Conservation Commission
Rachel Westbrook - Chair - Emily Lewis - Vice Chair
Courtney Gately - Treasurer - Jessamyn West - Communications Chandler Engel - Ian Blackmer - Brendan Barden - Jeffrey Thayer - Harrison Drapo
Dear Vermont Legislature,
The Randolph Conservation Commission (RCC) supports the proposal for the creation of Vermont Invasive Species Management Day.
Randolph is home to three town forests and several other wooded recreational areas. We have many residents who manage their own woodlots, agricultural, or conservation areas. Invasive pests such as the emerald ash borer and invasive plants such as buckthorn, wild chervil, honeysuckle, and knotweed make maintaining and enjoying these lands more difficult and more costly.
In many cases preventative actions can help mitigate these costs. Raising awareness of the different ways land owners, municipalities, and community groups can help with these efforts can help distribute the workload in caring for our lands.
The RCC has taken steps towards managing invasives.
- We published a 91-page Emerald Ash Borer Preparedness plan and distributed it for free on our website.
- We did several public programs on invasive plants and ways to manage them in mechanical and biological ways.
- We had work parties to do early-season invasive plant eradication in our town forest before seeds could be dispersed.
We feel that the declaration of an official day on the Saturday after Green Up Day can help us with our work, putting extra support behind the work we do trying to get the word out about the impacts of invasive species.
Thank you.
Randolph Conservation Commission
21st Letter of Support
The Town of Essex Conservation and Trails Committee supports the proposal to declare a VT Invasive Species Day put forth by Bernie Paquette of Jericho, Vermont. A day, singled out, would provide an opportunity to educate and alert the public to the significance of current invasive species threats, the potential impact based on historic invasives, and those on the horizon.
Current threats from invasive species in Vermont are many, both aquatic and terrestrial. They pose threats to agriculture, forestry, and recreation by competing with or in the case of pathogens killing native species.
There is already an abundance of information available. What is needed is to bring attention to it, make the public aware of the threats, learn where to report sightings, and mitigation steps that might be taken. Early detection of infestation is crucial if cost-effective mitigation is possible.
Concentrating education efforts on a single day, similar to Arbor Day, will help focus attention and potentially, resources. One example where an annual reminder of present invasives might help avoid spreading them is municipal departments, such as public works. These departments and others that move soil and vegetation might inadvertently spread invasives. Awareness can help.
Here in Essex, we have forestry, maple sugar, agriculture, and outdoor recreation that depends on a healthy environment. Adding a dedicated day like Spring Green Up Day can motivate existing organizations.
Assistance in the form of funding for promotional efforts might be made available through grants via existing Vermont Agencies such as:
Fish and Wildlife
Forests, Parks, and Recreation
Agriculture, Food & Markets
Town of Essex Conservation and Trails Committee
20th Letter of Support
To: Bernie Paquette Date: March 27, 2023
Dear Bernie,
The Hinesburg Conservation Commission (HCC) has been concerned about non-native invasive species in both our aquatic and terrestrial habitats. We recognize the threat to our natural ecosystems, and we regularly do control work to remove or limit the spread of buckthorn, honeysuckle, and wild parsnip from Geprags Park in Hinesburg (which we manage). This has been possible through some small funds from the town for equipment, the help of partners such as Audubon Vermont, and the assistance of volunteers on our commission. We have recently been discussing plans for additional invasive management activity & education opportunities for Hinesburg residents, activities which serve the same mission as a "day" and could therefore see this raising further awareness.
The HCC supports efforts to raise awareness of the importance of controlling invasive species in both the public realm and within state agencies and towns. While we hesitate to promote chemical control of our invasive plants, we feel that additional funding, support, and education/outreach are all critical to the effort to tackle invasive plant control work in the state of Vermont.
On behalf of the Hinesburg Conservation Commission,
Kate Kelly, Chair
19th Letter of Support
The Greensboro Conservation Commission
will.s.marlier at gmail.com
William Marlier
100 Atherton Way Greensboro, VT 05841
March 16th, 2023
Vermont State Legislature 115 State Street Montpelier, VT 05633
Dear Legislators,
The Greensboro Conservation Commission is writing this letter to express our sincere support for declaring that every third Saturday in May should henceforth be known as “Invasive Species Management Day”.
By designating this day for statewide Invasive Species Management, the Vermont State Legislature would be supporting efforts to maintain and protect our state’s sensitive ecology, particularly indigenous species that are at higher risk of being displaced or destroyed by Invasive Species. By utilizing your state-wide platform educational materials could be provided to Vermont landowners, teaching them about invasive species and how to effectively recognize, manage, and dispose of them. Beyond organization at the state level, such an initiative presents an opportunity for townwide governments and organizations (such as conservation commissions) to support efforts by providing physical materials and safe disposal sites for local volunteers.
State sponsorship of a similar initiative, Green Up Day, is a shining example of how Vermonters are more than happy to pitch together and volunteer their time in order to preserve our state’s natural beauty. Doing the same two weeks later for the proposed “Invasive Species Management Day” would serve to solidify our commitment to such values.
We would also like to recognize the hard work of Bernie Paquette (of Jericho, VT) in envisioning and spearheading this initiative.
Thank you for your consideration,
William Marlier &
The Greensboro Conservation Commission
18th Letter of Support
The Craftsbury Conservation Commission is writing in support of the Vermont Invasive Species Management Day proposal. A statewide effort to put the issues surrounding the influx of non-native invasive species at the forefront each year would be beneficial.
Since its inception in 2007, the Craftsbury Conservation Commission has been concerned with the invasive species problem. Our mission includes providing outreach and information programs on all invasives having organized several presentations for the public. We purchased two Weed Wrenches which are on loan from our public library.
Since 2017, we have conducted a Knotweed Demonstration Project. There is a signboard on-site with ‘before and after’ photos, free informational brochures, and other posters. The main purpose of the project has been to demonstrate the various methods of control, and hopefully eradication. We have had volunteer help from the community and cooperation with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife and Sterling College.
The Craftsbury Outdoor Center has been battling the intensive infestation of Eurasian milfoil on Big Hosmer Pond. So for many years on an informal basis, Craftsbury residents have been searching for signs of milfoil and other nonnative aquatic invasives in Little Hosmer Pond. Because the surrounding lakes are inundated with milfoil, the Conservation Commission with cooperation and instruction from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Craftsbury Outdoor Center has organized a more concentrated effort to schedule patrollers on a weekly or biweekly basis on Little Hosmer Pond throughout the summer.
To prepare for the inevitable expense of removing dead trees, volunteers from the Craftsbury Conservation Commission and Municipal Forest Commission have undertaken a quantitative inventory and mapping of Ash trees in the Town right of way. That information, as well as annual inspections of those trees for infestation with Emerald Ash Borer, will be shared with the public to enable landowners to make informed management decisions.
When wild chervil first appeared on a section of roadside north of the Common, a group of volunteers on their own tried to tackle it for a couple of years by cutting the plants before they went to seed and leaving them to dry, but it got ahead of them so it, too, persists.
Our hope is that the proposed Vermont Invasives Species Management Day will encourage more volunteer efforts to control invasives in public areas and also encourage landowners to deal with their own infestations.
We thank you for your dedication to this project.
Sincerely,
The members of the Craftsbury Conservation Commission 3/21/23
17th Letter of Support
Ascutney Trails Association (responses in italic)
Why does your organization support a proposed declaration by the Vermont
legislature for a VT Invasive Species Day? ). Educate upon and
mitigate the presence of invasive species, both existing, nativized, and future
threats.
1. How might the legislature and the State of Vermont help better manage invasive
species in Vermont with general funding or other assets? Additional resources for
a curated program would track and map locations of concern and prioritize their
impacts.
2. What locations are key areas of concern for your organization and why? We
maintain trails in the Weathersfield Town Forest, West Windsor Town
Forest and the Ascutney State Park. These areas are key concerns for
Ascutney Trails Association.
3. What does your organization most need to be more effective in your goals of
Invasive Species management? Weatherproof educational materials for trailheads. It would also be helpful to have a guided hike or evaluation to
prioritize the need to remove invasive species.
4. How can we increase educational as well as motivational outreach to the
public? The state could better communicate the existence of and threats caused by invasive
species and that these efforts must be filtered to the correct audiences.
5. What partnerships might you suggest that could magnify the impact of Invasive
Species management at a particular location? Lawn Care/Landscaping
companies could sponsor/participate/partner with organizations.
6. How can we make it easier for landowners to recognize and manage invasive
species on their property beyond the online and other resources available today?
7. What recent invasive management actions has your organization accomplished?
Please share your success stories. Emily could provide her invasive work
day story that she held with the ATA youth group and after school
program.
8. What ideas do you have that might encourage more folks to volunteer with
invasive management efforts? Providing food is always a good thing. Also,
getting local businesses to donate gift cards or products to raffle off at the
end of the work day.
9. How can folks volunteer with your organization to remove, cut, or
otherwise manage invasive species? What is your website address?
www.ascutneytrails.com Who is the invasive species coordinator for your
organization and what is their email address? Emily Curtis-
Murphyecurtismurphy at gmail.com
info at ascutneytrails.com - Erik Schutz
16th Letter of Support
TO: Senator Ruth Hardy, Senator Christopher Bray, Representative Peter Conlon
From: Cornwall Conservation Commission
RE: Vermont Invasive Management Day
The Conservation Commission of the Town of Cornwall is in support of having the State Legislature declare an Invasive Management Day for Vermont.
One major threat facing Vermont’s natural landscape and resources is the spread and proliferation of invasive plants and forest pests. There is substantial research that demonstrates that invasive plant species pose severe threats to biodiversity, environmental quality, human welfare, and our economy. And our agriculture, forests, and landscapes are all vulnerable to the potentially devastating impacts of introduced pests and pathogens that harm plants. These invasive species affect Vermont’s natural resources as well as industries that contribute to our economy.
Early detection and control/eradication measures are key for minimizing these negative consequences. And with global climate change also putting significant pressure on biodiversity, the need to address invasive species is more urgent.
In 2022, the Cornwall Conservation Commission hosted a workshop with over 30 residents attending given by Travis Hart, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, on identifying invasive plants and the various options available for removing them. The commission also purchased some specialized tools to have available for community borrowing from our town library. In 2023, we will be sharing information about the Emerald Ash Borer and invasive plant management on Green Up Day to make landowners aware of this invasive insect and the potential dangers infested ash trees can pose as well as sharing tools and information on controlling invasive plants such as buckthorn and honeysuckle.
However, statewide comprehensive education and awareness activities, references and resources, and dedicated funding are needed to effectively deal with this threat. A Vermont Invasive Management Day could highlight the danger these invasive plants and pests pose to our natural resources and economy and would increase attention to the urgent need to identify and control them. State agencies, working with local municipalities, could then begin to address invasive species and mitigate their impact on us all.
We ask that the legislature support and institute an Invasive Management Day.
Sincerely,
Cornwall Conservation Commission
Katherine Branch, Don Burns, Mary Dodge, Andrea Landsberg, Kristina Sargent, Michael Sheridan
References:
First Detector Program, firstdetector.org
Kerns, B., Guo, Q. (September 2012). Climate Change and Invasive Plants in Forests and Rangelands. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Climate Change Resource Center. www.fs.usda.gov/ccrc/topics/invasive-plants
Kumar Rai P, Singh JS. Invasive alien plant species: Their impact on environment, ecosystem services and human health. Ecol Indic. 2020 Apr;111:106020. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.106020. Epub 2020 Jan 9. PMID: 32372880; PMCID: PMC7194640.
Bernie - I would love to get involved as you move to Phase 2 of this project. Can you put me on any group emails you send? I've taken the First Detector course and became a Master Gardener in 2021.
Thanks for sharing the link - very informative.
Andrea
15th Letter of Support
The Shrewsbury Conservation Commission supports the establishment of a State Invasive Plant Management Day because we feel the great and growing harms from invasive organisms are not widely recognized or accorded sufficient response, in Vermont and elsewhere. We believe they are a large contributor to habitat degradation and a resulting decline in insect and bird populations. In many locations, wholesale replacement of native flora has occurred, obliterating the biodiversity that once flourished there.
Because of the characteristic rapid, easy spread of these plants, piecemeal action on a town by town basis is insufficient to counteract increasing infestation. It would help if all towns had a management plan and volunteers to carry it out, but that is far from the case. We are connected by roads, trails, power lines, woods and fields that cross town boundaries. All of these are avenues for seeds and other plant materials to travel.
However mighty an effort a town makes to keep invasive plants from spreading, much of that effort will be frustrated by inaction in a neighboring town.
An approach that encompasses the whole state would be more effective and encourage attention to the issue in more localities. The declaration of a day of action is a good starting point for the legislature.
The state already has a dedicated Invasives team but they are understaffed and underfunded for the enormity of the task set before them. They need funding and personnel, dear legislature !
State roads should be maintained with invasives control as a high priority. That means mowing before seeds form, with some plants requiring a second, timed mowing. Woody invasives should be cut and treated or pulled out, the areas planted with native shrubs.
Al state park personnel should be thoroughly trained in identification and management of invasive plants. Some level of education and removal activity should be required each year, enlisting seasonal hires, interns, student groups, and local volunteers. Even park visitors can be engaged, giving them a sense of connection and satisfaction that they can contribute to stewardship of the lovely place they are enjoying.
Educational signage should be located at trailheads to encourage user awareness and care, to avoid spreading seeds. Ask them and provide an easy way to report invasive plants they see around entrances or along the trails. Depending on location, reports can be channeled to conservation commissions and/or other groups in nearby towns.
Of special concern to the Shrewsbury CC is the continual reintroduction of invasives during road and culvert maintenance activities . This could also be addressed by the state, with required education for gravel and sand pit operators, inspections and expectations for removal of plants before digging and loading. When town crews ditch roads, a place should be designated for the material removed so that seeds and other plant parts will at least be in one spot that can be monitored.
Shrewsbury’s Cold River was badly impacted by Hurricane Irene, including by Japanese Knotweed, now established along miles of the riverbank and on into the woods and roadside. Our CC would like to manage this beyond current methods of cutting a season’s growth repeatedly. The particular difficulties of removing this plant make the infestation overwhelming and seemingly hopeless. Any help or suggestions from the state or Anyone would be much appreciated.
What we most need to help achieve our goals is landowner awareness and engagement that reaches into neighboring towns.
A few ideas for education and motivation: Public Service Announcements on public television and radio, flyers delivered to boxes, workshops sponsored by Vermont FPR, F&W, VLT, VWA, Coverts, conservation commissions, to the general public and importantly, in schools.
Report as provided to the state Invasives Team: The Shrewsbury CC has a member
whose specific role is to monitor and coordinate management of invasive plants in our town. For the past few years we’ve been tightly focused on 4 plants that we felt were “doable”, those being garlic mustard, wild parsnip, chervil and loosestrife. To this end we established a volunteer base willing to be called upon for weekly group efforts. Our approach has relied on simple mechanical removal, leavened with good cheer and sometimes cookies or watermelon. All 4 focus plants are somewhat amenable to pulling. We strive to get to them before flower and seed set, but also segregate seeds and roots as needed. We also try to educate people about invasive plants, to help them to ID and to understand the harm they represent to our natural environment. We offer advice on safe removal and proper disposal via our town newspaper and encouraging folks to contact us. Of course we are beset by other invasive plants that we hope to focus on in the next years, especially the woody invasives in our forests.
We are 5 years into an evolving effort with these plants that have different seed bank survival periods. It shows us that patient and persistent work does pay off. The difference is dramatic and noticed by the general populace - gratifying to those of us who “labor in obscurity “ !
Our coordinator is Pamela Darrow, at pfd53@icloud.com
Cc ShrewsburyVtConservation@gmail.com
14th Letter of Support
Colchester Conservation Commission
March 1, 2023
To whom it may concern:
The Colchester Conservation Commission (CCC) supports the proposal to be brought before the Vermont Legislature to declare a Vermont Invasives Species Day to be held annually on the second Saturday in May.
The Commission recognizes the need for education and increased public awareness of invasive plant, animal, and aquatic species, which affect communities both economically and environmentally by edging out native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, and degrading waterways and water quality. A designated day for outreach, education, and action will draw attention to this serious threat to Vermont communities and engage the public in activities that will help control and lessen the impact of invasive species.
A Vermont Invasives Species Day may be the impetus needed to get local residents involved in helping to remove invasive species from parks, natural areas, and other public spaces or on their own properties. In addition, the day can help showcase and recruit volunteers for state-led collaborative efforts including the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's Vermont Invasive Patrollers program or the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation's Statewide Invasive Plant Phenology Monitoring Project.
CCC members firmly believe that any and all efforts to promote education and outreach to support the management of invasive species are in the best interest of our community, and all communities throughout Vermont.
If a Vermont Invasive Species Day is established, our Commission would look forward to helping with invasive species management in our area.
Regards,
Theresa Carroll
Theresa Carroll, chair
On behalf of the Colchester Conservation Commission
13th Letter of Support
Minutes
Brookfield Conservation Commission Meeting
January 16, 2023, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Bernie Paquette wants us to sign on to an effort to create an – Invasives Day – to bring attention to invasives, just like Green Up brings attention to litter. Jickling moves to sign, Strong seconds. Unanimous approval.
Jon Binhammer
Chair, BCC
12th Letter of Support
Town of Williston February 22, 2023
7900 Williston Road
Williston, VT 05495
To the Vermont State Legislature:
The Williston Conservation Commission fully supports a proposed declaration by the Vermont legislature for a Vermont Invasive Species Day. Doing so underscores the importance of understanding the damage that invasive species do to our forests, our natural communities, our rivers, and our lakes.
Invasive species are those that are introduced where they have never before been present and cause harm to the native ecosystem in some way. In Williston, we mainly address the detection and treatment of invasive plant species.
I, as a member of the WCC and as a concerned citizen, have led identification workshops of invasive plants as well as work parties to remove invasives every year since the establishment of Williston’s Catamount Community Forest (CCF) in 2019. The Chittenden County Forester, Ethan Tapper, noted in the Forestry Management Plan for the CCF that invasive exotic plants were well established in many areas of the town forest. He emphasized, in the management plan and in person every year since, that it should be a priority for the town to “swiftly and aggressively” control these plants. He adds “Invasive exotic plants are an enormous threat to the continued health and productivity in the CCF, and to ecosystems worldwide. These species are aggressive competitors which can outcompete native plants, especially on forest edges, the understory of disturbed forests, and in field-origin, pioneer stands. The result of this is the interruption of ecological processes (such as the natural regeneration and succession of forests), decreased diversity, decreased quality of wildlife habitat, decreased ecosystem resilience, and diminished ecosystem function.” Yearly work days with the local scout troop and other volunteers have not been enough to effectively control the infestation in the Forest. Our next step is to pay to have a professional begin treatment. Williston has many conservation areas and parks in need of attention in this regard.
The need for support from the state of Vermont in declaring a Vermont Invasive Day cannot be over-emphasized. The County Forester’s statement about invasive plants also holds true for invasive pests that threaten to decimate numerous tree species and aquatic invasives that are a threat in lakes, ponds, and rivers. They decrease biodiversity, ecosystem function, and habitat. A day dedicated to understanding, identifying, and/or removing invasives is important in reaching the citizens of Vermont who will use that information to take action in their home gardens and woodlots as well as in their communities.
Thank you for your attention.
Laura Meyer, Williston Conservation Commission
11th Letter of Support
February 19, 2023
From: Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission
3279 Route 7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456 Subject: Supporting a Vermont Invasive Species Day
To Whom it may Concern:
[Via email to Bernie Paquette, Jericho, VT bernie.paquette@yahoo.com]
The Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission is pleased to support the VT legislature’s efforts to declare a Vermont Invasive Species Day in May. The town of Ferrisburgh, located in the Champlain Valley, is heavily impacted by the presence of invasive plants and pests, found in our forests, fields, and waters. Members of the Commission and many residents of the town understand the significant impacts these species present today, and others that will show up in the future, have on our economic, environmental, and social fabric. We feel the need to further educate our residents to the threats from invasive species and to motivate our community to combat these threats.
Having one day a year to sharpen the focus on invasives species will remind everyone of their negative impacts. We also hope it will increase awareness across the state, including in our legislature. We hope this could lead to additional resources and increased funding (both state and federal) for specific programs for education and mitigation. We hope that a Vermont Invasive Species Day program could include:
Educating landowners on how to identify invasive plants in their backyards, and how to reduce or eliminate pests on their properties
Organize groups to tackle heavily impacted areas, including town forests, state parks, the shoreline along Lake Champlain, important wetlands, and significant natural communities, all of which are found within our town.
The Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission is responsible, among other duties, for managing our Town Forest. This 135-acre parcel sits on Shellhouse Mountain, and has a rich history, with diverse flora and fauna. Within the forest is a beautiful example of a Wet Clayplain forest, with a high concentration of black ash trees. The Town Forest is surrounded by private land, much of which is infested with invasive plants. Recent efforts have included partnering with UVM students to develop a more complete picture of what we have in the Forest, and how it should be managed in the future. Invasive species are never far from our minds as we plot a course for the future.
Having an annual Invasive Species Day will help to get the residents of Ferrisburgh involved in all of our efforts. We very much support the efforts to create a Vermont Invasive Species Day.
Sincerely,
Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission
Craig Heindel, Chair
10th Letter of Support
To Whom It May Concern: February 13, 2023
The Pollinator Pathway of Addison County endorses the idea of creating a Vermont Invasive Species Awareness Day. Our members are concerned about the number of invasive plants that are increasingly covering our forests, riverbeds, and roadsides, crowding out native plants that are needed to support our native insects and other wildlife. We want to do all we can to encourage biodiversity in Vermont.
We hope that drawing attention to this problem can help more Vermonters to continue our efforts to manage invasive species in Vermont.
Fran Putnam
For Pollinator Pathway of Addison County
9th Letter of Support
The Starksboro Conservation Commission (SCC) supports an initiative to establish a Vermont Invasive Species Day. We believe that this would be a valuable and effective way to bring awareness, provide important information, and educate Vermonters about the critical need to inventory and manage invasive species across the state.
The current members of the SCC are Margi Gregory (Chair), Margigregory at gmail.com.
Jan McCleery and Robert Turner (both founding members) and Peg Casey. We believe it would be beneficial for the legislature to establish this event and to designate the third Saturday in May as Vermont Invasive Species Day.
The mission of the SCC is to inform and educate our public about issues related to conservation in our town and on our public lands. Through our collective vision and action plans we strive to restore, create, and enhance biodiversity on the southern riparian parcel of town-owned Cota Conserved Lands along Lewis Creek. We also strongly encourage private landowners to support healthy and diverse ecosystems and attempt to educate and involve townspeople in conservation initiatives. Managing and identifying invasive plant species is a priority for the SCC.
Unfortunately, locations of concern in relation to invasive plants are growing in number very rapidly. Roadsides, fields, river and stream banks, and pasture edges, throughout Vermont, are quickly being colonized by aggressive invasive plant species. Native plants that support the survival of native wildlife, birds, and insects are choked out by dangerous monocultures. In Starksboro, the 1.4-mile Creekside Trail loop on the Cota Conserved Lands offers the public an opportunity to explore, and study plants, herbs, birds, and wildlife in their natural environment. The diverse vegetation along the Creekside Trail includes native plants, medicinal herbs, tall brush, scrubby hardwoods, and, unfortunately, unwelcomed invasive plants. The varied habitats of this property offer a unique opportunity to educate the public about both native and invasive species and to involve them in management actions and projects. Hopefully, the knowledge gained through our efforts will be useful on private properties where invasives are present and need to be controlled.
A specific long-range goal of the SCC is to inventory and create a management plan for the invasive plant species found on the riparian parcel. We are so thankful for the dedication of volunteers who spent many evenings in June wielding predator shovels to help us in our long-term goal of eliminating poison parsnip. 2023 will be our third year of parsnip popping thanks to the help of the Monkton Conservation Commission.
The state could, and should, prove to be a huge asset and ally in the battle against invasive species. A central information and action center, together with an annual day devoted to this issue, would be beneficial and could consolidate efforts across the state and between neighboring towns. Recruitment of volunteers and financial support are huge obstacles to undertaking and completing invasive management projects that often take years to achieve their goals. The SCC welcomes volunteers and could benefit from more community involvement and awareness of the many problems associated with invasives. We hosted a recruitment table at a town-wide October open house and regularly use Front Porch Forum to post invitations for participation in our events and meetings. More publicity and public education, stressing the urgency as well as strategies and useful methods to address invasive problems, would be beneficial for all communities. In addition, perhaps educating and involving town road crews should be a part of a statewide initiative to eradicate invasives. There needs to be a better general understanding, on a municipal level, of how invasives spread. Perhaps the state could provide instruction on maintaining equipment used for mowing and road work more effectively to minimize invasive seed dispersal.
We have no invasive species coordinator, but we collaborate with the Mid-Champlain Valley Regional Conservation Partnership.
The SCC has a page on the town website: https://www.starksborovt.org
8th Letter of Support
Plainfield Conservation Commission
149 Main Street
PO Box 217
Plainfield, Vermont 05667
January 29, 2023
To whom it may concern:
I am writing on behalf of the Plainfield Conservation Commission to urge the Legislature to designate an lnvasive Species Management Day in Vermont, as proposed by Mr. Bernie Paquette of Jericho.
Here in Washington County, we have witnessed the spread of invasive plants such as non-native honeysuckles, common buckthorn, and Japanese barberry in the past 20 years. Prior to that, these species were hard to find in our area. These invasive shrubs harm our woodlands by suppressing the regeneration of maples and other native trees. We know of local forest landowners who have been instructed to delay a commercial harvest until they get the invasive shrubs under control.
We've also seen the spread of wild chervil and wild parsnip along our roadsides, species that are harmful to human health and make agricultural fields unproductive. None of these plants are beneficial to wildlife.
Our Commission has hosted invasive plant awareness lectures and we have hosted a demonstration of how to control these plants. Our Commissioners have assisted the state with surveying for emerald ash borer and we have surveyed our town forest for the health of ash trees that have been infected by this borer.
Our state is being taken over by a quiet pandemic in the natural world that causes economic and ecological harm as well as impacts on human health. We need to raise awareness through every means we can. Our forests, fields, and wetlands are already impacted by climate change, and the warming temperatures favor the spread of invasive species. As an example, the hemlock wooly adelgid may be able to spread north from southern Vermont as our winters warm.
The Plainfield Conservation Commission unanimously supports the idea of an lnvasive Species Management Day to raise public awareness and emphasize actions that landowners can take.
Thank you for your consideration Sincerely,
Serena Matt, Chair
Plainfield Conservation Commission
7th Letter of Support
Town of Huntington Conservation Commission
January 27th 2023 RE: Letter of Support Vermont Invasive Plant Removal Day Declaration
Vermont Invasive Plant Removal Day- Letter of Support
The Huntington Conservation Commission and the Huntington Community Forest Stewardship Committee fully support a proposed declaration for VT Invasive Species Day.
Identifying a Native Plant Boost Day (or Invasive Plant Removal Day) would create awareness throughout our state. The identification of one specific day would serve to motivate schools, communities, businesses, and more in forming a united front to learn more about and take action to remove the pesky plants throughout our landscape.
Our Huntington Community has come together on several occasions to lessen the impact of invasives. Japanese Barberry succumbed to the shovels and mattocks of several volunteers one-day last summer within our Community Forest. Sigyn and Fulla, two Japanese knotweed-eating goats spent a couple summers grazing down the invasive which was choking our town offices and young maples. For that project, the Conservation Commission partnered with a local goat keeper to fence in and assist in caretaking throughout two summers. On a recent fall day, a team of 10 mountain bikers showed up to clear a favorite local trail from invasive japanese barberry. Private landowners who had provided permissions for the trails were delighted with both the turnout and results. The list goes on, as landowners within our rural community wage battle with Japanese knotweed, nonnative honeysuckle and so many other fast-spreading companions.
Our Conservation Commission and Community Forest Stewardship Committee are working to ensure the forested and riverside landscapes of our town are not taken for granted. In that light, we organize invasive plant removal days or strike out on our own as time dictates.
The Vermont Highway Department could become a major player in reducing the spread of roadside invasives such as poison parsnip, japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, and more. Highway department staff may already be knowledgeable about when to cut roadsides to avoid seed dispersal and the importance of cleaning equipment following each roadside mowing to reduce the spread, but a day dedicated to invasive removal provides support and recognition of how significant a problem invasives have become.
Having our State recognize the jeopardy invasives have placed on our environment will provide a foundation for organizations such as ours to build upon.
On behalf of the Huntington Conservation Commission and Huntington Community Forest Stewardship Committee,
Jeannette Segale
Huntington Conservation Commission -Co-chair
Huntington Community Forest Stewardship Committee: Member
6th Letter of Support
January 18, 2023
Equinox Preservation Trust
PO Box 986
Manchester Village, VT 05254
Greetings and Salutations!
My name is Rick LaDue; I am the Forest and Trails Steward for the Equinox Preservation Trust (EPT) in Manchester, VT. I am writing to strongly encourage your support for the creation of a Vermont Invasive Species Day in May.
The Equinox Preserve is 914 acres of privately owned land under conservation easement on the eastern slopes of Mt Equinox, the highest peak in the Taconic Mountain range. Our conservation partners include the Vermont Land Trust, the Vermont chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and the landowner, Equinox Resort and Spa.
Naturalists have long held Mt. Equinox in high esteem for its beauty and natural diversity, a valued source of study by botanists and ecologists since the late 1800s. A visitor to the Preserve will find a hardwood forest with tall, majestic trees, lush carpets of wildflowers in the Spring, marble ledges, springs, and wetlands.
Beginning in 2008 the Trust has placed an emphasis on managing the non-native invasive plant (NNIP) species on the Preserve lands. With a dozen terrestrial NNIP species growing on the Preserve, our management has involved numerous strategies, including education programs, herbicidal treatments, and outreach to neighboring landowners. The most time and effort, by far, has been spent on the hand removal of these invaders, starting in early April and continuing until late November. Alone, I have spent hundreds of hours pulling garlic mustard, buckthorn, Japanese barberry, shrub honeysuckle, and purple loosestrife.
In 2023 we will be creating a small protected refuge for white ash on the Preserve. This native tree forms a significant part of the forest canopy on the lower slopes of Mt Equinox. The invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a very real threat to the health of those trees as well as the overall forest. Working with the Vermont Land Trust, and using a strategy based upon research conducted by UVM and UNH, we will be proactively treating a small number of white ash trees with an insecticide injected directly into the conductive tissues.
The Equinox Preservation Trust supports the creation of a Vermont Invasive Species Day for the following reasons:
- Drawing public attention, via Invasive Species Day, to the ecological and economic threats posed by NNIP species is the first step to increasing awareness of this problem.
- Vermont Invasive Species Day is an opportunity for large, as well as grassroots, organizations to collaborate on community volunteer activities, educational workshops, and active management.
- Vermont Invasive Species Day should be a catalyst for encouraging the creation and growth of community-driven Cooperative Invasive Species Management Associations (CISMAs) throughout the State. EPT was active in the creation of the first such organization in southern Vermont, the Batten Kill CISMA. With assistance from the Vermont Land Trust, we researched and developed a strategy and recommendations for other communities to form their own CISMA. State support of such organizations, as in New York state, would produce a highly beneficial cost-benefit ratio in the battle against invasive species in Vermont.
- Vermont Invasive Species Day would highlight a very helpful State resource I use regularly, the VT Invasives website, as well as all the other State agencies available to assist the public with NNIP management.
- Vermont Invasive Species Day could be an opportunity for the State to create initiatives and economic support for landowners who actively manage NNIP species on their lands.
Since 2008 the Equinox Preservation Trust has worked diligently with numerous partners to manage NNIP species in our forested lands. Our grassroots efforts have produced decreases in seed-producing mature plants as well as the overall acreage of forest lands highly impacted by these plants. The rare and endangered species living on the Preserve benefit from our protective efforts.
Managing the economic and ecological threats posed by invasive species, whether terrestrial or aquatic plants, diseases, microbes, or non-native insects, is a problem where local, small-scale efforts can have a significant impact. Vermont Invasive Species Day would be an easy first step by State leaders to encourage Vermonters, who all cherish the natural landscape of our State, to be more aware of the threats to our native plant and animal communities posed by invasive species.
Sincerely,
Rick LaDue
Rick LaDue
Forest and Trails Steward
Equinox Preservation Trust
5th Letter of Support
January 19, 2023
To whom it may concern,
The Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District (WNRCD) enthusiastically supports a declaration by the Vermont legislature for a Vermont Invasive Species Day. As natural resource professionals, we understand the threat that non-native invasive species pose to our environment, economy, and human health.
WNRCD sends out a survey to residents within our District which includes all of Chittenden and Washington Counties, as well as three towns in Orange County including Washington, Orange, and Williamstown. In our 2022 survey, 38.9% of respondents identified Invasive Weed Control as a top priority for management on farms and in forests. This demonstrates overwhelming public support for improved management of non-native invasive species in Vermont.
Green Up Day has shown that a statewide volunteer-led approach is a model that can be extremely successful in engaging the public and bringing attention to the health of our environment. WNRCD believes that a declaration by the Vermont legislature for a Vermont Invasive Species Day would bring attention to the threats invasive species pose and mobilize volunteers to get involved.
Sincerely,
Remy Crettol
District Manager
Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District
4th Letter of Support
January 2023
Salisbury Conservation Commission
Salisbury, Vermont 05769
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of the Salisbury Conservation Commission in support of the effort to establish an Invasive Species Management Day in Vermont, as initiated by Bernie Paquette of Jericho, Vermont.
Though the Salisbury Conservation Commission has not engaged in invasive species management or education we are concerned about the impact of invasive species on native plants, animals, and ecosystems. This could easily be an area of future public engagement and education for us.
In the past year in Addison County, citizens concerned about the health of pollinator species have established several town groups affiliated with Pollinator Pathways. The focus of these groups is to encourage citizens to create pollinator-friendly yards and landscapes and focuses on the use of native plants. There has been a significant interest in this effort. A natural extension of this effort would be to provide education about invasive plant species, and methods and activities to manage those
species.
A statewide effort and focus would shine a bright spotlight on the problem of invasive species, and provide both information and incentive for individual citizens to become more aware of the landscape surrounding them, and manage to the extent possible for native and healthy ecosystems.
We hope and urge that action be taken on the proposal to establish and declare a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day.
Sincerely,
Heidi Willis, Chair,
Salisbury Conservation Commission
Jim Andrews, Sue Staats, Preston Turner, Kip Andres, John Metcalfe,
Barb Karle, Barrie Bailey, Crispin Butler
3rd Letter of Support
December 7, 2022
BRANCH OUT BURLINGTON
To Vermont Legislature Montpelier, Vermont
To whom it may concern,
This letter is written on behalf of the board of Branch Out Burlington! (BOB!, for short) in support of the initiative to establish a Vermont Invasive Species Day. We in Burlington know firsthand the devastating impact of invasive species. The face of our urban forest was forever changed because of Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi). In fact, many of the trees that BOB! grows in our nursery replaced elms lost due to that invasive disease, and are now replacing trees susceptible to the exotic emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). Given the past and present danger posed by invasive species to our urban forest and the value of trees to our cityscape, we believe raising awareness among the public to the threat of these non-native organisms by designating a day to the cause is of value.
BOB! is a non-profit organization, established in 1996, with the mission of planting and caring for trees in and beyond Burlington and educating the public about the values of the urban forest. As demonstrated by our website, www.branchoutburlington.org, we have many programs that increase public awareness about invasives that attack trees and how to manage them. For example, our monthly newsletter, which reaches over 2,000 subscribers, often includes stories about invasives of local concern, such as the spongy moth, Lymantria dispar dispar (BOBNewsletterJuly2022.pdf (branchoutburlington.org)). We also hosted an educational program for a Girl Scout troop, which resulted in a neighborhood eradication effort (BOBNewsletterJuly2021.pdf (branchoutburlington.org)). Our focus has been and will continue to be to promote our vision of a city graced with a variety of beautiful, healthy trees and the community actively engages with stewardship of the urban forest environment. This primarily involves planting and caring for trees in our nursery, which are given to the city Parks Department to plant along our streets and in the parks. When appropriate, we link these activities with outreach about invasives. We believe that a Vermont Invasive Species Day would elevate the role of the public in managing this threat to our urban forest. We would gladly partner with other local organizations to promote public participation in invasive species management through our website, newsletter, and other social media links.
Sincerely yours,
Margaret Skinner, President and Nursery Manager 93 Howard Street, Burlington, VT
2nd Letter of Support
To: Bernie Paquette Date: July 16, 2022
Dear Bernie,
Lewis Creek Association (LCA) has been actively removing non-native invasive species (primarily aquatic invasive species of European frogbit, but also including water chestnut, yellow iris, and flowering rush) from two ecologically important wetlands (Town Farm Bay in Charlotte and Lower LaPlatte River in Shelburne) with the help of paid staff and volunteers since 2007. This work is supported by LCA, the towns of Charlotte and Shelburne, Point Bay Marina, Shelburne Bay Boat Club, and a Charlotte property owner.
European frogbit was introduced to arboretum ponds in Ottawa in 1932 before spreading to the United States via the St. Lawrence River. It grows on the water surface and out-competes native plants for sunlight and nutrients. In 2007, friends of LCA discovered frogbit covering 50% of Town Farm Bay. Through volunteers’ annual field work, the frogbit cover has been substantially reduced and is now maintained at less than 5% cover. In contrast, when frogbit was discovered in the wetlands of the LaPlatte Natural Area, it had low percent coverage, providing an opportunity for “early detection, rapid response.” Though the invasive plant will never be eradicated in either location, maintaining this low population allows native plants and animals to thrive.
Our water quality stewardship program is important for maintaining productive, functioning, and scenic waters, and also allows residents of Charlotte and Shelburne to become advocates for water quality. Volunteers in each town help share this information with neighbors and friends, helping improve water quality in the future. It is crucial that this program is funded through the Town budget because it allows the whole community to take ownership of local water quality and natural resources that are important to protect. This will result in healthier ecosystems that all citizens can enjoy.
LCA supports efforts to raise awareness of the importance of controlling invasive species in both the public realm and within state agencies and Towns (e.g. encouraging mowing plans that reduce the spread of invasive species). Additional funding, support, and education/outreach are all critical to this effort.
On behalf of the LCA Board,
Kate Kelly, Program Manager
1st Letter of Support
November 29, 2022
To Whom it May Concern:
The Jericho Center Preservation Association (JCPA) wishes to support Mr. Bernie Paquette’s proposal that the Legislature declare a Vermont Invasive Species Day.
- The JCPA is tasked with the support of historic and long-term future aspects of the village of Jericho Center, VT. As native habitats are under constant threat of disruption or destruction, the integrity of the community’s natural resources is of vital importance. As a friend and neighbor, the JCPA is proud to stand by Mr. Bernie Paquette and his efforts to educate upon and mitigate the presence of invasive species, both existing, nativized, and future threats.
- We feel that the State could better communicate the existence of and threats caused by invasive species and that these efforts must be filtered to the correct audiences.
- As we are Community-specific, we are focused on resources within and proximal to Jericho, VT natural communities and resources.
- Our organization is currently monitoring water resources and vectoring toward the inclusion of ecology as a priority consideration. These often marginal landscapes are fertile for invasives and we encourage identifying their presence as able. Additional resources for a curated program would track and map locations of concern and prioritize their impacts.
- Advocates such as Bernie Paquette exist everywhere in the State. Adding a funding option for the Clean Water Initiative for ecosystem maintenance is truly supporting the life source of clean water.
- The Gund Institute, Sea Grant Program, Natural Heritage State resources, and NRDC are all active in habitat improvement and protection. Invasive species should be on their radar.
- Public presentations and clear communication of value, as well as an enhanced State, IS landing page.
- All current efforts in Jericho have fallen upon the shoulders of few. Bernie Paquette is the primary water bearer and deserves his voice to be heard and his ideas to be vetted and implemented accordingly.
- I wouldn’t go much further than ‘free’ snacks without a budget. If grant money is available, the JCPA would surely be interested in seeing how we might assist in obtaining funding.
10. Bernie Paquette, as a neighbor and supporter, would be our immediate touchpoint for any and all invasive species conversation.
Mr. Joel Bedard is happy to be the point person for the JCPA and has presented before House and Senate Ag and NR committees as well as LCAR. He is also a career ecologist and Jericho’s rep to the RPC for the State of Vermont Clean Water Initiative. Contact: Joel T Bedard, 15 Jericho Center Circle, Jericho Center, VT 05465; Jtb at ashnanresource.com.
On behalf of the JCPA Board of Directors:
Robert Schermer, President
Jericho Center Preservation Association
Hello, my name is Bernie Paquette. I am driving a proposal to the VT State Legislature, requesting that the State of Vermont declare a Vermont Invasive Species Management Day.
I am seeking your organization’s letter of support for this proposal. The intent is to have this declaration be part of a package of additional statewide recognition, and education about invasive Terrestrial Plants, and Aquatics, as well as Forest Pests. Also to promote additional invasive management volunteer activities. Thirdly to call for asset contribution including financing and research.
I have attached a template that might facilitate the drafting of a letter of support for this initiative.
Responses will be accepted as long as it takes to gather a majority of the responses. Please address the heading in the letters to The VT Legislature, but email the letters to me. Once I have all the letters I will provide them to the Legislative representative that will champion this request of the Vermont legislature.
Please feel free to forward this note to your organization’s local partners.
Bernie Paquette
Jericho, Vermont
According to the UN, "the global economy, with increased transport of goods and travel, has facilitated the introduction of alien species over long distances and beyond natural boundaries. The negative effects of these species on biodiversity can be intensified by climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution."
ADDENDUM
Please consider sending me any invasive management links to your local programs and I will add them to this post.
5. Template
Why does your organization support a proposed declaration by the Vermont legislature for a [ VT Invasive (plants) Management Day]? (to be held every third Saturday in May - the second weekend after Green Up Day).
How might the legislature and the State of Vermont help better manage invasive species in Vermont beyond general funding? The more specific and detailed the ideas the better.
What locations are key areas of concern for your organization and why? For example State parks, WMA's, Nature Conservancy trails, local Land Trust lands specific waterways or watersheds. Be as specific or general as you wish.
What does your organization most need to be more effective in your goals of Invasive Species management?
How can we increase the educational as well as motivational outreach to the public on a local level? On a regional level? On a state-wide basis?
What partnerships might you suggest that could magnify the impact of Invasive Species management at a particular location?
How can we make it easier for landowners to recognize and manage invasive species on their property beyond the online and other resources available today?
What recent invasive management actions has your organization accomplished? (Number of volunteers, the invasive species you addressed, the location, the size of the area worked on, and other pertinent information.) Would you be ok with me publishing that information on my community blog (Jerichovermont.blogspot.com)? Please share your success stories.
What ideas do you have that might encourage more folks to volunteer with invasive management efforts? For example, I offer to buy creemees at our local country store for volunteers after we finish a few hours of cutting invasive honeysuckle. I am also considering asking for bids (so much ($) an hour) to have me come to folks’ property to cut honeysuckle, with proceeds going to our local community center.
How can folks volunteer with your organization to remove, cut, or otherwise manage invasive species? What is your website address? *Who is your organization's invasive species coordinator, and what is their email address??
*Please include contact info so we can follow up with you, and possibly ask a representative from your organization to testify during the VT Legislative session to broaden support for this Vermont Invasive Species Day.
[Please address the heading in the letters to The VT Legislature, but email the letters to me. Once I have all the letters I will provide them to the Legislative representative that will champion this ask of the legislature.]
Bernie Paquette
Jericho, VT
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6. Questions and (answers from Bernie) edited for brevity
Q1. Can you provide more information on the structure you have developed to date and how you are building a coalition of support for your project?
A1.) Yes, this is an effort to have the State declare an Invasive Management Day. However, that is only. the kite, of which I hope to trail with a long tail of items to have folks coalesce around.
Here is how I communicated this to the VNRC (VT Natural Resources Council).
"The request is to support the ask of the legislature for a day of recognition. However, as I suggested in the original note, the template that I enclosed offered suggestions of topics that might be spoken of in the letter of support - all at the discretion of the organization that is providing the letter of support.
As perhaps the goals indicated, I hope that this endeavor helps enlarge the discussion and the education at the legislature (committee and otherwise), within the statewide organizations sharing the concerns and actions to address invasive, as well as with the general public.
Therefore I submit that a letter of recommendation can be as narrow or as inclusive of the topic as you wish to be included in the discussion.
I have been advised to go slow; To not ask the Legislature for anything beyond a declaration day for now, without it being tied directly to policy and statute changes, which may complicate the effort.
That said, my hope is that by summarizing all of the response letter's details, we can decide how to go forward with the more concrete changes, be it policy, education, research, or other.
Perhaps a Coordination Network or coalition is in order. I don't know the answers only that I recognize many gaps. I perceive that with improved links between the many organizations doing great Invasive work in their city or town, all could benefit. The discussion I am hoping to have on a call with VNRC is how they recommend we tie the spokes to a hub effectively.
In short, my plan is to go slower than I had originally planned and seek advice from organizations like VNRC which already have strong connections to many of the affected organizations and who may be able to help with policy discussions (before we go to the legislature with more than the ask of a VT Invasive (plants) Management Day.)" ~Bernie
Q2. The Hinesburg Conservation Commission was hoping to get a little more information from you about your proposal. In particular, they were concerned about the potential for this to become a herbicide problem (aka for the public to think "invasives? let's go buy weedkiller!"). Would this proposal focus on herbicide (or no herbicide use)? - Kate Kelly
A2.) Hello Kate, thank you for the reply. Yes, I too am very concerned with herbicide use, particularly by those who have not been trained on the proper application. Beyond that, I prefer none were used at all. A good discussion topic for all.
Q3. Does it make sense to have a single day (Invasive Plants Management Day) since unlike Green Up Day and Litter, not all invasive plants are best managed on a single day of the calendar? Sabina E. JCC
A3.) True, different periods are best for managing specific invasive plants. The Vt Invasives web page offers management practices guidelines. Selecting a specific invasive plant name, like honeysuckle, then selecting the treatment tab you can see the phenology section that suggests the best time to do mechanical management and the best time to do chemical management for that particular invasive plant.
The idea behind declaring the Saturday after Green Up Day as Invasive (plants) Management Day is to have a focal point (for public engagement) to promote management activities similar to how Green Up Day does for litter clean up (Even though the invasive management dates are species and site-specific). See question 4 for more on this concern.
Q4. I didn't realize this was in pursuit of creating an "invasives day." I thought it was more general awareness and resourcing of invasive management and supporting ecosystem health. I'm a bit reticent about creating "days."
I appreciate your well-thought-out analysis. My bias around having hesitancy about "days" is that they end up creating an inaccurate orientation to the service areas.
Green Up day creates a veneer that we can just wait until one day and clean up trash, where the opportunity to create systems for ongoing stewardship fall by the wayside. People can pick up trash any day, not just on Green Up. I fear a similar construct as it relates to creating an invasive day. I also think a focus on invasive as opposed to ecosystem health is risky.
- Dan C. BTV
A4.) Dan, I can understand the apprehension about naming a day. In itself, it might seem a weak action. Then again, perhaps Green Up Day started similarly.
Again, I use the analogy that the declaration of an Invasive (plants) Day Management is a communication tool, an inspiration tool. (Proposal is for the Saturday after Green Up Day).
And it is a kite to pull the tail of addressing one or more of the many themes under invasive management, one of which is whether can we develop an improved hub, or a coordination network if there is not already one. We can as a group across the state, decide what to work on among any other the themes like best management practices, or public engagement and education... Any of the individual themes would likely break down into a lot of details and nuances.
Once a good share of the responses (letters of support) are in, I intend on summarizing the themes that folks address from each of their own context, locations, and situations. What do they need, what is the top priority to improve effectiveness...
Perhaps then a survey to weigh in on the top themes and highlighted needs, followed by a meeting to bring them all together to decide on one or a few themes to work on together and chart a path on how to do so functionally and systematically.
So far guidance I have received suggests not to go too big or too broad. We need to be able to see a path to practical tangible actions.
Given the large organized structure and effectiveness of the BTV team and the projects created and managed, I greatly respect the advice you may have on strategy, objectives, and goals beyond the declaration of an Invasive Management Day.
Perhaps BTV as a large and financed function-able entity is singularly able to do the things I mention above, but I think many small towns in Vermont rely on a few volunteers, a small committee that maybe meets once a month, little to no funding, and perhaps many are not aware of what others are doing (invasive management) and or are not aware of the resources available to help them with their site and context-specific invasive challenges. This is where I think this project might be able to help make some systematic improvements.
Regarding the risk comments:
Though I agree with the idea that there is a risk, I think there is also an opportunity for gain.
I cannot speak for others on the veneer comment. For myself, Green Up Day inspired me as a very young adult and carried me over to adulthood. While living in South Burlington, I wrote a monthly column in The Other Paper, managed a blog (Litter with a story to tell) and promoted clean-up efforts on Green Up Day, and on other days, and I picked up trash once a week over a multi-block area during a good part of the year for many years. I was not alone in doing so, I often met others in our Chamberlin neighborhood doing the same throughout the year.
I agree we should focus on how we might mitigate or lessen the risk of invasive (Invasive Management Day declaration) as opposed to ecosystem health. Collectively I think this is one to spend some time on to consider how we might mitigate the risk.
From Dan:
I appreciate hearing your personal story connected to Green Up Day. Important to hear other perspectives. My comments are grounded in my experience as a point person for green up day in Burlington and specifically in the physical landscape of the neighborhoods and natural areas of Burlington. My observation is that there isn't a culture or presence of ongoing stewardship as it relates to greening up neighborhoods. Funneling things to one day worries me that it alleviates folks day to day presence with their landscape.
Your story highlights that there is much more than meets the eye for having green up day. Thank you for sharing that.
I think your point about the resources of Burlington juxtaposed with other smaller towns makes a lot of sense also. I appreciate that point as well.
Perhaps in the letter we write, we can address this thoughtfully and honestly.
Q5.) Question from Bernie to Tom Hudspeth. Do you have suggestions on how we might improve on what I have outlined so far?
A5.) Bring on youth where you can. I know when Howard and Rick and I worked on getting the Burlington bike path along the abandoned railroad bed, we enlisted the assistance of school groups and—especially—a Boy Scout group in the north end of BTV to help cut back vegetation and clear out trash and junk along the proposed route….and that got great attention by the general public via front page articles with color photos in the Burlington Free Press, TV news coverage by local NBC and CBS stations, etc.
Students seemed to like collecting (e.g., seeds and nuts and berries and cuttings for Intervale Conservation Nursery) or planting (especially dogwoods and willows along banks of Lewis Creek (LCA), Winooski River (LCC, WNRCD, VRC, etc.) or putting in school gardens or developing interpretive trails.
Thank You, Tom, indeed collecting seeds and planting is part of invasive management work in order to cover the bare ground that is exposed after the invasive is removed.
Q6.) The Milton Conservation Committee met on Tuesday, 1/24/23. Again, we agree with your good intentions to move forward to remove invasive species from Vermont. I read through your material again and it is clear that you are committed and making progress toward building a coalition. We also agree that you might want to move more slowly to assure that such a coalition is strong and in place before going to the legislature.
I saw your statement that Tom Chittenden has agreed to support an Invasive Species day. Is this plan to propose a resolution to that effect or to introduce a bill (or a portion of a bill)? I think it is important for us (or anyone) to have a clear understanding of what will actually be proposed to the legislature before writing a letter. It is also very typical for an organizer to actually create a very clear and specified letter that can be sent as is with a signature or can be amended with additional comments.
We applaud the work that you have been doing and encourage you to make contact with the invasive species groups such as those affiliated with the UVM Extension to see what they are doing. You indicated that you are not a member of the Jericho Preservation Association. We wonder why not? We also discovered that the Jericho Conservation Committee as well as their trail committee are looking for new members. Have you considered connecting and joining at least one of the groups?
We wish you the best and look forward to hearing from you when you have a solid plan in place. - Pamela Sandoval, Milton C.C.
A6.) Yes, I agree there is no rush to 'get to the legislature' with the proposal for a declaration day. Might not get that far until next year.
Early on Tom agreed to support the proposal once I have support letters. He has passed on my interest or idea to another legislature as well. However, that is all we closed on. No other details were discussed.
My thought process remains that I will continue to collect the support letters with the intent of coalescing them, summarizing the needs, and other expressed comments, then setting up a meeting for all the folks who sent in support letters to try to reach a consensus on what one (for few) item to go to the legislature beyond asking for a declaration of an Invasive Management day. Then we would together create a letter to the Legislature. At least that is my current vision. Of course, it can be adapted or influenced as more letters are received and more phone conversations are held.
I have joined the JCC monthly meeting every month for the last 16 months or so. I work with them, but so far feel I am more effective at staying independent of the committee. Also, I think they need members that have technical backgrounds that I do not have. One of the ways I try to support them and the cause is through Community Engagement. For an example of this see my latest Conservation Newsletter. https://jerichovermont.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-star-guiding-conservation-jericho.html
Though I am not a member of the JPA, I do drive an annual native plant sale to benefit the Community Center in Jericho which comes under the auspices of the JPA.
Please let me know if I have left any of your questions unanswered.
Q7.) Hi Bernie,
We discussed your plan to establish a Vermont invasive plant day at the Essex Conservation & Trails Committee meeting yesterday evening. There is a lot of interest in what you're doing and we are excited to be involved in the discussion. We would echo some of the sentiments that have been expressed by others, namely that we think it would be a good idea to develop a consensus on what specific proposal should be presented to the legislature, then have all of the participating organizations communicate that together.
Our committee would like to be involved in whatever mechanism you choose to accomplish this. Please let me know what you elect to do going forward, and how we can help.
Alan Botula
Chair, Essex Conservation, and Trails Committee
A7.) Alan, Thank You for reviewing the proposal. Agreed on consensus building which I think comes from in part, discussion. I feel we are lacking a good network to share thoughts and ideas. I hope that develops out of this project.
I think a letter of support for the Vermont invasive management day while including other invasive management issues and comments can help further us along to determine many of the elements and eventually prioritize, then pick out one or a few to bring to the legislature. Keeping in mind that there is much we could do as a networked group without the legislature.
I am maintaining a post with discussions, letters of support, resources, and more. In case you did not see it, I have posted the link below. Checking in on the post from time to time may be a good way to stay included in the conversation as more responses arrive.
Q8.) That's an interesting (and ambitious) idea. I hope it goes somewhere.
I think the problem for most people, even those who want to do something, is the knowledge to know what action is best. Some things are out of the individual's reach, like the round goby. Even more local things can seem intractable. For example, we have buckthorn on our property. But what to do about it? I know if I just cut it, it will just grow back again. The alternative is treating it with Roundup, which has its own problems. So I feel stuck and mostly do nothing. These are the kinds of dilemmas people face, besides feeling that what they do in their backyard is just a drop in the bucket. Comparing an Invasive Species Day to Green Up Day might be a tough sell. Anyone can identify trash and know how to pick it up. No training necessary. Invasive species are a lot more complicated and really require nearly year-round work. For example, people should know how to identify and report Spotted Lanternflies whenever they see them, not just one day of the year. Ken C. Champlain Islands
A8.) Ken, Thank You Ken for sharing your thoughts and concerns. I agree, many of today's ecological problems are large and complex, or at least have many nuances. Invasives are no exception. Yet we can learn, educate others, and keep up with research and best practices.
Each location may offer different challenges and require different management efforts.
- Residential vs heavily forested areas
- Small plots vs multi-acre plot infestations
- Specific species
- Mechanical vs chemical or biocontrol
- Amount of labor required
- Follow up maintenance
- Recognition of the invasive - how to id it and its look-alike non-invasive
- Best time of year to manage a species may vary from species to species
I am opposed to the use of chemical treatments such as Roundup. I feel like herbicide use is fixing one problem only to create another. That said if folks choose to use chemical treatments, I feel it is of the utmost importance to use the minimal amount and apply correctly which takes training or at least guidance if not licensed applicators. Our history (general public) of how we apply lawn fertilizers points to frequent over-application beyond even the manufacturer's instructions.
And I agree with Shelby Perry, Wetlands Ecologist of the NE Wilderness Association. Shelby expressed the view that in some cases of large tracts of forested lands, doing nothing and letting nature take its course might be the best approach. We also spoke about the importance of not demonizing plants or animals when communicating about invasives. Read: Weed Whackers (Harpers Magazine article) by Andrew Cockburn
Year-round work: Agreed. For many years, when I lived in SB, I promoted Green Up Day, worked at the town hall tables, created promotional activities, wrote monthly Litter with a Story To Tell articles, published more frequently in a blog, and picked up litter around my neighborhood block weekly throughout the year. Thus I think it is with invasives. Just as Green Up Day participation represents our Vermont Values, so too does invasive species management represent our Vermont value of Land ethics and stewardship YEAR ROUND.
SL: I continue to promote iNaturalist citizen scientist participation. A good tool to help ID invasive locations and species. Last year I drove a program to promote iNaturalist participation, and I will do a different one again this year.
In Net, I agree with your synopsis. Invasive Management is nuanced, one size does not fit all, and one day is not enough - but a declaration of a Vermont Invasive Management Day would like Green Up Day put focus on education, policy, volunteerism, and organized management throughout the year, I believe.
Discussion comments:
Shelby Perry, Wetlands Ecologist of the NE Wilderness Association. We spoke about the importance of not demonizing plants or animals when communicating about invasives. Shelby also expressed the view that in some cases of large tracts of forested lands, doing nothing and letting nature take its course might be the best approach.
Chemical Treatment. In response to several CC have commented on chemical treatments. “When there is substantial scientific uncertainty about the risks and benefits of a proposed activity, policy decisions should be made in a way that errs on the side of caution with respect to the environment and the health of the public” (Kriebel et al. Environ Health Persp 2001). The quote is from David Kaminsky of Hinesburg, professor of medicine at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. His quote was in the context of boat wake legislation. I think it fits in the context of chemical treatments for invasives. - Bernie
------------------------------------ . 7. Process Commitment and Guidelines.
One. Listening to diverse points of view, location-specific invasive (and invasive species) problems, and solutions, and taking the time to best understand the complexities of complex ecosystem interactions. I don't need to be right, I need to be part of and active in the solutions.
Two. Building a coalition and consensus.
Three. Creating a hub and spoke Coordination Network. Regional Invasive management efforts coordinated across a larger scale will truly make a difference in protecting the species that evolved with the invertebrates and other animals in Vermont.
Four. Articulating a summary of each organization's input.
Five. Determine and describe actions needed for shared solid research, best practices, public education methodologies, celebrating successes, and promoting volunteer invasive management projects on public and private lands.
Six. Engaging the town and state legislative bodies to drive improvements and increase invasive management actions year to year.
Seven. There are currently many organizations, including local conservation committees doing grand and creative work to manage invasives. Not the least of which is the VIEAPC. Let us bolster their efforts where they need help, or where we can enhance them by sharing information and tools. Let's learn from each other.
Eight. We must be careful in our publications and discussions to not demonize any species of plants, particularly when communicating with young people. Rather we must explain the benefits of Vermont plants vs invasive plants that our wildlife did not evolve with or co-exist with. Then to explain the harm that invasive plants brought here that did not evolve with our wildlife can cause to our ecosystems. Teaching what to love. control, instead of what to hate.
Nine. Prioritize non-chemical treatment and at times rely on no management actions over chemical management plans of action. Where chemical applications are the tool of choice, ensure there are firm restrictions on their use. Also, ensure applications are made only by those trained in applying the chemicals.
Ten. Practice, and promote patience and maintenance vs unrealistic one-time fixes. Manage invasives like managing lawns. Managing invasive plants at least to slow the spread is a land stewardship responsibility.
8. Phase II Project Roadmap
Phase II would be a follow on requiring consensus building. This would not be included in the ‘ask’ of the legislature for an Invasive Day.
- Collate comments, then categorize them by topic (beyond the support for a VT Invasive Management Day)
- Consider a survey listing the themes, highlighting needs...
- Establish a meeting of all interested parties
- Set priorities for action: Gain consensus on which theme, which goal(s)*, and what objectives to address
- Determine what invasive management agencies are already doing (UVM, State organizations like VIEAPC, and others).
- Determine more coalition building and network creation (create a VT Invasive listserv on Google groups) and coordination methodologies. Seek expertise in systematic development. Periodically seek process guidance from Jamie Fidel and Karina Dailey at VNRC (VNRC is a policy shop / technical assistance on conservation planning). They will be driving a project to help new-to-state landowners of forested land. This may include invasive management tactics.
VT Invasive Plant Advisory Committee Members | Designee | Title |
VT Agency of Transportation | Bonnie Donahue | VTrans Landscape Architect |
Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation | Elizabeth Spinney | State Lands Invasive Plant Coordinator |
Department of Environmental Conservation | Kim Jensen | Aquatic Biologist |
Department of Fish and Wildlife | ? | ? |
USDA-APHIS-PPQ | Kathryn Aroian | State Plant Health Director |
USDA-FS-Green Mountain National Forest GMNF | Mary Beth Deller | Botany & Non-native Invasive Plant Program Coordinator |
DOI-FWS | Katie Kain | USFWS State Coordinator |
USDA-NRCS | Toby Alexander | State Biologist/Forester |
DOI-NPS | Steve Mortillo | Integrated Resources Program Lead |
Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association | Steve Davison | Nursery Owner |
Vermont Land Trust | Caitlin Cusack | Forester |
Lake Champlain Basin Program | Meg Modley | Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator |
The Nature Conservancy | Lynn McNamara | Director of Stewardship |
University of Vermont | Ann Hazelrigg | UVM Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinic Director |
- Promote cooperative efforts to address invasive exotic plant issues.
- Educate the public, special interest groups, and policymakers about invasive plants.
- Compile information on invasive plants and facilitate access to the information.
- Make recommendations to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets about which invasive species should be considered for the Quarantine Rule.
- Develop and maintain a state watch list of invasive plants.
From John McNerney, Monkton
I have several Parsnip Predator shovels used in Monkton's Parsnip Battles where a group of community volunteers has been working to remove parsnip from Morse Park for about 5 years (this summer will be our 6th).
I've been ordering Parsnip Predator shovels in bulk (to save on shipping) from The Prairie Enthusiast for 5 years now, then reselling them at cost to anyone in the area who is interested. So far, we have 52 shovels sold to folks in Monkton and surrounding areas. It is possible to use a regular round-point shovel to do the same thing. It just takes less effort with the Parsnip Predator, and their handle modification is more ergonomically friendly.
These shovels are not really intended for digging. The technique is to slice off the plant a couple of inches below ground level, then pull the upper part of the plant out of the ground. If done correctly, the plant will not resprout. (Wild Parsnip is in the Carrot family. If you picture a carrot in the ground, you are trying to slice it off below all of the greenery and stems, and take a bit of the orange carrot with it. The Wild Parsnip root is not orange, but like a carrot, it sprouts from the top of that tap root. There is no need to remove the whole root.) If you do this before the seeds are viable, you can just drop the plant where you pull it. Unlike some other invasives, the pulled plant will not take root and grow.
If we are late getting to an area, and the seeds might be viable, we pile the plants on a tarp and drag them to a deeply shaded part of the forest. Wild Parsnip is not at all shade tolerant, so the seeds will eventually just rot, rather than germinate.
Since this is a "sever the root and pull the plant" operation, we are still a bit early for easy Wild Parsnip pulling. You could go after the short rosettes, but it's a lot more work - we figure that is a great way of burning out our volunteers. We make the most progress when the plants are tall: Hold the shovel in one hand, place the tip a couple of inches from where the plant comes out of the ground, angle the blade at roughly 45˚, and shove or kick the blade in, severing the root, then pull. No bending down is required. We leave the short rosettes which grow in the first year of the plant's life. Just not worth the effort to bend down and grab them. Wait till next year when they grow tall and pull them then. The idea is to prevent any of them from going to seed and adding to the seed bank.
Here is a good video on the technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQPiDPxBsVQ
It can take several visits to an area each season to really clear the potentially seed-bearing plants. In a heavily infested area, it can take multiple years to see a difference. We noticed little difference in the number of plants that appeared in our second year, but by the third year, there was a noticeable drop in numbers.
NOTE: The caption under the photo on the store page indicates that Parsnip Predators must be picked up at their office in Wisconsin. This is not correct. They will ship. However, due to an "odd package surcharge" from the post office, the cost of shipping just one shovel is rather prohibitive. The most economical shipping is to order in quantities of 5 (which is how many they can fit in the shipping box). I MIGHT be ordering another round of shovels if there is enough interest in the Monkton area.
The Prairie Enthusiast in Wisconsin makes and sells the Parsnip Predator. The link to the shovel itself seems to change every year or so, so I just tell people to go to their home page: https://theprairieenthusiasts.org/ Then look for their "store" or "shop" link.
A couple of years ago, they stopped shipping the Parsnip Predators when the Post Office added a surcharge for shipping the odd-sized box. It was enough to make the price of ordering a single shovel unattractive. I convinced them to start shipping again (I'm a pretty good customer of theirs) and just let the buyer decide whether it is worth it or not. The most economical order quantity is multiples of 5, since that is what fits in the box.
Very important considerations for anyone considering working with Wild Parsnip: we wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes (NO open toes), and gloves and recommend hats and glasses as protection against exposure to the sap.
Since the reaction is activated by getting sap on the skin and then being exposed to UV light (sunlight), we also schedule our work sessions for after sunset or before sunrise. (I prefer after sunset since there is less risk of me pushing my luck to finish a section and then being exposed to sunlight after the sun rises. I also have the nighttime with no chance of UV exposure after working with the plants.)
- Funding Options for Invasive Control.
- Contact Cory Ross (Windham district mgr Conservation District) for information on NRCS EQIP
- BTV Invasive programs links from Dan Cahill
- BTV Wildway's
- Wildway's Interns & Invasives
- BTV Nature-Based Climate Solutions
- Champlain Elementary School (BTV) Natual Climate Solutions
- Glyphosate articles
- VT INVASIVES WEBSITE Contact: Elizabeth Spinney at FPR, invasive plants
- Forest Pest Education Coordinator, VT Urban & Community Forestry Program, UVM Extension, Ginger Nickerson, invasive forest insects and pathogens
- VT Dept of Conservation, Kimberly Jensen, invasive aquatic species
- Commentary & News Articles
- Bob Stannard: Vermont needs a moratorium on spraying toxic chemicals in our lakes
- Freshwater ecosystems at risk due to glyphosate use
- BIODIVERSITY count by VT city or tow
- Videos / Recordings
- Resources
- Management Challenges - NE RISCC Management Network The RISCC management networks reduce the joint effects of climate change and invasive species by synthesizing relevant science, sharing the needs and knowledge of managers, building stronger scientist-manager communities, and conducting priority research.
- Training dogs and their handlers to find invasives. Arden Blumenthal
- Invasive Plant Management Prioritization Tool (Spreadsheet) Available. Contact Bernie.
- NISC National Invasive Species Council, US Department of the Interior
- NE RISCC Management Regional Invasive Species & Climate Change (RISCC) Management Networks. Sign up to hear about news and events from the RISCC leadership team, and post to the listserv (ne_riscc-l@list.cornell.edu) to ask for help from experts across the Northeast U.S.
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