SESSION E:
Title: Maine VLMP — By and For the People
Authors: Scott Williams1 and Roberta Hill2
1Executive Director, Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP)
2Program Director, Maine Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants, VLMP
Abstract:
The Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program (VLMP) is the longest-standing, and one of the largest citizen lake monitoring programs in the U.S. The VLMP provides training, certification, and technical support to volunteers who collect scientifically credible lake water quality data. This information is used extensively by state and federal agencies, towns, lake associations and businesses.
In 2003, in response to a growing threat to Maine waters, the VLMP launched the Maine Center for Invasive Aquatic Plants ( MCIAP ). One of MCIAP 's key programs is the Invasive Plant Patrol, providing training and technical support for individuals and groups who wish to participate in Maine 's citizen-based "early detection" effort. Volunteers learn how to survey a waterbody for the eleven invasive aquatic plants currently on Maine 's watch list, and ways to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants in their communities.
Scott Williams and Roberta Hill will provide a glimpse into the workings of one of the country's most successful examples of science "by and for the people."
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