The Lake Dunmore/Fern Lake Association (LDFLA) in conjunction with the Lake Champlain Basin Program established a lake steward program in June of 2011 for the purpose of helping to prevent the spread of new invasive species to our lakes.   Over the course of the three years we have inspected approximately 4,000 boats and trailers. Eurasian Water Milfoil was the only invasive species found during the inspections. Our lake stewards have had a busy summer. They are working hard inspecting boats and trailers in the effort to prevent the introduction of new invasive species to our lakes. Invasive species in surrounding lakes include Eurasian Water Milfoil, Variable-Leaf Milfoil, Water Chestnut, Zebra Mussels and the Asian Clam.  The stewards work Thursdays through Sundays plus holidays at the Lake Dunmore boat launch and periodic inspections at the Fern Lake launch.  Their jobs are to offer voluntary inspections of boats and trailers, pass out educational materials regarding invasive species and spread prevention methods, and answer questions posed by people visiting our lakes.

Our crew is one of many stationed throughout lakes in Vermont. The information collected by all crews is loaded into a database that is used to track travel patterns of boaters and when applicable identify the origin lake of invasive species. Eurasian Water Milfoil is the only known invasive species existing in Lake Dunmore and Fern Lake.