The New York Citizens Advisory Committee to the Lake Champlain Basin Program is inviting the public to a Watershed Stewardship Summit which will present the successes and challenges in aquatic invasive species spread prevention in the Lake Champlain basin and Adirondacks.

The summit will held on Tuesday, March 29, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm at The Nature Conservancy Office on Route 73 in Keene Valley.

Aquatic invasive species are an on-going threat to the region’s lakes and rivers. The introduction of a single invasive species into a waterbody has the potential to upset the ecological balance by out-competing native plants, disrupting the food web, and altering species composition. Aquatic invasive species impact the use and enjoyment of waters, as well as, the local economy. Preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species is critical for protecting our water resources.

Learn from local experts from around the region about programs that are being implemented to help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species into our lakes and rivers. The panel of experts will include:

• Dr. Eric Holmlund, Director of the Watershed Stewardship Program at Paul Smith’s College
• Lake Champlain Basin Program Boat Launch Steward Program
• Hilary Smith, Director of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program
• Carol Treadwell, Ph.D., Executive Director for the Ausable River Association
• Emily DeBolt, Director of Education for the Lake George Association

The summit is sponsored by the New York Citizens Advisory Committee – Lake Champlain Basin Program. Please rsvp at nycaclcb@gw.dec.state.ny.us by March 25.