Aquatic invasive species that affect rivers are fast encroaching on the Champlain Basin. Didymo, for example, was first detected in a Vermont river in the summer of 2007 and by mid-summer 2008 it was discovered in a river within the Champlain Basin. In New York State, Didymo has been found in the Batten Kill, Delaware, Esopus Rivers, and most recently the Kayderosserras Creek; all within a day’s drive of the Champlain Basin. The Ausable River, known worldwide for its trout fishery and spectacular scenery, cannot afford to be impacted by unsightly or ecosystem changing invasives whether it is Didymo, New Zealand Mud Snail, Rusty Cray Fish, or fish disease. The West Branch of the Ausable River attracts $3.8 million dollars in fishing tourism to the region annually and supports four fly shops and numerous private guides. Furthermore, a tourism survey conducted annually by the Essex County Visitors Bureau shows that anglers make up eighteen percent (18%) of the visiting public. For this reason the Ausable River Association in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program funds a “River Steward” who works in the Ausable and encircling watersheds to spread the “Check-Clean-Dry” message to anglers and river users. Steward's Survey Results: Year 1.
The Ausable River Steward educates an angler on the stream bank.
