From Eleanor Ely, editor of The Volunteer Monitor:

The Spring 2009 issue of "The Volunteer Monitor" newsletter will be going to press shortly.

Issue theme: "Aquatic Invasive Species."

If you are already on the mailing list, your copy should arrive in 3-6 weeks.

If you're not on the mailing list and would like to be, send your request to ellieely@earthlink.net. Please specify whether you want an electronic subscription (PDF will be sent to your inbox) or hardcopy mailed to your street address.

WHAT'S IN THE ISSUE

Invasive Plant Patrollers guard Maine lakes: After 31 years experience with water quality monitoring, Maine’s Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program ventured into the world of invasive plant monitoring. Roberta Hill shares valuable lessons learned.

Riverine Early Detectors (RED): Rivers lag behind lakes when it comes to invasive plant monitoring. Wisconsin's Project RED volunteers are bringing the fight against invasives to river systems.

Mussel monitoring methods: Volunteers all over North America are on the lookout for zebra and quagga mussels, using a variety of methods and equipment.

Tracking marine invaders: Salem Sound Coastwatch in Massachusetts pioneered methods for detecting and monitoring invasive plants and animals in the marine environment.

“Don't spread invasives!” Most volunteer monitors don't think of themselves as potential vectors for spreading invasives -- but they can be. This article describes ways to decontaminate equipment and footwear.

Success story: A volunteer's sharp eyes and quick action headed off an infestation in a New Hampshire pond.

Boat inspector programs: Prevention is the best way to deal with invasive species. Volunteers who perform courtesy boat inspections at launching sites are in the front lines of this effort.

The Volunteer Monitor is available online at www.EPA.gov/OWOW/volunteer/vm_index.html

Please contact Eleanor Ely with any questions.