CHAMP Volunteer Landing Page

Thank you for volunteering with the Champlain Aquatic invasive Monitoring Program (CHAMP)! This page contains important resources and links for trained volunteers to conduct and submit CHAMP surveys. 

Please reach out to Eileen Fitzgerald at eileenf@ lakechamplaincommittee.org / 802-658-1461 or Lindsey Cookson at lindseyc@ lakechamplaincommittee.org / 802-200-3560 with any questions.

CHAMP Survey ResourcesIdentification ResourcesEvents and TrainingsQA Sample Info
What is CHAMP?Aquatic Invasive Species in Lake Champlain

CHAMP Survey Form - this directs you to the Survey123 Form through which you should submit your CHAMP survey.

CHAMP Manual - this document contains information on each target and watchlist species surveyed for through CHAMP, instructions on conducting surveys, and useful contact information and resources on aquatic invasive species.

CHAMP Survey Guidance- this document (also in the CHAMP Manual) gives details on materials, surveying protocols, and step-by-step instructions on how to conduct a CHAMP survey and submit data through Survey123.

CHAMP Survey Data Sheets - use these if you prefer not to use Survey123 in the field

Virtual CHAMP Training Session- this is a recording of the 6/2/2026 virtual training session held on Zoom and is required viewing for those on in attendance.

Upcoming in-person trainings  

• Saturday 6/27/2026 - 12PM-1:30PM - Point au Roche State Park - Parking lot past the Nature Center at the end of Camp Red Cloud Rd., Plattsburgh, NY 12901
• Saturday 6/27/2026 - 3PM-4:30PM - Swanton Beach - 17 Moreau Dr, Swanton, VT 05488
• Tuesday 6/30/2026 - 9:30AM-11AM - Shelburne Bay Boat Launch - 1136 Bay Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482 

For at least one of your surveys over the course of the season, you are required to collect a Quality Assurance (QA) Sample for review by either LCC or Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) personnel.
To do this:

1. Label a plastic, sealable, gallon-sized freezer bag (provided by LCC) using a permanent marker with your full name, the date, the name of your survey site, and “QA SAMPLE”.
    
2. During the survey, collect enough plant matter from your rake toss to fill about half of the gallon-sized bag. This sample should be representative of what you see in the survey – including native species as well as the AIS you report (if Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels are reported in the survey, the QA Sample should contain both). 
    
3. Wrap the sample in a wet paper towel or rag, place it in your labeled bag, seal it, and store the QA Sample in a cooler or refrigerator until sample exchange.
    
4. Coordinate QA Sample exchange. You can:
   • Drop off with a LCBP Boat Launch Steward. LCBP Boat Launch Stewards can be found Friday–Sunday between 9:00 AM–4:00 PM at the following locations:
     • South Hero VT - John Guilmette Access Area
     • Colchester VT - Malletts Bay F&W Access Area
     • Shelburne VT – Shelburne Bay Access Area
     • Charlotte VT – Converse Bay F&W Access Area
     • Plattsburgh NY – Point Au Roche Boat Launch
   • Drop off at LCC’s office - 208 Flynn Ave. Suite 3 Building 3F, Burlington VT 05401; open Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM). Please reach out to confirm drop-off before coming in. Prior arrangements can be made for sample drop-off outside of office hours and over the weekend.
   • Coordinate an alternative pickup time and location or delivery method with Eileen (eileenf@ lakechamplaincommittee.org; 802-658-1461).

As you prepare to survey, please remember that water conditions can be volatile. Check local conditions carefully before heading into the water – avoid surveying in cyanobacteria blooms. If surveying from a watercraft, always wear a PFD.

Prevent the spread of AIS by cleaning your survey rake between surveys, especially if you are covering multiple sites! Rinse the rake heads and the rope it with water (hot water if possible), and let your equipment dry off completely before using it again.

Learn more about preventing the spread of AIS