Here you will find the latest news about Lake Carmi

New Watershed Coordinator

Hello Lake Carmi Community!
​I am Ava Walsh, and I recently replaced Julia Crocker as the Watershed Coordinator. I am very excited to be working on Lake Carmi and I can't wait to get to know you all!
I have a very diverse background in both agricultural science and watershed management. I received my degree in Environmental Biology for the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Since that time, I worked as an intern for the USDA in southern Florida researching invasive species. After my internship, I moved to the Burlington area and began working for the Lake Champlain Basin Program as a temporary Boat Greeter. I fell in love with the work and decided to take this position with the Franklin Watershed Committee. 
Since beginning this position, I have helped apply for funding, conduct water sampling and organize events. Most importantly, I was able to witness the historic Alum Treatment that the FWC and LCCA have worked hard to execute. I hope to continue the great work that Julia has been doing over the past several years. If you have any questions pertaining to my work or the lake community, please reach out to me at [email protected].

Check Out This Video on Lake Habitat


Lake Carmi Alum Treatment
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On 09/15/2025 with participation from the Vermont Department of Natural Resources, Lake Carmi began a historic Alum treatment. The treatment is made of a mixture of aluminum sulfate and sodium aluminate. This mixture will target legacy phosphorus reserves in the lakebed which worsen cyanobacteria blooms. If successful, this treatment will help lessen cyanobacteria in the lake and make Lake Carmi a healthier waterbody.
On 10/01/2025 local news stations came to document the historic alum treatment. We heard statements from all of our amazing collaborators. We thank all of the lake members and constituents that helped with the treatment!

Boat Greeters Wanted!

​Looking for a fun summer job? The Franklin Watershed Committee is looking for a Public Access Boat Greeter for the summer 2026 season! Boat Greeters serve the imperative job of preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species to and from Lake Carmi. Lake Carmi has been plagued with Eurasian Watermilfoil since the 1980s and it has taken over much of our native seaweed species. It is imperative that we do everything we can to prevent new aquatic invasive species from entering the lake, and to keep our aquatic species from leaving the lake.
            We are looking folks to be stationed at the North Shore boat launch and the Lake Carmi State Park boat launch for approximately 20 hours per week from Memorial Day to Labor Day at $20 per hour. This job does require early morning start times to coincide with fishers entering the water. Greeters will be required to attend a Public Access Greeter Training session through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. You can find the full job description and training schedule on the Vermont DEC website here: https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/aquatic-invasives/spread-prevention/greeters
Not only is this an important job at Lake Carmi and many lakes around Vermont, it is also fun and a great way to earn some extra money this summer, especially for students and retirees! If you are interested in becoming a Public Access Greeter please contact Ava Walsh at [email protected] - Thank you!


Lake Carmi Tributary Boat Tour
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​On 09/13/2025 our watershed coordinator, Julia Crocker, held a tributary tour. We saw all of the tributaries of the lake and how the coordinator conducts water sampling. This gave the public an inside look at the activities of the coordinator.
Julia explained the importance of water sampling and how it allows us to evaluate where pollutants are entering the lake. Lake Carmi has one of the longest standing water sampling programs in the state. This is only possible because of our amazing partnership with the Vermont DEC.  

Japanese Knotweed!

     A new invasive species has been spotted in the watershed! You may be familiar with this species that has popping up everywhere (no really, its everywhere) called Japanese Knotweed.
     This terrestrial plant is extremely prolific and has been outcompeting native species all over the nation. Every part of the plant is capable of spreading it and it grows 8 inches a day! It can be recognized by its bamboo-like stalks, pointed leaves, and white flowers in the spring.
     Unfortunately there are not many reliable methods of getting rid of it herbicides and smothering it with black plastic, so the best method is prevention. However, mowing it four times a year may weaken it enough to kill the stand. Be sure to wash your shoes, clothes, and tires of you come into contact with it and do not try to cut it down if possible. 
​This map will updated with stands that have been popping up within the Lake Carmi watershed.

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