CASIN’ THE BASIN VOLUME X SPRING/SUMMER 2003 NUMBER 1

US EPA and Governors Sign Updated Opportunities for Action

Lake Champlain Erik Beck Basin Program CONTENTS: Governors Sign Opportunities for Action 1,15 Basin Waves 2 Your Lawn Your Lake Brochure 3 Reciprocal Fish License 3 Nuisance Species and the Champlain Canal 4 VT-Quebec Phosphorus Agreement 5 Sea Grant News 5 Outreach Activities 6-7 ECHO at the Leahy Center 7 LakeNet Hosts Workshop 8-9 Rotary Clubs Initiate Lake Action 10 LCBP Grants and Budget 11 Vermont Governor Jim Douglas and New York Governor George Pataki sign Lake Champlain documents on Earth Day, 2003. Blue-Green Algae 12 Clean Marine Engines 13 Wayside Exhibits 13 verlooking Lake Champlain from historic Staff Upates 14 Resources 16 Fort Crown Point, New York Governor George Pataki and Vermont Governor Check out the LCBP O Jim Douglas renewed their states’ com- On-line! www.lcbp.org mitment to Lake Champlain by signing the up- dated version of Opportunities for Action on Earth Day, April 22nd. The revised long-term plan for the

PAID Lake and its Basin elevates protecting public

PRSRTD STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 179 BURLINGTON, VT health as one of the four highest priorities. The other highest priorities include reducing phos- phorus concentrations, reducing contamination from toxic pollutants, and managing non-native aquatic nuisance species. Continued on page 15

Basin Program

P.O. Box 204 54 West Shore Road Grand Isle Vermont 05458

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Lake Champlain Can the invasions be halted? - page 4 Grand Opening of ECHO - page 7 LakeNet Workshops - page 8 2 CASIN’ THE BASIN

BASIN WAVES... Good news from around the Lake Champlain Basin!

Lake Champlain Receives LCBP Lake Champlain Maritime Nearly $7 million in 2003 Museum Opens Educa-

n March, Senator Patrick Leahy announced tion Center LCMM that he and the Congressional delegation I from Vermont and New York have secured a total of $6.885 million more in federal funds to benefit Lake Champlain.

“The hard work done by the stewards of Lake Champlain has once again paid off,” Leahy said. The federal funds coming to Lake Champlain will help us make important strides to improve our Lake’s water quality.”

The following earmarks for Lake Champlain were included in the 2003 Omnibus Appropria- tions Act: Hoehl Education Center at LCMM. • $1.65 million for the Lake Champlain Sail Ferry Launched new experience awaits visitors to the Basin Program LCMM’s Basin Harbor campus! On • $1.75 million for stormwater pollu- n exciting new replica of an old vessel A June 1st, 2003, the LCMM opened its tion controls in Chittenden County will set sail on Lake Champlain this new Hoehl Education and Visitor Center. With summer. The Weatherwax is a replica of a generous gift from Bob and Cynthia Hoehl • $800,000 for Burlington breakwater A a sail ferry that operated between Chimney and a 2002 capital appropriation from the repairs Point, Vermont and Crown Point, New York State of Vermont, the new building will house • $750,000 for ECHO at the Leahy before the bridge was constructed. A dedica- visitor information exhibits, the gift shop, and Center for Lake Champlain tion ceremony was held last August at the Port a 100 seat lecture hall with a full range of Henry Iron Center and Railroad Mining and audiovisual equipment. The center will be • $500,000 for the Army Corps Lake Heritage Park. home to new family programming on Sunday Champlain Watershed Initiative afternoons, Thursday evening “Behind the • $485,000 for U.S. Geological Survey In May 1998, through a Lake Champlain Basin Scenes” presentations and programs for water monitoring Program grant, a feasibility study was com- visiting students and campers. The facility will also be available for use by community groups • $400,000 to fight invasive species pleted for the construction and operation of a replica wooden sailing ferry between Crown for meetings and conferences. For more • $300,000 for alternative manure Point State Historic Site in New York and information about the Center or summer control technology Chimney Point State Historic Site in Vermont. programs, visit www.lcmm.org. • $250,000 for water and air pollution The study, titled Sailing Ferry Feasibility Study, research activities described the historic background of a sailing ferry, and the feasibility of constructing and operating a vessel that would have the “look” LCBP of the historic ferry, and meet all regulations Lake Champlain Basin for a passenger vessel in its size class. Program Act of 2002

In September 1998, New York Governor Pataki enator Jim Jeffords, along with Senator announced the award of a Lake Champlain/ Leahy and New York Senators Hillary Lake George Waterfront Revitalization Initiative S Clinton and Charles Schumer intro- grant to construct the ferry. The grant pro- duced the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Lake vided for the replica vessel to be built so the Champlain Basin Program Act of 2002. This public can view and participate in all aspects new legislation builds on ten years of solid of this historic vessel’s reconstruction. The progress in cooperative efforts to improve the funding for this project is administered by health of Lake Champlain. The law authorizes Empire State Development Corporation $55 million over the next five years to support (ESDC) and the Lake Placid/Essex County the Environmental Protection Agency and Visitor’s Bureau (LP/ECVB). The vessel is cur- other partners of the Lake Champlain Basin rently owned by the LP/ECVB. An LCBP Educa- Program in protecting the environment and tion and Outreach grant has also been cultural resources of the Champlain Valley. The awarded to assist with the development of Bill builds upon the Lake Champlain Special curriculum materials for the Weatherwax. Designation Act of 1990 which laid the groundwork for establishing LCBP and a The replica vessel, now named the cooperative long term planning process for Weatherwax, accommodates up to 49 passen- Lake Champlain. The original legislation gers, and provides facilities for bicycles. The helped bring together governments and Enjoy Lake Champlain this summer. design is based upon original photos, archival Go sailing on a windy day! citizens groups in New York, Vermont, Quebec materials and archaeological research. The to plan for the Lake’s future. LCBP’s local vessel is not an exact replica as it has been grants programs are also administered designed and constructed to meet United through the funds derived from this legisla- States Coast Guard regulations for vessels tion. under 100 gross tons designed to carry pas- sengers. 3 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Your Lawn Your Lake… Reciprocal Fish License An Exciting Six Agreement Signed! BIC, The Lake Champlain Regional Months... Chamber of Commerce and the LCBP LCBP G collaborated on the development of a e’ve had an exciting six months at brochure this spring, aimed at improving the the LCBP with the completion of health of Lake Champlain by reducing phospho- a revised Opportunities for Action, rus runoff from homes and businesses. Governor W the passage of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Jim Douglas joined the partners for a press Lake Champlain Basin Program Act of 2002, conference which was held on the Burlington the opening of ECHO on the Burlington waterfront in May to release the brochure. waterfront and a new project with GBIC and the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Phosphorus is a nutrient essential for humans, Commerce. These events, combined with plant, and animal growth. However, when the Congressional delegation’s delivery of humans introduce too much phosphorus into more than $7 million dollars for Lake Lake Champlain’s ecosystem, the nutrient Champlain projects in 2003, have demon- provides a key food source for algae. Algal strated that the commitment to the Lake blooms can discourage recreational use of the Champlain Basin is strong at every level and Lake for swimmers and boaters. in every part of our society.

The Chamber and GBIC worked directly with After receiving input through a series of about 20 member businesses to seek advice about stakeholder meetings, the Citizens Advisory the text and design of the brochure which was Committees public meetings and input from drafted by LCBP staff. Many businesses within our other committees, the Steering Commit- Chittenden County are now distributing 18,000 tee approved the revised plan in 2002. In copies of the brochure within their stores includ- addition to other changes, protecting public The Lake Champlain reciprocal fish ing Gardener’s Supply, Home Depot and many health was elevated to one of the four others. license will permit individuals to fish throughout the Main Lake. Highest Priorities. The Steering Committee felt that the increases in blue-green algae The brochure highlights ten simple steps that blooms and beach closings related to bacte- homeowners and businesses can take to reduce rial contamination during the past two years he Vermont Legislature passed legislation phosphorus. The number one recommendation called for increased action to protect public this spring to set in place a reciprocal is to conduct soil tests before applying any health. fertilizer to lawns or gardens. Other steps include T fish license between New York and Vermont for most of Lake Champlain. The bill leaving grass clippings in place as mulch, Through the efforts of our Congressional was signed by Governor Douglas in May. This composting, avoiding non-native invasive delegation, the Moynihan Bill authorized up milestone was reached after more than a decade species, and leaving vegetation in place, espe- to $55 million dollars over the next five of discussions. This bill will allow New York cially in areas close to rivers, streams and small years to help implement Opportunites for fishing license holders and Vermont fishing trickling brooks. For a copy of the brochure, Action. Though 2002 marked a critical year license holder to fish both sides of the main contact the LCBP at (800) 468-5227. for budgeting at the federal level, we are Lake and the South Lake. Anglers will still need hopeful that federal appropriations in 2004 to hold a Vermont License to fish Missisquoi will allow us to better address the actions in Bay, the Inland Sea and Malletts Bay, which are the new plan including an expanded local the geographic areas of the Lake which have grants program. We are very grateful for the islands or causeways between New York and continued support from our Senators, Vermont. Representatives and federal partners.

I want to encourage our readers to visit ECHO at the Leahy Center (formerly the Lake Champlain Science Center) and to stop by the Lake Champlain Basin Program’s Resource Room on the 2nd floor. The Re- source Room features research reports from Lake Champlain and new materials from The angling community has requested a recip- lakes around the world that have been rocal license for years. The Lake Champlain contributed by LakeNet. Our Champlain 2000 Basin Program included the need for a recipro- news series with WPTZ and KeyBank, an cal fish license in Opportunities for Action in electronic calendar of hands-on opportuni- 1996. The LCBP provided partial funding to the ties from around the Basin and several new Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife to exhibits designed by LCBP’s Nicole Ballinger estimate the revenue impact on the State of are also available. We are also pleased to Vermont as a result of a reciprocal license. The begin our expansion of New York outreach survey results estimated a loss of about $80,000 efforts by opening two new exhibits at dollars annually, considerably less than origi- Champlain Centres North in Plattsburgh nally expected. It is hoped that an increase in this summer. license sales and other revenues will offset this loss to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Please stop by our office in Grand Isle or the Resource Room at ECHO to give us your The New York, Vermont and Quebec Citizens thoughts about the Lake, its health or issues Advisory Committees have also set the recipro- of concern. Also, I hope you’ll explore our cal license as a high priority for many years. Lake Champlain Atlas and new briefs that This year, both Mayor Peter Clavelle from we now offer on our website at Burlington, Vermont and Mayor Dan Stewart www.lcbp.org. At least as important, I hope from Plattsburgh, New York testified in favor of you will take some time this summer to the bill before the legislature. The angling explore Lake Champlain itself; get wet and community will find the reciprocal license most have some fun. It really is a great lake. beneficial when fishing tournaments are held on Lake Champlain. The new agreement will Bill Howland take effect on January 1, 2004. Basin Program Manager 4 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Slowing the Spread of Nuisance Species Can the invasions be halted? “To date, it has been very difficult to stop the through the Champlain Canal spread of exotic species, whether they are zooplankton, aquatic fish and plants or other ake Champlain Sea Grant has initiated a St. Lawrence River drainage systems using the species,” said Michael Hauser, Aquatic feasibility study to see whether action Champlain Canal and Lake Champlain as an Nusiance Species Coordinator for the VT L can be taken to reduce nuisance invasion route.” Department of Environmental Conservation. aquatic species introductions through the “Some steps have been taken to slow addi- Champlain Canal. Similar to watersheds Beginning in the early 1800’s, canals were tional introductions, but more steps are around the world, human activities in and built to improve shipping and transportation, needed.” around the Champlain Basin have led to both connecting Lake Champlain with the Great the accidental and deliberate introduction of Lakes, and the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. Mike Hauser exotic species including plants, snails and Unfortunately, the canals also provided an sport fishes. excellent travel corridor for nuisance species.

“The study goals included documenting the Sea Grant impact of aquatic nuisance species introduc- tions in Lake Champlain and conducting an assessment of future threats that may be likely if no physical or procedural changes are made to the canal operations,” said Mark Malchoff, Fisheries Specialist with Lake Champlain Sea The Champlain Canal connects the Lake to Grant and Principal Investigator for the the Hudson River. project. In addition, recommendations about possible canal solutions will be developed The Vermont Legislature passed a law in 2002 using data collected from biologists and other to manage baitfish introductions. This law key stakeholders, and through a Delphi pro- makes it illegal to use certain types of fish as cess and cost-benefit analyses conducted by bait except for the “green species” listed in Dr. Bryan Higgins and Dr. Ellen Fitzpatrick “The data shows that the rate of exotic species the bill. New York has similar laws. But an- from SUNY Plattsburgh. introduction into Lake Champlain has been glers, like Bill Wellman from Lake Champlain gradually increasing since they were first Trout Unlimited are still concerned. He noted How do “exotics” get here? documented in the 1920s,” said Marsden. that while it’s critical to regulate baitfish, the Three species have entered the Lake just since two states now have different species listed for Zebra mussels, water chestnut and Eurasian 2000. Marsden’s research also indicates that Lake Champlain. It will also be important for watermilfoil are some of Lake Champlain’s the majority of exotic species in Lake Quebec anglers to have accress to the baitfish most notorious non-native aquatic nuisance Champlain at this time originated from Europe lists. species (also referred to as exotics). Recent and Asia. Most of these species were intro- discoveries in the Basin, including tench and duced elsewhere in the US before they arrived State fishery departments manage the stock- alewives, also pose tremendous threats to the in Lake Champlain. ing programs on Lake Champlain. It is unlikely Lake Champlain’s ecosystem. Additional Sea Grant that new species will be added through species are likely to follow including the ruffe, normal fisheries operations. quagga mussel, round goby and various zooplankton. By informing the public about baitfish issues and the economic, recreation and environ- “My preliminary findings indicate that at least mental problems resulting from new exotic 12 of the 30 species whose route of invasion introductions, accidental releases may be can be identified entered Lake Champlain reduced. through the Champlain Canal,” said Dr. Ellen Marsden of the University of Vermont. “In “There’s a need for more action and improved addition,18 exotic species have moved be- communication,” said Hauser who also repre- tween the Hudson River, Great Lakes and The ruffe and the round sents the LCBP on the National Nuisance goby may be some of Aquatic Task Force. Nuisance aquatic special- Lake Champlain’s future

Cruising Guide to Lake Champlain ists from New York and Vermont will be invaders. working to address these issues, in conjunc- The Waterway from New York to Montreal tion with anglers and baitfish distributors.

Champlain Canal Study Results “As we wrap up the first phase of the Champlain Canal feasibility study,” said Malchoff, our research will suggest potential options for chemical, electrical, biological and physical barriers to reduce exotic introductions via the Canal.” Study results, including the cost-benefit study, will be presented during a second Canal Stakeholders Workshop in the Whitehall/Glenns Falls area later this summer. The final printed report is expected in Fall, 2003.

For further information about the Champlain Canal Barrier Project, contact Mark Malchoff, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, at (518) 564-3038 Lake Champlain flows or log on: http://research.plattsburgh.edu/ north, connecting the LakeChamplainSeaGrantAquatic. ports of New York City and Montreal. In addition to Mark Malchoff serving as prin- ciple investigator, Dr. Ellen Marsden, Michael Hauser and Dr. Ellen Fitzpatrick are Co-investi- gators; Dr. Bryan Higgins and Dr. Bill Howland are Associate Investigators on the Champlain Canal Project. 5 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Matt Goodman Additional Exotic Phosphorus Reduction Species News Agreement Signed n August 26, 2002 in Québec City, an Aquatic Nuisance Species Rapid agreement between Vermont and Response Plan Initiated O Québec regarding phosphorus reduction in the Missisquoi Bay watershed was signed. In May, representatives from the LCBP, Lake Scott Johnstone, then Secretary of Vermont’s Champlain Sea Grant, Vermont DEC and Agency of Natural Resources and André Boisclair, scan slide the Adirondack Park Agency attended a two the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs of day aquatic nuisance species conference in Greater Montréal, Environment and Water Bar Harbor, Maine. Participants discussed signed the agreement. Vermont and Québec and analyzed case studies involving com- share a common border along Missisquoi Bay. munity responses to newly introduced invasive species in other lakes. Participants The agreement states that Vermont accepts 60% examined the fundamental elements of of the responsibility for reducing phosphorus developing a rapid response plan so that all loads to the Bay and Québec accepts 40%. agencies, anglers, and interested parties can Accordingly, the target phosphorus load for respond quickly and cohesively when a new Vermont will be 58.3 mt/yr, and the target load species appears in the Lake Champlain The Nature Conservancy recruits for Québec will be 38.9 mt/yr. The target loads watershed. Lisa Windhausen, LCBP’s nui- volunteers all summer long to help set by the agreement were based on the report of pull water chestnuts in shallow sance aquatic species coordinator will be the Québec - Vermont Missisquoi Bay Phospho- areas. taking the lead on drafting a rapid response rus Reduction Task Force, a subcommittee of the plan for the Lake Champlain Basin. Nui- Lake Champlain Basin Program’s Technical sance aquatics experts and anglers from Water Chestnut Volunteers Advisory Committee. throughout the Basin will participate in the Needed! process. The signing of this agreement fulfills a highest ince 1998, 119 tons (wow!) of water priority action of the Lake Champlain Manage- chestnut have been hand-pulled by Bait Fish Guide Being Developed ment Plan, Opportunities for Action, which is S volunteers working with the Nature The Vermont Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, being implemented by the Lake Champlain Basin Conservancy on southern Lake Champlain. with partial funding from the LCBP, is Program and its partners. Québec, Vermont and Volunteers are needed to hand-pull the plants from narrow tributary streams preparing a user-friendly bait fish reference other local groups and agencies have already MRBA and shallow bay areas which guide with photos and descriptions for been implementing many phosphorus reduction cannot be reached with me- anglers and bait distributors. The project controls in the Missisquoi watershed. chanical harvesters. Some should be completed by Fall, 2003. Efforts include best management canoes can be provided. The practices on farms to reduce pulling schedule is avail- runoff, upgrading waste- Alternative Lamprey Treatment able on LCBP’s website at water treatment www.lcbp.org under The LCBP is sponsoring a study of non- plants, and restor- community calendar, chemical alternatives to lampricide treat- ing streambanks. ment. A non-chemical technique of raking or call the Southern lamprey nests will be tested on Lewis Creek Lake Champlain The text of this Nature Conservancy to see if the process can effectively remove international agree- sea lamprey eggs from nests. The study, office to sign up at ment can be read online (802) 265-8645. which is being conducted by the US Fish at: www.lcbp.org/PDFs/ and Wildlife Service in conjunction with missbayagreement.pdf. state and local partners will also estimate whether lamprey eggs survive the raking Ben and Jerry’s volunteers work to reduce process. It will determine whether these pollution entering Missisquoi Bay by installing tree revetments on the Trout River. eggs are likely to survive into the larval form. The non-chemical alternative project will also examine the effect on potential Sea Grant News non-target species.

Adirondack Website ake Champlain Sea Grant helps the nonpoint sources of pollution. Sea Grant and public become more aware of domes- UVM Extension are also working with the Visit the Adirondack Park Agency’s L tic nonpoint source pollution. With Sea middle school on related nonpoint source updated website for nusiance species Grant support, Friends of curriculum development. information in the Adirondack Park at Burlington Area Community www.adkinvasives.com. Staff have devel- Gardens have converted all Marina staff from New York and oped an inventory of nuisance species community gardens in the Lake Vermont received Sea Grant where controls such as handpulling may buffer to organic. These commu- training in safe paint removal and still be an option for reducing local infesta- nity gardens now serve as painting practices, part of their tions. Examples of species identified to date sources of information on lake Lake Champlain required pesticide applicators include Eurasian watermilfoil, curlyleaf friendly practices for their com- certification program. As part of pondweed, Japanese knotweed and purple munities. Sea Grant and Burlington Public the Cornell Initiative, Sea Grant is also devel- loosestrife. Site location, species photos and Works have supported a demonstration of lake oping best management practices for Lake descriptive information is available online. friendly grounds care for public property, Champlain marinas. MarinaNet, the national businesses and multi-family residential prop- Sea Grant marina network, will also assist in Aquaculture/Baitfish erty in the Englesby watershed. Working with promoting clean marinas and informing the UVM and the Cornell Master Garderner boating public. Conference Planned program, Sea Grant produced Lake Friendly Lake Champlain Sea Grant will be hosting Gardening, a series of 12 information bulletins ince 2001, Sea Grant has awarded the 2004 New England aquaculture confer- available on line at www.uvm.edu/extension/ $240,000 to fund applied research on ence, with a focus on small-scale baitfish publications/lakefriendly/. S living aquatic resources and watershed in production. the Basin. Current research focuses on man- Working with Colchester’s water quality agement of rainbow smelt and on the impact coordinating committee to increase access to of cormorant management on lake fish pollution information, Sea Grant recently populations. completed a domestic nonpoint source survey to identify local attitudes and potential 6 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Lake Champlain Another Successful with the help of the US Fish and Wildlife New Educator and Service. George Bailey’s class from Lake Placid Educator Summit! Middle School has raised trout, while incorpo- Student Resources! rating watershed concepts and Adirondack ast May, 80 educators from Vermont geology into the classroom. and New York braved a wet, windy day L at the Champlain Basin Education CBEI thanks all the presenters and the resource Initiative (CBEI) Summit 2002: Explore the fair exhibitors who helped make this day a Diversity of the Lake Champlain Basin - Linking success. CBEI especially appreciates the energy Students to Their Watershed at Shelburne and enthusiasm about Lake Champlain that Farms. A dozen workshops covered topics the educators bring to all the CBEI workshops such as animal tracking, aquatic nuisance and their classrooms. species, seining for fish, identifying aquatic invertebrates, and wildflower walks. he CBEI partners include: Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center, Audubon Participants join the ranks of more than 475 T Vermont, ECHO at the Leahy Center for educators who have participated in Lake Lake Champlain, Lake Champlain Basin Pro- Champlain CBEI training programs since gram, Lake Champlain Committee, National Lake Champlain Basin Atlas CD ROM 1992. Teachers adapt what they learn in the Wildlife Federation, Shelburne Farms, and — LCBP training sessions to meet their own curriculum VermontDEC - Project WET. Amy Demarest, More than 40 full-color maps about the Lake needs, covering issues from water quality to author, This Lake Alive!, also pro- Champlain Basin, articles about the maps, cultural heritage issues. vides classroom insight and photographs, and a glossary are in the Atlas. advice on many CBEI initiatives. Topics include natural history, cultural heritage, Stay tuned educators - the next economics, and Lake Champlain issues such as educator summit will be zebra mussels, phosphorus, and toxic substances. planned for spring 2004! The Atlas also includes many information LCBP resources including website links, fact sheets, and Visit www.lcbp.org/ LCBP publications. The CD ROM operates on cbei.htm to learn more. both PC and Macintosh computers. The cost is $4.00+ shipping. An online version is also posted on the LCBP website, www.lcbp.org. To order, call Northern Cartographics at (802) 860-2886 or visit their Emap Center at www.emapcenter.com. Or, contact the LCBP at (802) 372-3213 or (800) 468-LCBP.

Hook, Line and Sinker – Vermont Folklife Center

Exploring seine netting with This Vermont standards-based introduction to Matthew Witten of the Lake fishing and the environment includes interviews Champlain Maritime Museum. of more than 30 Vermont anglers on a CD ROM and classroom activities in a 64-page guide. Using the interviews as a springboard, the curriculum uniquely combines cultural heritage ome educators and their students, like with environmental awareness. The standards Gary LaShure’s “Xstream Team” from addressed include: reasoning and problem S Missisquoi Valley Union Middle School solving, personal development, and science, test river water quality, then complete videos, mathematics and technology. Vermont Folklife power point presentations, posters and mod- Center received partial funding for publication of els to share with parents and town officials on LCBP New York Outreach the guide through the LCBP. Hook, Line and Sinker an annual community night. Others, like Matt Expanded can ordered from the Vermont Folklife Center at Chandler’s 6th grade class from Edmunds (802) 388-4964 or by emailing Middle School raise salmon from egg stage he LCBP is pleased to initiate two new [email protected] for $20.00+ until the fish are about an inch long, while New York outreach projects during 2003. shipping. learning about habitat, pollution and water- The first will involve two new exhibits sheds before releasing the salmon into streams T that will be located in Champlain Centres North Mad River Watershed Resource Guide in Plattsburgh, New York. Working with the mall – Friends of the Mad River LCBP Marketing Director, Vicki Libertini, LCBP will rotate new exhibits through the mall for a 12 This free online guide is available at month period. The first exhibits are expected to www.friendsofthemadriver.org/teachers/ be on display by mid-June. The first two exhibits teachersguide.htm. Teachers will find contact will feature watershed concepts, aquatic nui- information for more than a dozen specialists sance species and Lake Champlain Bikeways. who cover issues ranging from water quality LCBP expects to work with local partners to sampling to wildlife tracking to land use plan- install creative exhibits which will be of interest ning. The Friends are also producing a guide to to mall shoppers and Plattsburgh area residents. help inform community members about water- shed issues. For more information call (802) 496- In the second New York outreach effort, LCBP 9127 or email [email protected]. staff will work with the Bookmobile System of Franklin, Essex and Clinton Counties to offer Lake Champlain resources to up to 30 communi- ties. Volunteers from the Plattsburgh Retired Senior Volunteer Program will be assisting the A Missisquoi Valley Union Middle School LCBP staff with these efforts. student teaches CBEI participants about watershed pollution. 7 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Outreach Activities

Grand Opening of ECHO project. The remaining funds have come Baby Salmon Released! through local contributions including a $2.5 at the Leahy Center million donation from the McClure family.

eople of all ages will enjoy ECHO at the Once again, the LCBP will have a Resource Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, the Room at ECHO featuring our library of Lake P new lake aquarium and science center research, general information, Champlain which opened on the Burlington waterfront 2000 segments, other educational resources, on May 31, 2003. Encompassing almost and three public computer stations. Our new 30,000 square feet on the waterfront, with exhibits will include hands-on discovery boxes 100 interactive exhibits and 2,200 live fish, for more in-depth learning, maps and interac- amphibians and reptiles, visitation numbers at tive exhibit towers. ECHO will also demonstrate that local econo- mies and lake ecology are complimentary. More than 100,000 people are expected to visit ECHO during it’s first year of operation. LCBP

Sixth grade students from Edmunds Middle School and 4th graders from CP Smith School released approximately 600 young salmon into a tributary to the Winooski River in May.

Photos: LCBP

Formerly the Lake Champlain Basin Science Center, ECHO stands for the Ecology, Culture, History, and Opportunity of the Lake Champlain Basin. From the awesome natural forces that created the Basin, to life beneath Exploring the Atlantic tide pool tank. the Lake, to Abenaki culture, a visit to ECHO will be exciting for young and old. Young visitors may enjoy the working miniature n addition, LCBP will help link visitors, lighthouse or exploring the Atlantic tide pool many of whom will be Basin residents, to tank. Others will enjoy learning about Lake Ihands-on “opportunities” by hosting a Champlain’s underwater wave, participating in Lake calendar of volunteer opportunities. For live animal demonstrations, or visiting the example, local watershed groups need volun- newest touring exhibit gallery which will teers for streambank plantings, river clean-ups, change three times per year. and storm drain stenciling projects. Audubon often needs help for bird banding activities, any of the exhibits emphasize issues the Nature Conservancy needs volunteers to

identified in the LCBP’s long-term pull water chestnuts, fishing derby organizers CALL for Volunteers! ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Mmanagement plan in a fun and need volunteers to staff event weekends and ○○ informative way. The LCBP staff has enjoyed the Lake Champlain Committee needs volun- hare your love of Lake Champlain. working with the ECHO staff and lake scien- teers to maintain the Paddlers’ Trail sites a few The LCBP is looking for Resource tists, as a team from Amaze Design, a Boston times each summer. The calendar is accessible S Room volunteers for 4-8 hours/ based exhibit firm, turned creative thoughts from our website at www.lcbp.org. Click on month to help people young and old into interesting, hands-on exhibits. Toxics What’s New. learn more about the watershed. You substances, phosphorus, aquatic nuisance don’t need to be a lake expert, but we’ll species, and wetland and riparian areas have The LCBP congratulates ECHO and the help make you one. Many fun opportu- come to life in the new facility. Rubenstein Science LAB and looks forward to our nities also exist throughout ECHO. For continued partnership. more information, contact Colleen The $14.5 million dollar project has been ten Hickey or Nicole Ballinger at (800) 468- years in the making. Approximately half of the For more information about ECHO at the Leahy 5227(VT or NY) or (802) 864-1048 funds came through the federal government, Center, One College Street, Burlington, VT, call Ex.109 at the Lake Champlain Resource including the US EPA. Senator Leahy has also (802) 864-1848 or visit their website at Room at ECHO. provided leadership in securing funds for the www.echovermont.org. 8 CASIN’ THE BASIN

LakeNet Holds Wor

LakeNet and Saint Michael’s College Host International Workshop

rom June 18-21, 2003 LakeNet will gather 75 representatives from around the world Fat Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont near the shores of Lake Champlain. These participants will draw upon each other’s strengths and successes to improve the steward- ship of lake ecosystems. Lakes hold 90% of the liquid surface freshwater on earth, and are critical both for people and for nature. Fresh- water ecosystems also hold an estimated 12% of all animal species.

“We are bringing together Lake management practitioners from Europe, Central Asia and the Americas to share their experiences in lake basin management”, said Lisa Borre, Vice-President and Director of LakeNet. “The interactive style of the workshop is designed to facilitate dialogue and extract lessons learned from the 12 repre- View from the Albania side of Lake Ohrid which sented lake regions.” is shared with Macedonia.

“By bringing together inspiring people and solutions, LakeNet continues to support the vision of a world with healthy lakes and the communities that depend upon them,” said Buzz Hoerr, VT CAC Chair and LakeNet Trustee.

The June workshop, will be the first of three conducted by the International Lake Environ- ment Committee and LakeNet, under a multi- lateral “Lake Basin Management Initiative” project that is financed by the Global Environ- mental Facility and implemented by the World Bank. LakeNet brought together key partners from Japan and Lake Champlain and helped secure grants from the U.S. Agency for Interna- tional Development and Global Environment Facility (GEF) with the assistance of Senator Lake Baikal in Russia is the largest lake in Leahy to launch the global program. The GEF the world by volume and the deepest lake grant-funded activities will document lessons in the world. learned in lake management on 28 important lakes throughout the world. The USAID grant will be used to provide additional technical assistance to eight lake regions.

“This project builds on LakeNet’s and Saint Michael’s College impressive track record of LakeNet & the World innovative achievements in the area of lake Lakes Initiative management at a time when lakes are facing serious threats from pollution, habitat alteration Since the 2nd World Water Forum in and other causes, and the demand for potable The Hague in March 2000, LakeNet water is reaching crisis proportions in many has worked side-by-side with the parts of the world,” U.S. Senator Leahy said. International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) to develop a world Children in Struga, Macedonia near lake vision to guide activities at the elected representatives from the following Lake Ohrid. lake regions will be invited to present a global level. The first version of what S case study and share their experience in is hoped to be a “living document” lake management: Aral Sea, Baikal, Ohrid, Peipsi, was released at the 3rd World Water Constance/Bodensee, Issyk-kul, Sevan, Titicaca, Forum in Shiga, Japan, in March of Nicaragua, Champlain, the Great Lakes and the this year. Buzz Hoerr, representing Tucurui Reservoir. the Lake Champlain Basin, also participated in drafting the vision Senator Leahy, Governor Jim Douglas and statement. LakeNet’s Steering Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle are a few of the Committee endorsed the vision at invited speakers. Participants will also attend a that time, and a special section of the reception at ECHO, which features a display www.worldlakes.org website is about the importance of world lakes. The LCBP, devoted to monitoring the implemen- tation of the vision. which operates the Lake Champlain Resource Room at ECHO, will also feature information about world lakes. For more information visit Boats on the shore of Lake Peipsi, a the LakeNet website at www.worldlakes.org. transboundary lake in Estonia and Russia. 9 CASIN’ THE BASIN ld Lakes Workshop

“I am working with nongovernmental organi- zations (NGOs) on Lake Sevan in Armenia, and we are very interested in sharing our experience and learning from others at the workshop.” — Susanna Hakobyan, NGO Focal Point, Armenia

Lake Titicaca, located in the Andean Mountains bordering Bolivia and Peru, is the largest high elevation lake in the world.

“I have dreamed about visiting Lake Champlain and learning about your programs ever since someone told me that it is very similar to Lake Sevan. Both are surrounded by beautiful mountains and are the center of economic and cultural activities in their re- spective regions.” — Karen Jenderedjian, Ministry of Nature Protection, Armenia

Lake Baikal is located in Russia but the watershed is shared with Mongolia.

“I will be a member of a four-person delega- tion from Bolivia and Peru attending the regional workshop to share our experience in managing Lake Titicaca, the largest high altitude lake in the world. A few years ago, we received a $4 million Global Environment Facility grant to conserve the tremendous biological diversity in our lake and learned many lessons about implementing this type of program. We are looking forward to sharing with others in hopes that it will improve our collective efforts to safeguard freshwater found in lakes.” — Mario Revollo, SERECO, Bolivia

Lake Baikal, Russia

Lake Sevan is located near the center of All photos, courtesy of LakeNet. Armenia. 10 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Rotary Clubs Initiate Local and International Lake Actions

otary Clubs on the eastern side of Lake shed Association, Friends of the Winooski, the Champlain chose watersheds as one of Lake Champlain Committee and Lewis Creek R their community service themes during Association. 2002. Dr. Clinton Reichard, then Governor of Joel Flewellyn the Rotary District 7850 covering the northern Rotary District 7850 Vermont, New Hampshire, and southern also partnered on a Quebec invited the LCBP to assist after speak- water project with ing with Buzz Hoerr, VT CAC chair and a District 3220, lead by Rotarian from Colchester. Dr. Reichard’s goal Rotarian Mohan, from was to inform Rotarians about watersheds and Rotary Club Kandy in provide suggestions for community watershed the Central Province activities. For the Lake Champlain watershed, of Sri Lanka. Nearly this partnership proved to be of tremendous $25,000 was raised to value. install 100 latrines with septic systems The LCBP assisted Dr. Reichard by completing and 30 clean water watershed presentations to the regional washing stations to Rotary group and local Rotary Clubs including benefit 40,000 stu- Burlington, South Burlington, Fair Haven, and dents in a population Williston. The LCBP also linked Dr. Reichard to center of 200,000 the Connecticut River Joint Commission people. Twenty local whose geographic reach included many of the Clubs and District Clubs in eastern Vermont and western New 7850 raised half of the Hampshire. The LCBP provided Club presi- funds, which were dents with information for local watershed then matched by the Poultney Rotarian canvassing the river for trash groups and community project examples. national Rotary organization. The construction during the river clean-up last fall. of the new public water system to improve Rotary Club members found that plenty of public health was completed last fall. volunteers were needed for watershed projects. South Burlington Rotary Club, for It is hoped that the new partnership which example, linked up with the Voice for Potash emerged among the Rotarians, local busi- Brook to help stencil messages along 1,200 nesses, the Lake Champlain Basin Program and storm drains leading to the brook. Several local watershed groups will continue in years Clubs participated in clean-ups and other to come. activities with the Poultney-Mettowee Water-

West Rutland Marsh Boardwalk Opens Birding Trail he West Rutland Marsh Boardwalk opened Rutland community for its diligence in preserv- on May 17, 2003 under sunny skies. The ing this beautiful resource, which is also identi- Recognized Nationally TWest Rutland Marsh, which wraps around fied by Audubon Vermont as an Important The Lake Champlain Birding Trail was a highly urbanized area, is one of the largest Birding Area. cattail marshes in Vermont. Rutland County listed as one of the top 10 birding trails Audubon members have been leading birding LCBP the country according to Audubon trips to the marsh during the past year. To date, more than 100 bird species, or about one-third of Magazine’s September 2002 edition. all known Lake Champlain Basin species, have been documented in the marsh. The article cited the scenic beauty of the region, its role during spring David McDevitt, Selectman and Project Coordinator, has and fall migration, and the diverse been working to preserve birding habitats of the bi-state 1000 acres of the West Rutland Marsh for many trail, including the Champlain years. To date, 83 acres have been purchased and an addi- lowlands, islands, peninsulas, tional 309 acres are preserved. sand dunes, swamps, bogs, The boardwalk, known as Phase II of the preservation strategy, cliffs, woods and open will draw bird watchers from all over the Lake Champlain Basin as water of Lake Champlain. it is a premier site on the Lake Champlain Birding Trail. For more information or to find out The West Rutland Marsh was identi- which birds have been sighted recently fied in the LCBP’s 1994 Wetland Acquisition Strategy as being in need of along the trail, visit protection. The LCBP provided $5,000 towards the boardwalk construction Spotting scopes enhance bird watching on the www.lakechamplainbirding.org or through the Lake Champlain Birding Trail. West Rutland Marsh boardwalk. contact Ghostwriters Communications Other project partners included VT Department at (802) 287-4284. of Fish and Wildlife, VT Housing and Conserva- tion Board, the USDA Natural Resources Conser- vation Service, and Rutland County Audubon. The LCBP wishes to congratulate the West 11 CASIN’ THE BASIN

FY 2003 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM FUNDING PLAN LCBP 2002 Grant Recipients On March 11, 2003 the Lake Champlain Steering Committee approved its FY 2003 funding Plan for Lake Champlain Basin projects. Funds allocated totaled over $2.3 million, including funds In 2002, the LCBP awarded $198,380 in grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the US Dept of Agriculture (USDA/ to local organizations throughout the NRCS), the US Geological Survey (USGS), the National Park Service and the US Fish & Wildlife Lake Champlain Basin. More than $800,000 in Service (USFWS). The LCBP projects address the priorities in Opportunities for Action. Several grant requests were received. Awards were made to programs require a 25% non-federal match. Department of Agriculture budget items are provi- the following organizations to help implement sional and likely to be adjusted. Opportuntities for Action:

Framework for Plan Implementation $ 475,480 Annual Priorities Grants Operations, Management, Controls, Publications $ 278,437 $13,500 Bartlett Brook Stormwater Project and Vermont & New York Coordination $ 197,043 Outreach, City of South Burlington Informing & Involving the Public $ 291,577 $10,000 Browns River Watershed Assessment, Resource Rooms $ 57,500 Public Outreach Tasks & Public Input $ 35,000 Winooski NRCD Educational Support Grants $ 30,500 $20,000 Invasive Plants Prevention on the Boquet E&O Program Operations $ 164,577 and AuSable Rivers, Boquet River Association Watershed Training Programs & Workshops $ 3,000 $7,500 Malletts Creek Marsh Project, Building Local Level Implementation $ 260,311 Lake Champlain Land Trust Local Project Implementation & Organizational Support $ 180,000 Circuit Rider/Development Resource $ 10,000 $10,530 Streambank Restoration Initiative, Technical Coordination & Assistance $ 70,311 Missisquoi River Basin Association Measuring & Monitoring Success $ 513,891 $8,860 Tyler Branch Geomorphic Assessment, Lake-Wide Long-Term Monitoring $ 287,821 Lake Champlain Committee Lay Monitoring Program $ 16,000 NY & VT Streams and Lake Gauging $ 210,070 $10,000 VT Riparian Propagation and Education Project, Intervale Foundation Phosphorus Reduction $ 347,500 NY Agricultural BMP Tracking System $ 76,000 $7,540 Watershed Management Planning, VT Agricultural Phosphorus Reduction Tracking System $ 40,000 Lewis Creek Association Urban & Agricultural BMPs $ 146,500 Constructed Wetland to Treat Dairy Waste $ 50,000 Partnership Program Grants Manure Management Coordination $ 35,000 $3,500 Celebrate the Winooski 2002, Toxic Management/ Pollution Prevention $ 131,430 City of Montpelier, VT Mercury Cycling Assessment $ 131,430 $3,000 Champlain Valley Clayplain Forest, Human Health Protection $ 15,000 Middlebury Area Land Trust Blue-Green Algae Monitoring $ 15,000 $1,113 Clinton County Theme Loop Development, Nuisance Aquatics Management $ 183,000 Lake Champlain Bikeways Nuisance Aquatic Species Management Coordination $ 100,000 Lamprey Barrier Hydrology & Siting Analysis $ 10,000 $2,276 Fern Lake Water Quality Study, Non-Chemical Alternative Control Methods Sea Lamprey $ 10,000 Town of Black Brook, NY Lake Champlain Water Chestnut Management $ 63,000 $3,300 Islands and Bays Walking Guide, Cultural & Recreation Resources $ 126,311 Lake Champlain Walkways Cultural & Recreation Resources Coordination $ 70,311 Wayside Exhibit Program $ 8,000 $3,250 Interpretive Water Trail, Open New Underwater Preserves $ 8,000 Chittenden County RPC Underwater Survey $ 40,000 $4,235 Lake Colby Eurasian Watermilfoil Control, Economics $ 43,250 Town of Harrietstown, NY Cost Benefit Analysis Phosphorus Reduction $ 44,000 $1,000 Nonnative Invasive Plant Education TOTAL $2,862,980 Program, AuSable River Association $4,306 Parks Conservation Education, Vermont Youth Conservation Corps $2,000 Reptile and Amphibian Inventory and Outreach, Winooski Valley Park District $2,920 Settling Basin Demonstration Project, Poultney-Mettowee Watershed Partnership Local Groups Tackle $2,200 Storm Drain Filter Demonstration, Stormwater Issues Press Republican Lake George Association $3,000 Storm Drain Stenciling Project, ast fall, the LCBP awarded a $25,000 Voice for Potash Brook grant to the National Wildlife Federation and the Lake $2,500 Stormwater Mngt. Guide for Small Projects, L Lake Placid- North Elba, NY Champlain Committee to assist local officials in $2,500 Volunteer Storm Water Monitoring, growth management and Burlington EcoInfo Project stormwater management. $1,900 Wayside Exhibit Fabrication and Placement, Town officials and Basin Cumberland Head Tomorrow residents still need better information on the relationships Continued on page 13 between sprawl, stormwater and the health of local streams, rivers and Lake Champlain.

The LCBP has been funding signifi- cant stormwater outreach efforts since 1999. The NWF has matched several of its LCBP grants with addi- tional foundation money and posted its final stormwater management products Many volunteers assist local watershed groups on-line at www. nwf.org. in stenciling messages along stormdrains. 12 CASIN’ THE BASIN

LCBP Summer Soup: Blue-Green Algae

lue-green algae reared its ugly head again • Quebec: Direction de la Santé Publique last summer on Lake Champlain. During de la Montérégie (Montérégie Public B the late summer, blooms formed a thick Health Department) (450) 928-6777 pea-green soup throughout portions of Missisquoi Bay, and smaller blooms were also For more information about the University of found in St. Albans Bay. Beaches in the Quebec Vermont monitoring program, contact the portion of Missisquoi Bay were also impacted Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Lab at during August. In September, two dogs were (802) 859-3086. confirmed to have died after ingesting the algae Get the Scoop signs are posted at several — one in Vermont waters and the other in lakeside parks in Burlignton. Quebec waters. Martin Mimeault, MENV Get the Scoop on Your Although these events are problematic, blue- green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are Dog’s… normally harmless and are found widely scat- tered throughout Lake Champlain. But, waters ew signs have been posted like those found in Missisquoi Bay — warm, at Burlington parks that use a humor- shallow, and rich with phosphorus – exacerbate Nous cartoon to link dog waste with blue-green algae blooms. And seemingly over- water quality. Dog wastes can contain E. Coli night, the algae can grow into dense green mats, bacteria, which has occasionally closed as it did last summer. beaches on Lake Champlain. If pet owners neglect to clean up a mess, runoff can carry Most blooms are not toxic, but blue-green algae the waste and bacteria into waterways. The can sometimes produce neurotoxins that are new campaign is by Burlington Eco-Info and dangerous if ingested in large quantities. the Public Safety Project. The LCBP funds provided design services by Maja Smith. Although people are unlikely to drink algae Burlington would like to share the sign artwork infested waters, skin contact with the with other Basin communities. For more blooms through swimming can cause information contact Justin Barnard at (802) itching and irritation. Water treatment cannot A sample 865 – 7515 or visit destroy blue-green algae toxins, and concern of blue-green www.BurlingtonEcoInfo.net. or the LCBP. exists over the possible effects of long-term algae is collected from exposure to very low levels of the toxins Missisquoi Bay. through drinking water.

In response to growing public concern about blue-green algae, the LCBP is funding a blue- More Steps Needed tor Reduce Phosphorus green algae monitoring project by the University of Vermont, the VT Department of Health, and Syracuse University in conjunction with the reat progress has been made in Federal Centers for Disease Control and Preven- reaching the phosphorus reduction tion. Scientists are monitoring Lake Champlain Ggoals outlined in Opportuniies for for blue-green algae blooms and measuring the Action. To date, researchers estimate that over environmental conditions that promote blue- 38 metric tons of the annual phosphorus load green toxicity in Lake Champlain. The Quebec reaching Lake Champlain has been reduced. Ministry of the Environment is also testing for That is more than double the original goal for blue-green algae on Missisquoi Bay, continuing a the first five years of the 20 year phosphorus project begun in 1999. reduction plan. Additionally, all but one of the thirteen lake segments will have achieved at least 25% of the targeted 20-year reduction uman health issues have also been goal within the first five years of this effort. promoted to top priorities in the Lake Most of the credit goes to controlling “point” Champlain management plan, Opportu- H sources of phosphorus (those that enter a nities for Action, which should result in more waterway through a known point such as a funding and research to understand the health waste pipe), mostly from wastewater treat- risks associated with blue-green algae. Reducing ment plants. phosphorus continues to be a high priority and last August a phosphorus reduction agreement The LCBP has recently contracted the Henry for Missisquoi Bay was signed between Quebec A. Wallace Center for Agricultural & Environ- and Vermont (see page 5 for details). mental Policy at Winrock International to More phosphorus typically comes from address the policy needs regarding phospho- an urban acre than from an agricul- For Lake users, common sense is the key to rus issues in Lake Champlain. The project is tural acre. dealing with blue-green algae. Do not allow pets being led by Dr. Jonathan Winsten, an agricul- to eat clumps of algae that have washed up on tural and resource economist and former Lake Champlain in a timely, cost-effective, and the beach. To be safe, don’t let children play in resident of the Basin, in collaboration with equitable fashion. In developing this set of clumps of algae or drink untreated lake water research scientists, and agency, Extension, and policy recommendations the project will while swimming or playing in the water. field personnel in the Basin. The majority of 1) review and analyze current policies and Lakeshore residents with shallow drinking water the remaining phosphorus loads entering the programs for controlling phosphorus loads in intake pipes that might pump in blue-green Lake are from nonpoint (diffuse) sources; Lake Champlain, 2) review and assess innova- algae should be cautious. primarily agricultural and developed land and, tive strategies for controlling phosphorus loads to a lesser extent, forested land. This project in other watersheds throughout North America For more questions about blue-green algae will focus on nonpoint sources of phosphorus. and the European Union, and 3) solicit input health concerns contact: from local citizen stakeholders, agencies, and • New York: State Dept. of Health This project will provide information to help other interested parties. (Saranac Lake) 518-891-1800 New York, Vermont, and Quebec meet the • Vermont: State Dept. of Health 20-year phosphorus reduction goals for Lake The project commenced in July 2002 and is (Burlington) (800) 631-4343 or Champlain. The final product will be a set of scheduled for completion in 2003. To learn (802) 863-7200 policy options recommendations to help more about the phosphorus policy project, achieve the phosphorus reduction targets for please visit www.champphos.org. 13 CASIN’ THE BASIN

“Get On Board” with Wayside Exhibits Popping Up Around Clean Marine Engines Lake Champlain

ast July, a voluntary initiative was signed to promote cleaner boat engines in the L Lake Champlain region. The “Get On Board” initiative encourages the sale of low- pollution marine engines, which emit less pollution than conventional engines. Conven- tional two-stroke boat engines are commonly used for motorboats and personal watercraft. Unfortunately, these engines lose up to 30 percent of their fuel directly into the water and exacerbate air pollution. eep an eye out for several new interpre- including Vermont State Parks in the Champlain The new four-stroke engines and direct fuel tive wayside exhibits around the Lake Islands, along Cumberland Head, Valcour Island, injection two-stroke engines promoted by the that tell the stories of the Basin’s natural and the Poultney-Mettowee River watershed. “Get On Board” initiative are significantly less K and cultural heritage. Since releasing a design polluting. The benefits are convincing: the The Lake Champlain Historic Landings Heritage new engines burn 35 to 50 percent less gas, template and a manual in 2001 on how to plan, Trail, developed by the Lake Champlain Basin use up to 50 percent less oil, reduce smoke design, and fabricate wayside exhibits, the LCBP Program, has 14 shoreline exhibits installed to and fumes by 75 percent, and are quieter. has been working with many communities and Although the purchase price is somewhat partnering organizations to create interpretive date. Eventually, the Landing Trail will include more costly, boaters will save money over the exhibits throughout the Basin. To date, the LCBP interpretive exhibits for at least 25 historic engine’s lifespan. has designed 74 exhibits, describing everything landings in New York and Vermont. from the Lake as an historic “water highway,” to The Clean Marine Engine Initiative was signed our geological past, ecological succession, and o encourage communities and organiza- at the Burlington Boat House by representa- tips on keeping Lake Champlain clean. To tions to be a part of this unified exhibit tives from the U.S. Environmental Protection welcome our visitors from Québec, many bilin- Tsystem, the Basin Program provides design Agency (Region 2 gual exhibits are being produced, especially services of wayside exhibits that address actions and New England), those located close to the border. in Opportunities for Action free of charge. Maja the Vermont Agency Smith, who had also served as LCBP’s Recreation of Natural Resources, Whether it’s a single exhibit, or a whole series, Coordinator for eight years, designs the exhibits, the New York De- the exhibits can be found in many locations. while local groups provide text, gather appropri- partment of Environ- Look for nine exhibits (soon to be 13) of the ate artwork and pay for the fabrication and mental Conservation, Burlington Heritage Trail along the Burlington installation. To order the interpretive sign the Empire State Waterfront, fifteen along the Philip C. Walker manual, request design services, or for more Marine Trade Asso- Botanical Trail at Point Au Roche State Park just information, visit www.lcbp.org/wayside.htm or ciation, the National north of Plattsburgh, five sites along the Lake call (802) 372-3213. Marine Manufactur- Champlain Birding Trail, and at many other sites ers Association, the Marine Retailers Association of (LCBP 2002 Grant Recipients - Continued from page 11.) America, and the Education and Outreach Grants Lake Champlain Basin Program. Burlington Mayor and Lake Champlain Basin Program $1,185 Adirondack Waterfest in Clinton County, Steering Committee Member, Peter Clavelle Greater Adirondack RC&D Council hosted the event. $4,900 Burlington Schoolyard Watershed Project, VT Education for Sustainability Project The new initiative states that all groups, $5,000 Environmental Distance Learning Project, including retailers who are members of the Cornell Cooperative Extension marine trade associations, will work to achieve $4,940 Lamoille County Phosphorus Education a goal of selling 80 percent clean engines Project, Lamoille County NRCD during 2003 across all of Vermont as well as the Lake Champlain region of New York, and $5,000 NY Envirothon Project, Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District 95 percent by 2004. EPA regulations require that all manufacturers’ average emissions for $2,000 Otter Creek Watershed Education Project, new outboard and personal watercraft engines Middlebury Area Land Trust meet low-pollution standards by 2006. This $2,850 Phosphorus and Wetland Education, project was based on an EPA New England Winooski Valley Park District initiative in New Hampshire. Similar programs $6,000 Riparian Conservation and Education, were announced earlier this year in Rhode Intervale Foundation Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and $3,500 Weatherwax Curriculum Development, Maine. Lakes to Locks Passage

You can “Get on Board” too! To read more $6,125 Winter Outreach School Program, about cleaner boating engines visit Lake Champlain Maritime Museum www.epa.gov/region01/assistance/cmei/ Organizational Support Grants ($3,000 each) were types.html. A brochure about the motors is also awarded to the AuSable River Association, also available from the Vermont DEC by Boquet River Association, Calais Lake sand Ponds calling (802) 241-3777 or online at: Working Group, Friends of the Winooski, Friends of www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/air/docs/ the Mad River Missisquoi River Basin Association, boat_motor.pdf. Poultney Mettowee Watershed Partnership. 14 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Lake Champlain Steering LCBP STAFF UPDATES Committee

Jim Brangan Chris Lassell Tamsen Benjamin The Lake Champlain Chris has recently been Montpelier, VT VT Agency of Transportation Basin Program wel- hired as LCBP’s part- C. Randall Beach comes Jim Brangan as time circuit rider for Plattsburgh, NY NYS Dept. of Economic its new cultural heri- the New York portion Development tage and recreation of the Basin. Chris Michele Bertrand coordinator. Jim comes grew up in Altamont, Philipsburg, QC Quebec CAC, Chair to the Basin Program NY, just west of Albany. from the Chittenden He attended SUNY Gerard Boutin County Regional Planning Commission, where Plattsburgh, earning both undergraduate and St-Hyacinthe, QC Ministere de l'Agriculture, he coordinated the county’s Lake Champlain graduate degrees while focusing on environ- des Pecheries et de l'alimentation Byways program. Before moving to Vermont, mental science and environmental chemistry. Stuart Buchanan Jim worked in West Virginia, developing Chris has worked as a chemist for both the Raybrook, NY NYSDEC interpretive programs/exhibits and building Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and partnerships for the Monongahela National Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. He also served as an Louise Calderwood Montpelier, VT VT Dept. of Agriculture Forest’s Seneca Rocks Discovery Center. Jim administrator while employed at Wyeth. In also worked as a wilderness ranger in the addition, he has served as the agricultural Peter Clavelle Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and as a snow research lab manager at the W.H. Miner Burlington, VT Mayor of Burlington ranger at the USFS Lolo Pass Winter Recre- Institute. Chris enjoys outdoor activities as well Gerard Cusson ation Area on Idaho/Montana border. He has as refinishing and restoring classic Adirondack Longueuil, QC Ministere de l'Environnement an undergraduate degree in journalism and guide boats. history from the University of Connecticut. Canute Dalmasse Jim, his wife Pam, and his sons, Robbie, 5, Waterbury, VT VT Agency of Natural Resources and Nate, 3 , live in Shelburne. Some of Jim’s Art Stemp Joe DelVecchio hobbies include: camping, canoeing, hiking, Art joined the LCBP last fall as the New York Syracuse, NY USDA-NRCS and other outings with the family; Dutch Lake Champlain Coordinator. Art received a Mario DelVicario oven cooking; field sports; cross-country B.S. from Cornell University in fishery biology. New York, NY USEPA, Region 2 skiing; and, when nobody’s looking, relaxing For several years Art worked for Cornell on in his hammock on warm summer days. acid rain research and fishery population Buzz Hoerr studies in the Adirondack Mountains. Art has Colchester, VT VT CAC, Chair worked for NYSDEC for 25 years in wetlands, Larry Forcier Laura Hollowell stream protection programs and environmen- Burlington, VT UVM School of Natural Laura joins LCBP as a Resource Room specialist tal remdiation of hazardous waste sites. Art is Resources within ECHO at the Leahy Center. Laura is glad to be working once again with Lake Fran Keeler known by many as the naturalist at Button Champlain issues. Colchester, VT USDA-NRCS Bay State Park where she still leads field trips, and conducts presentations for seasonal Steven Lanthier visitors and students. She received her B.A. Lisa Windhausen Malone, NY NYS Soil & Water Conservation from the UVM in Environmental Studies and Lisa is LCBP’s new Committee Political Science. Laura has significant experi- Aquatic Nuisance Gerard Masse ence with outreach and interpretation, having Species Coordinator. Longueuil, QC Societe de la faune worked for VT Dept of Forest, Parks and Previously, Lisa was et des parcs du Quebec Recreation, as an education center coordina- working at the Na- Ronald Ofner tor for the Nature Conservancy in California tional Wildlife Elizabethtown, NY NYS CAC, Chair and as a program coordinator at Green Federation’s northeast Mountain Audubon. She especially enjoys office as an Aquatic Gerald Potamis sailing and kayaking and is looking forward to Habitats Specialist and an Education Coordina- Boston, MA USEPA, New England helping people learn about Lake Champlain tor. She has a M.S. degree in Water Resources year round. from UVM, where she conducted research on Robert Reinhardt aquatic and wetland ecology and nonpoint Albany, NY NYS OPRHP source phosphorus pollution. Lisa has addi- Dan Stewart Stephanie Larkin tional professional experience as a Wetlands Plattsburgh, NY Mayor of Plattsburgh Stephanie joins LCBP Coordinator for the State of Vermont and for Dave Tilton as a Resource Room the Lower Kennebec Regional Land Trust in Essex Junction, VT US Fish & Wildlife specialist within ECHO Maine, a Field Botanist for the State of Maine’s at the Leahy Center. Natural Areas Program, and a Habitat Restora- Emily Wadhams Stephanie received her tion Specialist for the National Park Service in Montpelier, VT VT Division for Historic B.A. in Political Science Washington State. One of her favorite summer Preservation and Environmental activities includes kayaking on Lake Mary Watzin Studies at UVM and Champlain. Burlington, VT UVM School of Natural her M.E. through the Resources University of Colorado. Stephanie has been a classroom Social Studies teacher, a naturalist Welcome Adrien and program coordinator for a marine educa- Lescaze Monks! tion center on Santa Catalina Island in Califor- On January 11th, nia, and a caretaker for a wolf pack at a LCBP Technical Coor- research center in Idaho. Stephanie enjoys dinator Miranda outdoor activities ranging from kayaking and Lescaze gave birth to rock climbing to wilderness backpacking. Adrien, who seems to have become a happy little lake lover already! Goodbye Jim Connolly! Miranda and her husband, Padraic Jim Connolly, formerly NYSDEC’s Lake Monks, are thrilled with Adrien’s arrival! Champlain Coordinator left the LCBP to become the Director of Planning for the Adirondack Park Agency last fall. Jim began working with the Lake Champlain Basin Pro- gram on our first day of operation in June 1991. 15 CASIN’ THE BASIN

(Continued from page 1) Actions identified in Opportunities for Action Several programs have also been initiated by the During the press conference, Governor Pataki suggests steps that can be taken by residents, States, LCBP and community partners to collect noted “Anyone who lives in the Lake Champlain community groups, government agencies and mercury projects from households, schools and Basin or visits this beautiful region recognizes others. The LCBP website: www.lcbp.org con- farms, resulting in the proper disposal of more the importance of protecting the water quality of tains the full list of actions estimated costs and than 750 pounds of mercury. the Lake and establishing effective safeguards to full text of the revised plan. ensure the entire area remains a natural trea- Wetlands: In 1994, the LCBP sponsored a sure.” How to Help wetland acquisition strategy that was designed to Everyone needs to play a role in Lake protect up to 9,000 acres of wetlands in the Governor Pataki signed the original version of Champlain’s future. When the Basin Program Champlain Valley. The Nature Conservancy is Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the first started, during LCBP public meetings, the lead agency on the project. More than 4,000 Future of Lake Champlain in 1996. The plan people were focussed on farms and wastewater wetland acres have now been conserved with emphasizes an ecosystem approach, considering treatment plants. We’re now beyond that as funding from the North American Waterfowl the entire watershed as a whole, complex inter- more and more citizens learn that an urban acre Conservation Act administered through the US connected system. The plan also includes strate- of land typically contributes more phosphorus Fish and Wildlife Service. Willing landowners gies for managing fish and wildlife, improving than an acre of agricultural land. That means as have made this project possible. recreational access and coordinating cultural homeowners, consumers, and business leaders, heritage protection. we must all be willing to make small changes on Aquatic nuisance species: The aquatic nuisance behalf of the Lake. species plan for Lake Champlain is now being Since 1996, many actions have been completed updated. The LCBP, represented by Mike Hauser and new issues have emerged. The LCBP, work- of the VT DEC participates in the National ing with its committees to incorporate new Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Additional research and comments received during a series Lake Friendly Tips funds to battle nuisance species became available of public meetings and workshops, began to in 2002. In addition, Lake Champlain Sea Grant revise the plan in 2001. The Lake Champlain Students: Bike, walk, carpool or take the bus to is now in it’s fourth year of operation, funding Steering Committee approved the updated plan school. For each mile a car is driven, nearly one research and scientific studies called for by the last fall. pound of pollutants enters the atmosphere over Plan, implementing aquatic nuisance species Lake Champlain. projects and bringing technical Sea Grant EPA signatures are also on the plan, renewing resources to the Basin. commitments to complete actions in coopera- Be a responsible pet owner: Scoop the Poop tion with state and local partners. US EPA funds (see related article p.12) Get your class or group Recreation: Lake Champlain Bikeways has are appropriated each year for LCBP operations, of friends to participate in a river clean-up or become an independent (501) (C) (3) organiza- research, education and outreach efforts and plant riparian trees with a local watershed tion, the Lake Champlain Paddlers Trail is local grants programs. The Basin’s Congressional group. operated by the Lake Champlain Committee and delegation also continues to leverage Lake the Lake Champlain Birding Trail has been Champlain funds through other federal agencies. Homeowners: Test your soil. If the soil is developed. These three uses of the Lake have healthy, fertilizers may not be needed. Try been strengthened by installing bicycle racks, The two governors also signed a Memorandum leaving your grass clippings in place. As they birding trail wetland boardwalks, and updating of Understanding on Lake Champlain’s Future decay, nutrients are returned to the soil. Get user friendly maps. Lakes to Locks has also on Earth Day. Quebec will also include a letter of more information. Call the LCBP for a brochure initiated a Lake Champlain Walking trail, which support for the plan. or log on to Lake Champlain Sea Grant’s links walkers to communities and lodging along website to obtain a free set of their Environmen- the route. “Lake Champlain has a rich history that is tally Friendly Gardening Fact Sheets. shared between our states and with our friends Outreach: Since 1996, more than 200 additional to the North. Today, we embrace that history educators have participated in training programs and ensure a promising future for generations to through the Champlain Basin Education Initia- come,” Governor Douglas said. tive for which LCBP provides both technical and financial support. An award winning television New Issues Emerge partnership among LCBP, WPTZ television and Sprawl: Although significant progress has been KeyBank has delivered more than 200 weekly made in reducing annual phosphorus loads to segments about watershed issues and produced the Lake, a Phosphorus Task Force emphasized eight half hours specials to date. A Lake Champlain that suburban sprawl, particularly in Chittenden Atlas is now available online and a CD-Rom. County, VT, will likely contribute more phospho- rus to the watershed, unless effective reduction Cultural heritage: Underwater mapping of the methods are incorporated. New methods for Lake bottom is nearly complete, largely through controlling urban sources of phosphorus need to the efforts of the Lake Champlain Maritime be developed. Museum and Middlebury College, resulting in the identification of several new shipwrecks of Public Health: New public health issues have national significance. LCBP has initiated a emerged since 1996, primarily due to significant Historic Landings Trail, providing interpretive blue green algae blooms which have occurred in Progress on the Plan signage at key ports along the Lake’s shoreline. Missisquoi Bay during the past two summers and Lakes to Locks program has also developed similar signage at several New York locations. additional beach closings. (See article, p. 12 for Progress has been made in many areas of the more on blue-green algae.) Plan. A few examples appear below. The entire Fish and Wildlife Resources: The eight year updated plan, including a summary of key experimental sea lamprey management program Streams and Riparian areas in need of protec- accomplishments can be found on LCBP’s developed by the Lake Champlain Fish and tion: While many significant wetlands have website at www.lcbp.org. been protected since 1996, human impacts on Wildlife Cooperative was completed and ap- proved by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service for stream and riparian habitats have also been Phosphorus: Between 1996 and 2001, research- continued operations in New York and Vermont severe and wide ranging. For centuries, humans ers estimate that 38.8 metric tons of phosphorus to control sea lamprey populations. Alternative, have modified the natural course of rivers and have been reduced annually, far exceeding the non-chemical control methods are still being streams for bridges and roads, agriculture, five year goal. Most of reduction is from waste- pursued as well. US and Quebec studies have also development and other purposes. These activities water treatment plant upgrades and best man- been completed on the spiny softshell turtle that have impacted habitat along the streams, and agement practices on the farms. affected rates of erosion and other processes. The inhabits Missisquoi Bay. Quebec has protected an area of the Pike River, a known nesting are of updated plan calls for local planning efforts, Toxic Substances: Cumberland Bay, has been the endangered species. Much additional re- training for local officials, and an increase in cleaned up by the NYS DEC at a cost of nearly search has been completed on many of the local grants to address these issues. $39 million dollars including the small area near Lake’s fish species. Wilcox Dock that had high PCB concentrations. 16 CASIN’ THE BASIN RESOURCES

all the LCBP at (800) 468-5227 or (802) Basin derived from satellite imagery. $3.00 Sea Lamprey Control Alternatives in the C372-3213 to order (unless otherwise from Northern Cartographic (802) 860-2886 Lake Champlain Tributaries: Poultney, noted). Visit www.lcbp.org/reports.htm for a or the LCBP. Hubbardton, and Pike Rivers and Morpion complete list of technical reports and other Stream. Leigh R. Walrath, Environmetal publications. Opportunities for Action, 2003 version. The Analyst and Katherine M. Swiney, Environmen- LCBP recently updated the plan for Lake tal Analyst, New England Interstate Water Champlain which recommends priority man- Pollution Control Commission. August 2001. GENERAL INTEREST agement actions for Lake Champlain. April, LCBP Report # 37A. $9.00 PUBLICATIONS 2003. FREE. you may also find a recent version on-line at www.lcbp.org. Assessment of Sea Lamprey Habitat and the Drainage Basin Map. This 24" x 32" map Sea Lamprey Population of the Pike River highlights town, county, state, and interna- RECENT TECHNICAL REPORTS and Morpion Stream, Quebec, Canada. tional boundaries within the Basin. Also in- Micah Dean and Adam Zerrennner, Lake cludes principle surface waters and major river Benthic Cycling in Lake Champlain: Results Champlain Fish and Wildlife Resources Office, basin boundaries. $3.00 of an Integrated Field Sampling/Water United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Quality Modeling Study. Part A: Water September 2001. LCBP Report #37B. $18.00 Fact Sheet Series. Free fact sheets on zebra Quality Modeling/Part B: Field Studies. mussels, nonpoint source pollution, the HydroQual, Inc. June 1999. LCBP Report Thermal Variability in the South of Lake Basin, wetlands, Lake Champlain historic sites, #34A. $13.25. LCBP Report #34B. $8.25. Champlain from 1997-1999. Tom Manley, and boating to Lake Champlain's park Marine Research Corporation. September and historic villages. FREE. Determination and Quantification of Fac- 2001. LCBP Report # 38A. Call for price. tors Controlling Pollutant Delivery from Lake Champlain Basin Atlas. This full-color Agricultural Lake to Streams in the Lake URBAN RUNOFF POSTERS atlas contains over 50 maps, photos and Champlain Basin. J.W. Hughes, W.E. Jokela, A series of four posters featuring urban runoff graphics about the nature of the Basin, the D. Wang, C. Borer, UVM. September 1999. issues such as pet waste, lawn fertilizers socio-economics of the Basin and Lake LCBP Report #35. $5.00. and oil leaks from cars. First set is free (if you Champlain issues, such as phosphorus, and pick them up). $4.00 nusiance species. Includes the land use map. Cost Effective Phosphorus Removal from $25.00 from Northern Cartographic (802) Secondary Wastewater Effluent through 860-2886. The atlas is also available on CD Mineral Adsorption. Larry D. Goehring, SLIDE SHOW PRESENTATION Rom for $5.00 and is available on-line at Sr.,Tammo S. Steenhuis, Andrea S. Brooks, The LCBP staff presents free 20-40 minute www.lcbp.org. Melissa N. Rosenwald, Jennifer Chen, Cornell slide shows on issues in the Lake Champlain University and Victor J. Putnam, Essex Basin to schools and community groups. Can Land Use Map. This 24" x 32" full-color map County Planning Department. December be adapted to most any audience. Call to depicts land use and vegetation types in the 1999. LCBP Report #36 $5.00

Casin’ The Basin is published three times a year by Lake Champlain Basin Program Staff the Lake Champlain Basin Program to inform the public about events and issues which affect the Lake Nicole Ballinger - Communications and Champlain Basin. The public is encouraged to Publications Coordinator, (802) 372-3213 respond to information presented in this newsletter and can send comments to: Erik Beck - Lake Champlain Coordinator, US EPA - New England, (617) 918-1606 Casin’ the Basin Jim Brangan - Cultural Heritage and Recreation Lake Champlain Basin Program Coordinator, (802) 372-3213 PO Box 204 54 West Shore Road Lake Champlain Terry Faber - EPA Coordinator, USEPA Region 2 Grand Isle, VT 05458 Basin Program (212) 637-3844 Colleen Hickey - Education and Outreach Material may be reproduced without permission, as THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN Coordinator, (802) 372-3213 long as credit is given. Casin’ the Basin is produced under an EPA grant # LC991923-01, and distributed BASIN PROGRAM Laura Hollowell - Resource Room Specialist, free of charge as a public service. The views ex- (802) 468-5227 ext. 109 pressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) was established Bill Howland - Basin Program Manager, the position of the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate the activities envisioned by the Lake (802) 372-3213 or the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC). Champlain Special Designation Act of 1990. The LCBP is a Kathy Jarvis - Administrative Assistant, (802) 372-3213 government funded initiative working in partnership with NEIWPCC operates the business affairs of the Lake numerous cooperating agencies, organizations and indi- Stephanie Larkin - Resource Room Specialist, Champlain Basin Program. NEIWPCC is a non-profit (802) 864-1848 ext. 109 interstate agency established by an Act of Congress viduals to develop and implement the comprehensive pol- Chris Lassell - New York Circuit Rider, to serve and assist its member states by providing lution prevention, control and restoration plan for Lake coordination, public education, training and leader- (518) 897-1367 Champlain. The program is guided by the Steering Com- ship in the management and protection of water Miranda Lescaze - Technical Coordinator, quality in the New York and New England Region. mittee which represents a broad spectrum of lake-basin (802) 372-3213 interests and organizations from New York, Vermont, and Art Stemp - New York Lake Champlain Quebec including local government and citizen represen- Coordinator, (518) 897-1216 tatives, scientists, and state and federal agencies. In addi- Michaela Stickney - Vermont Lake Champlain tion, many individuals are involved in the planning pro- Coordinator (802) 241-3619 cess through advisory committees and interested citizens recycled paper Editorial Staff participate through public meetings. The ultimate goal of Nicole Ballinger— Co-Editor the LCBP is to insure that the Lake and its drainage basin Colleen Hickey — Co-Editor Anita Deming will be protected, restored and maintained so that future Buzz Hoerr Do you have a question or concern about generations will enjoy its full benefits. The Daniel Patrick Bill Howland Lake Champlain? Moynihan Lake Champlain Basin Program Act of 2002 Art Stemp Michaela Stickney Call toll-free: ensured that the work of Lake Champlain Basin Program 1-800-468 LCBP would continue into the future. Design: Don Hanson, Stowe, VT Printing: Queen City Printers, Burlington, VT