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CASIN’ THE BASIN VOLUME VII SUMMER/FALL 1999 NUMBER I Keeping an Eye on the

By Andrea Donlon VT DEC Basin Program CONTENTS: Keeping an Eye on the Lake 1

Basin Waves and Events 2

Public Meetings 3

CAC Awards to Local Groups 6

Underwater Survey 7

New Cultural Heritage & Recreation Awards 8

Trailing Lake Champlain’s Birds 9

ECO-PEERS 9 Pete Stangel, Aquatic Biologist with Department of Environmental Conservation samples Lake Sea Grant Update 9 Champlain’s waters.

Reader Survey 10 or those who enjoy Lake Champlain by sail- Local Implementation Awards 11 ing on a breezy summer afternoon, taking a Champlain 2000 11 moonlight dip on a warm evening, or casting Check out the LCBP F out a fishing line, it is natural to be inter- On-line! ested in preserving and improving the Lake’s water www.lcbp.org quality. Good water quality is one of the major themes in the management plan for the Lake Champlain basin because it is essential to the lake’s PAID 05401 health and there is strong public interest. Citizens BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT NO. 179 BURLINGTON, VT groups, government programs and university person- nel collect water samples and monitor water quality data for Lake Champlain and its tributaries. Scien- tists are using the data to track our progress toward better water quality and a healthier ecosystem.

Continued on page 4. Basin Program

P.O. Box 204 54 West Shore Road Grand Isle Vermont 05458 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Trailing Lake Champlain’s Lake Champlain Basin Waves – page 2. Birds – page 9. Celebrate the Lake – page 7. 2 CASIN’ THE BASIN

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

• The LCBP would like to thank to Janet ity in the LCPB • A new guide for dentists about reducing, Swentusky and the Association Champlain Basin” recycling and properly disposing waste mercury for hosting a watershed association workshop on at Shelburne amalgam, which is commonly used in fillings is April 10th at AuSable Valley School. Thirty Farms in April. now available. The National Wildlife participants and eight watershed groups at- Educators learned Federation’s (NWF) and Vermont Dental tended. Guest speakers gave presentations about about phosphorus Society’s “The Environmentally Friendly Dental fish habitat, grant writing, nutrient sources, with Anita Office” promotes voluntary pollution prevention wetlands, record keeping, public access, volun- Deming, Cornell and proper handling techniques. For more teer recruitment, and stream bank protection. Cooperative information contact the NWF at (802) 229-0650. The next watershed group meeting will be held Extension; water later this year. April’s workshop was co-spon- quality with Amy • Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee chair, sored by the LCBP and Cornell Cooperative Picotte, Vermont Buzz Hoerr, represented Lake Champlain at the Extension. DEC and Lake ’99 Conference in Copenhagen, Nether- WVPD macroinvertebrates lands in May. During the conference, members • Two hundred with Mark of LakeNet convened for the first time. LakeNet students from Skelding, is a project of Monitor International which H.O. Wheeler Foodworks. Educators at Shelburne Farms. facilitates informational exchanges on watershed and Teachers also met management. Other participating included Champlain with local farmers Lake Baikal, Laguna Lake, Lake Ohrid, Lake Elementary and Lindsey Peipsi/Chudskoe, Lake Titicaca, Lake Toba, and schools in Ketchel of the Vermont Department of Agri- Lake Victoria. For more information contact Burlington and The Youth Conference. culture. Shelburne Farms dairy manager, Sam Monitor International at (410) 268-5155. Orchard Dixon, and researcher, Don Meals, gave a tour Elementary in of the dairy barn and discussed best manage- South Burlington participated in the Winooski ment practices. For more information about Valley Park District’s (WVPD) State of the CBEI contact the LCBP at (800) 468-5227. Winooski Basin Youth Conference during May. Students represented stakeholders involved in • More and more students are exploring and reducing phosphorus, such as farmers, learning about the lake while on the water. homeowners, wastewater treatment plant opera- Students from Rutland High School spent Events tors, and loggers. WVPD received an LCBP several weeks in May canoeing from watershed education grant this year and will use to the Canadian border. Check their website at September 24, 7 PM. “The History and US EPA funds next year to involve students from rutlandhs.k12.vt.us/jpeterso/canoe/ Ecology of the Black Bear,” a talk by Winooski and Essex. For more information welcome.htm. Students from Addison County Richard Sage of the Adirondack Ecologi- contact the WVPD at (802) 863-5744. Schools recently launched an authentic long cal Center. Historical LCPB boat they built at the Lake Champlain Mari- Society’s Hancock House, Ticonderoga, • The LCBP’s time Museum. The students rowed a portion of NY. Info: (518) 585-7868. education and the lake and stopped along the way to visit other outreach staff schools. Contact the Maritime Museum for more September 25, 10 AM to 3 PM. gave presenta- information at (802) 475-2022. Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge Open tions to over House. River boat tours, birding walks, 25 school and canoe trips, and exhibits. Refuge Head- • The LCPB community Gordon quarters, Swanton, VT. Info: (802) 868- groups in the Center 4781. Basin this Nicole Ballinger of the LCBP House in spring. Partici- explains the watershed model. Grand October 25-27. Workshop: “Measuring pants learned Isle, Progress in Your Watershed: Develop- about polluted runoff by using Enviroscape’s Vermont ing Indicators and Reporting Systems.” watershed model, saw a slideshow about Lake received Ramada Inn Conference Center, Champlain, or learned about wetlands by partici- approval Burlington, VT. Info: Sue Thomas, Green pating in a “wetlands metaphor” activity. The from the Mountain Institute for Environmental staff also reached 900 students through the Vermont Scafolding on the Gordon-Center House. Democracy (802) 229-6073. Ecosystem Exposition in Poultney, VT; Essex legisla- County Field Days in Keene and Penfield, NY ture for November 4-5. Conference: “Ways and the Winooski Valley Park District’s Con- renovations, which are now underway. The LCBP of the Woods: Culture, Heritage, servation Field Day in Burlington, VT. To anticipates moving back to the house during and the Evolving Economy of the schedule a visit, call the LCBP at (800) 468-5227. 2000. Northern Forest,” Eagle Mountain House, Jackson, . • Boaters will want to check out the Lake • Calling all birders! Green Mountain Audubon Contact the Northern Forest Center Champlain Committee’s new Bilingual Boating Society seeks volunteers to complete avian at (603) 229-0679 or email Guide in French and English. The guide pro- checklists while visiting 11 wildlife management [email protected]. motes environmentally sound practices, safety refuges in Northwestern Vermont. Sites include tips and information on preventing the spread of and Little Otter Creek in November 5-7. Studies Confer- invasive species. Call the LCC to receive a copy Addison County and Mud Creek in Alburg. This ence: “Reflections of Remembering (free + postage) at (802) 658-1414. project was funded through a Partnership Pro- and Forgetting: Revisiting the Original gram grant from the LCBP. For more information Vermonters.” . • Eighteen educators attended the Champlain and a list of sites call Mark LaBarr at (802) 434- Info: Cindy Longwell at (802) 656-3884. Basin Education Initiative (CBEI) workshop, 3068 or e-mail him at [email protected]. “Stewards of the Land: Farming for Water Qual- 3 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Peru, (August 3rd) Public Meetings Discuss Progress ’99 Available Progress ’99 • More needs to be done to address the zebra mussel infestation. • The planning process should address the The LCBP recently hosted four public meetings to issue of urban sprawl in the Basin. receive comments on Progress ’99: An Opportu- • How can communities make sure that the nities for Action Implementation Report, general funding sources, such as the Bond Act, comments on Lake Champlain’s management continue? and the Draft Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan. Meetings were held at four Thank you to Garry Douglas, New York CAC locations in the Basin during July and August. Vice-Chair, for hosting this meeting. The LCBP would like to thank the citizens and Basin organizations who attended. LCBP

Introductory presentations were made by mem- bers of the Vermont and New York CACs. LCBP’s Progress ’99 reports on progress towards the Technical Coordinator, Barry Gruessner, pre- implementation of Opportunities for Action, the sented an overview of Progress ’99 and Michael management plan for Lake Champlain during Hauser of the Vermont DEC presented a sum- 1998. Many on-the-ground projects and coopera- mary of the Draft ANS Management Plan. Public tive management efforts worked to address the comments were recorded at the meeting and will Plan’s priority actions. Progress ’99 also lists be forwarded to the Lake Champlain Steering LCBP’s grants to local communities and organi- Committee and the Vermont, New York and zations. Seventy-four local projects received Citizen Advisory Committees for review $322,110 last year. Below are a few highlights of this fall. Comments are also being accepted by the report. mail. LCBP • Phosphorus pollution was reduced through wastewater treatment plant upgrades and Middlebury, Vermont (August 5th) helping farmers better manage runoff. • The Cumberland Bay PCB clean-up is • Eurasian watermilfoil is a serious problem in underway. the South Lake. Funding is needed for • The sea management program is harvesting and biological control research showing signs of success and a bi-state using weevils. nuisance species management plan is nearly • The emerging sandbar on Otter Creek is a complete. problem. • Wetland and streambank restoration pro- Kenny Miller, Quebec CAC Chair (left, • More legislators need to be aware of the grams continue. standing) and a citizen discuss the Lake. Eurasian watermilfoil problem. • Several new bicycle theme loops were added • There is concern about rising lake levels in to Lake Champlain Bikeways. Some of the key issues and questions at each the spring. • Public access enhancements provided better meeting included: • What is happening on the Lake Champlain recreational opportunities. fishing license? • The underwater survey program is continu- Whitehall, New York (July 27th) • Is doing their part to help address ing to map the Lake’s bottom. Lake Champlain issues? • Several historic sites and structures received • More funding should be appropriated to • Are fish safe to eat in the South Lake? financial and technical assistance. stop the waterchestnut spread. More aware- • Does the clearer water resulting from the ness of the problem is needed among zebra mussel infestation cause more plant Progress ’99 is available by calling the LCBP at individuals influential with funding. growth? (800) 468-5227 or on-line at www.lcbp.org. LCBP • The economy of the South Lake is hurt by • What is being done to prevent phosphorus staff are available to present a summary of this waterchestnuts. into the Lake from manure? report and other activities in the Lake • What is being done with the Sea Grant Champlain Basin. Thank you to Ron Ofner, New York CAC Chair, funding? for hosting this meeting. • More information should be distributed about phosphorus levels. Quebec to Host St. Albans, Vermont (July 29th) Thank you to Michaela Stickney, Vermont Coor- Public Meeting • St. Albans Bay beach should be included in dinator, for hosting this meeting. the beach closing data. On Wednesday, September 29th the Quebec • More lake monitoring sites for phosphorus in The LCBP would like to thank the following St. Albans Bay are needed organizations that brought displays for the open CAC and the newly formed Basin • The management of toxics needs to be house: Association, Cornell Coop- Corporation are hosting a public meeting. refocused towards abating toxics. Govern erative Extension, Lake Champlain Bikeways, ment agencies should stop using a risk- Lake Champlain Birding Trail, Lake Champlain Several important officials will be on hand at the based approach to toxics management. Byways, Lake Champlain Committee, Lake event, including the Quebec Minister of Environ- • Better enforcement of existing environmental Champlain Maritime Museum, The Nature laws in the Basin is needed, not new laws Conservancy, Basin Association, ment, members of the Quebec National Assembly • The public should know which farms have Missisquoi Wildlife Refuge, Poultney-Mettawee manure spreading exemptions. Conservation District, Rutland Natural Resources and members of Parliment Canada. Residents • Has there been a decrease in phosphorus Conservation District, SUNY Lake Champlain from both sides of the border are invited. loads to St. Albans Bay as a result of the Institute, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and sewage treatment plant upgrades and the Vermont DEC. We’d also like to thank Sid BMP’s on agricultural lands? Couchey and George Clifford for being on hand Location: Missisquoi Bay Golf Club, 321 Avenue • The LCBP should continue to fund river to sign the Lake Champlain Lighthouses guide at groups and not-for-profits. the Peru, New York meeting. Venise Ouest in Venise-en-Quebec. The meeting wil begin at 7:00 PM, with informational displays Thank you to Ralph Montefusco and Gould Susslin Meeting summaries will be available this fall. of the Vermont CAC for hosting this meeting. Contact the LCBP for more information. at 6:00 PM. Call Kenneth Miller, Quebec CAC Chair at (450) 294-2464 for more information. 4 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Continued from page 1. The data collected in the Long-Term Water Quality and Biological Monitor- Collecting physical, chemical and ing Project are used to make manage- biological information is the key to ment decisions about Lake Champlain. understanding the Lake Champlain The data are available to researchers, ecosystem. state agencies, and the general public through the VT DEC and NYSDEC. In “Monitoring data provides scientists addition to the data collected by the with a basic understanding of natural States, a citizens’ monitoring program processes, normal cycles in lakes and has also provided essential data for lake the basic characteristics of a healthy management decisions. ecosystem,” noted Mary Watzin, University of Vermont researcher and Lake Champlain Lay Monitoring Chair of the LCBP’s Technical Advisory Program Committee. “Monitoring is also essential for understanding how Citizens from Vermont and New York human actions can lead to abnormal have helped establish the longest or unhealthy changes in water quality running database about Lake and the ecosystem.” Champlain’s water quality. Since 1979, the Vermont Lay Monitoring Program Many water quality monitoring has trained and equipped citizen programs focus on the nutrient status, volunteers to conduct water quality or trophic level, of the Lake (see sampling on Lake Champlain and on 80 sidebar). Phosphorus levels are often other Vermont lakes. used to help measure the trophic status. Phosphorus is a nutrient that is “Monitors collect data from 36 sam- essential for plant growth, but in pling stations in Lake Champlain, excessive amounts can cause algal including several sites on the New York blooms and too much growth of other side of the lake,” said Amy Picotte, Lay aquatic plants. When the plants Monitoring Coordinator for VT DEC. eventually die and decompose, oxygen “The program collects water quality levels may decline, harming fish and data and informs area residents about other aquatic life. Too much phospho- lake protection and biology. Local rus therefore has negative effects on volunteers make a commitment to the ecological health of the lake and sample various sites weekly, and have its recreational use. greatly contributed to the success of the program.” LCBP Governor of Vermont measured the What are Trophic Levels? clarity of ’s waters with a Secchi disk for the Great American Secchi Dip-In last July. Trophic levels refer to the amount of nutri- What is a Secchi Disk? ents, such as phosphorus, found in a lake. Scientists use three levels to describe a lake’s lankton; and bottom samples are collected to trophic status: monitor benthic invertebrates, mysid shrimp, and zebra mussel populations. Oligotrophic - Low nutrient levels (low plant growth and high water quality). In 1998, the Vermont Department of Environ- Mesotrophic - Moderate nutrient levels mental Conservation (VT DEC) and the New (moderate plant growth and moderate water York State Department of Environmental Conser- quality). vation (NYSDEC) published a report summariz- Eutrophic - High nutrient levels (low water ing the monitoring results from 1992 to 1996 quality and excessive plant growth). (LCBP Technical Report No. 26). An analysis of the data showed significant reductions of phos- Lake Champlain’s trophic levels vary in phorus in the LaPlatte River. A Secchi disk is a 9-inch black and white different parts of the Lake. For example, round plate attached to a cord marked at Mallets Bay is considered oligotrophic, the “The decline of phosphorus in the LaPlatte River half-foot intervals. It is widely used as a Main Lake is mesotrophic and the South can be attributed to an upgrade of the Hinesburg basic water quality indicator. Monitors dip Lake is eutrophic. Wastewater Treatment Facility in 1992,” said Eric the disk into the water until they can no Smeltzer, Vermont State Lake Scientist. “In Otter longer see it and read the depth. A clear Creek, a facility upgrade in Rutland in 1993 and lake with small algal populations will result Long-Term Water Quality and Biological operational changes at a dairy plant that dis- in a deep Secchi disk reading. A turbid lake Monitoring Project charges to the Middlebury facility in 1994, may having large algal populations will result in result in future declines there as well.” a shallow Secchi disk reading. The Long-Term Water Quality and Biological Monitoring Project began in 1992 and continues Though phosphorus discharges from some of the to be conducted by New York and Vermont State tributaries and waste water treatment plants agencies. The project seeks to detect long-term have declined, the monitoring has not yet environmental change in the lake by sampling detected a significant phosphorus reduction in Help Improve the Lake’s sites in Lake Champlain and its tributaries. At the Lake. Scientists believe that in the case of

each sampling station, biologists use a Secchi Lake Champlain, there can be a delay between Water Quality ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ disk (see side bar) to measure the clarity of the implementation of phosphorus controls and a • Take personal actions to reduce the amount of water. They also measure the amount of oxygen measurable response in the Lake’s water quality. nutrients and pollutants entering the lake (for dissolved in the water, pH and the hardness of This delay or “lag time” may be caused in part by example, reduce pesticide use or commercial the water. Water samples are also collected. In accumulation and storage of phosphorus in fertilizers on your lawn). the laboratory, these samples are analyzed for sediments. For example, research conducted on concentrations of essential nutrients like phos- St. Albans Bay determined that a “lag time” of • Become a volunteer with a local watershed group. A phorus and chlorophyll-a. Chlorophyll-a concen- several decades could occur before the Bay could list of groups is on the LCBP’s website: tration data allow scientists to estimate the fully respond to wastewater treatment plant www.lcbp.org. abundance of algae. In addition, net samples are upgrades completed in the 1980’s (LCBP Techni- collected to examine phytoplankton and zoop- cal Reports 7A-C). 5 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Similar to the Long-term Water Quality project Two new monitoring projects, outlined below, noted above, lay monitors measure water clarity, are just getting underway. Lake Champlain Steering and collect water samples that state scientists analyze for total phosphorus concentration, and AuSable River Association, NY. The AuSable Committee chlorophyll-a concentrations. River Association (ASA) is one of the newest Tammy Benjamin watershed groups in the Basin, formed last year Montpelier, VT - VT Agency of Transportation “We’re thrilled to help,” said Sally Littlefield. under a grant from the LCBP. Coordinator Janet Sally and her husband Evan have been volunteer Swentusky reports that the ASA has plans to do a Stuart Buchanan monitors at a station just north of Larrabee’s chemical and biological survey of the Ausable Raybrook, NY - NYS DEC Point in the South Lake for ten years. “We River. According to Swentusky, “River samples Patrick Brennan returned to Vermont to retire and are involved in collected during storms will be analyzed for total Albany, NY - NYS Department of Agriculture the Lay Monitoring Program because of our phosphorus, conductivity, total suspended solids, and Markets longtime fondness for Lake Champlain and our temperature, and pH.” The data will be used Diane Burman interest in doing something, even if small, to assess current conditions. “We also plan to Albany, NY - NYS Dept. of Economic improve the life of the lake.” The Littlefield’s complete a macroinvertebrate study, working Development enjoy making the 2-mile trip out to their sam- with high school students and other volunteers pling station every Sunday morning in the starting this fall.” Swentusky hopes that the Peter Clavelle summer, despite the navigational difficulties macroinvertebrate study will be incorporated Burlington, VT - Mayor posed by extensive weed growth in their part of into the curriculum of science classes at the three Mario DelVicario the lake. During their tenure, the Littlefields local high schools, and that this monitoring will New York, NY - USEPA Region 2 have noticed a major change — the water clarity become a yearly event. has increased by more than a meter, possibly Francine Emond Longueuil, Quebec - Ministere de L'Environment because of the filtering action of zebra mussels. Burlington, VT EMPACT Project. In October of 1998, the City of Burlington was awarded a Donald Garrant Picotte is often asked how the lay monitoring $500,000 grant as part of the U.S. EPA’s Environ- Plattsburgh, NY data is used. She notes that back in 1989, the mental Monitoring for Public Access and Com- Leon Graves Vermont Water Resources Board began revising munity Tracking (EMPACT) project. Burlington Montpelier, VT - VT Department of Agriculture the state water quality standards. The Lay Moni- was one of nine cities, out of 135 applicants, to toring Program contributed necessary informa- be awarded EMPACT funding. City officials, Buzz Hoerr tion for the Board to develop numerical phos- University of Vermont researchers and local non- Colchester, VT - VT CAC Chair phorus criteria for 12 different segments of Lake government organizations will work together to John Kassel Champlain. These standards came into effect in address concerns about air and water quality Waterbury, VT Agency of Natural Resources 1991. “In a more general sense, results from the degradation affecting Lake Champlain and city Ron Manfredonia Lay Monitoring Program can also be used to beaches. One of the project’s expected outcomes , MA - USEPA, Region 1 detect significant, rapid, or smaller long-term is to make monitoring data easily accessible to increases in nutrient loading, such as natural residents and visitors via exhibits in public areas. Kenneth Miller fluctuations in lake productivity,” said Picotte. St. George-de-Clarenceville, Quebec - CAC Chair Because of the interconnectedness between Lake Ronald Ofner Additional New York State Programs Champlain and its drainage area, the quality of Crown Point, NY - NY CAC, Chair the water in the lake reflects our actions Robert Reinhardt In addition to participating in the Long-Term throughout the Basin. Monitoring also helps us Albany, NY - NYS OPRHP Water Quality Monitoring Program, the NYSDEC know what conditions in the lake can be consid- periodically conducts extensive sampling within ered “normal” and what conditions are changing Dave Tilton particular watersheds throughout the state. “Lake over time. Essex Junction, VT - US Fish and Wildlife Champlain tributaries in New York are currently John Titchner being monitored as part of a two year focus in “Monitoring is the best way to determine Winooski, VT - USDA, NRCS the Rotating Intensive Basin Studies (RIBS),” whether our management actions are achieving noted Jeff Myers, RIBS Manager for the NYSDEC. our goals,” said Mary Watzin. “Because the Lake Emily Wadhams Myers said that an initial biological screening is responding to many factors at one time, long Montpelier, VT - VT Agency of Commerce was completed at 50 sites in the Basin last year. term data sets are essential for sorting out short and Community Development “This sampling indicated generally good water term fluctuations, like this year’s drought, from Mary Watzin quality at all of the sites that were assessed,” said longer term responses. When scientists and Burlington, VT - UVM School of Natural Resources Myers. citizens share the monitoring tasks, both learn more about the Lake and both can contribute to This year, water column samples collected at ten better management.” sites will be analyzed for solids, nutrients, coliform bacteria, common minerals, heavy The Lake Champlain Basin Program provides metals, and basic parameters such as temperature financial support for the Long-Term Water and pH. Chemistry testing of the sediment, Quality and Biological Monitoring Program, for biological monitoring and toxicity testing will the Lake Champlain Lay Monitoring Program, also be completed. and for the Ausable River biological and chemi- cal sampling project. For contact information Myers added, “In addition to the RIBS sampling about the programs noted above, please contact program, other state and citizen monitoring the following: programs in New York are also currently under- way in 17 lakes within the Lake Champlain basin.” Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation: (802) 241-3777 Local Monitoring Programs New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: (518) 457-3502 In addition to the larger state programs, several Friends of the : (802) 496-9127 local watershed groups and many municipalities Boquet River Association: (518) 873-3688 are involved in water quality monitoring. The AuSable River Association: (518) 873-3752 Friends of the Mad River, for example, collects samples for measuring bacteria levels and posts notices for the public at swimming holes along the Mad River each week. In New York, the Boquet River Association (BRASS) also helps towns monitor public beaches by collecting data required by the Health Department for public swimming, such as bacteria levels and turbidity. 6 CASIN’ THE BASIN

CACs Award $63,000 to Local Groups

wenty-two organizations in the Wildlife Management Area Checklists Historic Site Enforcement TChamplain Basin were recently awarded Green Mountain Audubon Society $2,130 Vermont $4,500 $63,000 through 1999 Partnership Program GMAS hired a part-time biologist and interns The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum will train funding by the New York - Vermont Citizen who worked with volunteers to develop avian the Dive Team and auxiliary Advisory Committees (CACs) on Lake checklists for northwestern Vermont’s 11 wildlife to monitor underwater preserve sites in Lake Champlain. An awards ceremony was held at management areas. The checklists will be in- Champlain. the Lake Champlain Basin Science Center in cluded in GMAS’s website and in the future June. Vermont Wildlife Management Area Map and Edmunds Canoe Partnership Public Use guide. Edmunds Middle School $3,670 Over seven years, the Partnership Program has The school will purchase six canoes for educa- awarded $357,000 to grassroots projects that Lake Champlain Lighthouse Guide tional programs about Lake Champlain wetlands, demonstrate practical ways to address economic Cumberland Head Tomorrow $1,500 water quality and habitat. The canoes will be and conserva- LCBP Cumberland Head Tomor- shared with other organizations for environmen- tion challenges. row printed a guide to tal education and watershed activities. This year, Lake Champlain light- funding was houses illustrated by Fisk Quarry Preserve: made available cartoonist Sid Couchey. Public Access and Education through the Previous LCBP funds were Isle LaMotte Reef Preservation Trust $4,924 LCBP from the used to help develop the The Preservation LCBP U.S. EPA and guide to the lighthouses. Trust developed National Park Call the Clinton County public access, Service. Appli- Historical Association at interpretive cations for the (518) 561-0340 to pur- signage and 2000 Partner- chase a copy. educational ship Program brochures earlier will be avail- Cycle the City! this summer for the able in Decem- Burlington Bikeways Project $5,000 Fisk Quarry ber, 1999. Representatives from the Burlington Bikeways produced seven interpretive Preserve, an Vermont YCC display their and directional signs along Cycle the City’s six important site of LCBP Partner certificate. theme loops. This project is an important local the ancient Isle link to the Lake Champlain Bikeways network LaMotte (Chazyan) Vermont YCC State Park Improvement and will be matched by $93,500 in local funds. Reef, known to Vermont Youth Conservation Corps $5,000 paleontologists as New signs at Isle LaMotte’s Youth Corps crews at seven state parks in the Chemical & Biological Survey of the “the world’s oldest Reef. Lake Champlain Basin repaired historic struc- Ausable River reef.” tures, reclaimed trails and picnic areas and Ausable River Association $3,560 improved recreational facilities over the summer The River Association, students, volunteers, Lamoille County Watershed Initiative months. NYSDEC, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service Lamoille County NRCD $1,000 will assess macroinvertebrate populations and Lamoille County NRCD will begin to develop Lake Champlain Birding Trail Planning and the chemical health of the river, involve local education materials for residents on the Lamoille Awareness Project watershed residents in water quality issues and River which has experienced severe flooding in George D. Aiken RC&D $5,000 acquire baseline data for future monitoring. recent years. This proposed highway based birding trail will connect about 60 existing and new birding sites St. Albans Historical Museum Diorama Project Dog River Riparian Inventory Project along the Lake’s shoreline and upland areas. The St. Albans Historical Museum $2,036 Vermont River Conservancy $2,000 completed trail will create recreational, educa- Funds are being used to help construct a di- The Conservancy will develop GIS planning tional and economic opportunities for visitors orama of the topographical area from Valcour maps which encourage riparian protection and residents. Funds will help provide staff Island to St. Jean, Quebec and a second exhibit projects and increased public access within five support for the project. depicting St. Albans circa 1864. This exhibit is watershed communities along the Dog River, a designed to enhance tourism and to be used as a tributary to the . Carillon Park Center Plaza teaching tool for up to 650 students per year. PRIDE of Ticonderoga $4,850 Sustainable Landscaping for Public Parks PRIDE will purchase flagstone, gravel, plants, North Branch Greenway Project Winooski Valley Park District $1,000 and other materials for a central plaza and Montpelier Parks $2,000 WVPD will landscape with native plants and walkway in Carillon Park, which will help revital- Montpelier Parks will landscape and install hold public workshops as part of a sustainable ize the downtown area and connect to the public interpretive wetland signs near a bridge to be landscaping plan for natural areas in the park access along the LaChute River. constructed on the North Branch of the Winooski district. River. The bridge will connect the greenway with Champlain Longboats: A Community Boat- the North Branch Nature Center. Celebrate the Winooski building and Rowing Partnership Montpelier Conservation Commission $1,000 Lake Champlain Maritime Museum $5,000 Video Tape on Rural Road Run-Off Controls A part-time volunteer coordinator will be hired to The Champlain Longboat project will teach 16 Boquet River Association $3,260 organize Celebrate the Winooski which includes at-risk youths boat building and team building BRASS is developing a 20 minute video script a river celebration and two river clean-ups for skills during the school year. The youths will about reducing sediment run-off from rural adults and students. The event is planned for spend one-week rowing on the Lake next spring. roads. Nearly 400 copies will be distributed to September 18th. Basin communities and watershed groups, Soil Environmental Field Days and Water Conservation Districts and Water Otter Creek Clean-up Project Cornell Cooperative Extension $1,020 Quality Coordinating Committees. Addison County Community Trust $500 Environmental Field Days is a joint 4-H and Soil Funds helped the Community Trust with clean-ups and Water Conservation District program offered Heritage Winooski Mill Museum: Exhibit of along the Otter Creek this spring and summer. annually to over 600 fifth and sixth graders. Waterpower Pathways Students are provided with hands-on activities Heritage Winooski $2,050 about Essex County, the Lake Champlain Basin The Museum will install a map of the Winooski and the Adirondacks. Funds will be used to River’s course through four textile mills and improve the event’s communication equipment historic gristmills. This exhibit, housed in the and exhibits. Winooski Mill, incorporates environmental changes to the river and the historic economic importance of mills to Basin communities. 7 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Some of the highlights of the dives include a Underwater Survey sailing canal sloop from the 1840s, a tugboat Thanks for a Great identified as U.S. La Valle, a mid-nineteenth ake Champlain has always been a valuable Celebrate the Lake! century wooden construction scow, and a late asset to the people of the L nineteenth century canal boat. The survey also region. As a result of the past military and revealed interesting geological characteristics of commercial use of the lake, there are many the lake bottom. Research is being conducted by artifacts on the lake’s bottom. Unfortunately, Thomas and Patricia Manley at Middlebury zebra mussels have recently begun obscuring College to further investigate the new geological many of Lake Champlain’s shipwrecks creating a discoveries. need to quickly locate and study the underwater artifacts. In the past three years, 120 square miles have been mapped. The team plans to map 40 more Since 1996, the Lake Champlain Maritime square miles near Westport and Essex, New York Museum (LCMM) and other partners have been during 1999. This project is planned to continue developing a map of the Lake’s underwater world until the entire floor of the Lake Champlain is LCBP to learn about the shipwrecks before they are Rattlesnake Mountain hike. mapped. covered with zebra mussels. The LCMM hopes to increase public awareness about the lake and to The 1996 survey results are now available. Video develop a management plan to protect the footage of the survey is available at the LCMM rom July 17th through July 25th the underwater sites. Lake Champlain Basin Program’s 7th and the LCBP’s Resource Room at the Science F annual Celebrate the Lake festival took Center. Call the LCMM or the LCBP to purchase LCMM place. The week’s events included nature a copy of the 1996 final report. hikes, canoe paddles, lectures, demonstra- tions, and cruises. This year’s festival The Lake Champlain Basin Program provided funding for this presented 40 sponsors, hosting over 40 project. activities. The Lake Champlain Basin Program would like to offer its sincere For more information: Lake Champlain Underwater Cultural gratitude to all the sponsors who helped to Resources Survey, Volume 1: Lake Survey Background and 1996 make this week a fun and memorable one: Results. Scott A. McLaughlin, Anne W. Lessman, under the direction of Arthur B. Cohn, Lake Champlain Maritime Adirondack Council Museum. December 1998. LCBP Technical Report No. 28. Adirondack Nature Conservancy and Land Trust Adirondack Visitors Interpretive Center By Lisa Watts, LCBP Intern American Legion Ausable Wildlife Management Area Birds of Vermont Museum Boquet River Association City of Plattsburg Association Eastern Mountain Sports Ed Weed Fish Culture Station Essex Maritime Festival (Bill James) The LCMM is conserving the Confiance anchor, Grand Isle State Park raised from Cumberland Bay in 1998. Green Mountain Audubon Society Green Mountain Club Researchers estimate that 300 hundred ship- Lake Champlain Basin Science Center wrecks have occurred with hundreds of these still Lake Champlain Committee undiscovered. The results of this survey will Plattsburgh ¥ Lake Champlain Transportation Company benefit many members of the public including Lake Champlain Land Trust students, archaeologists and historians. The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum 1996 project ties together cultural background infor- Lake Protection Advisory Committee mation with the discoveries from the survey to Lamoille County Nature Center piece together clues about the history of the ¥ Burlington Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge activities on the Lake. 1997 Missisquoi River Basin Association Mount Independence State Historic Site Researchers use a side scan sonar survey, a dive Northern Vermont Resource Conservation team and a remote operated vehicle to locate and and Development Council identify objects in the water. A side scan sonar 1998 NYS Bureau of Wildlife Management emits sound waves and measures their reflection NYS Department of Environmental from the Lake bottom to detect objects in the Conservation Lake. Sonar images are then sent to a computer Pittsford National Fish Hatchery assisted mapping system so researchers can study Rokeby Museum the results. If the depth is safe for humans (less Sheldon Museum than 180 feet deep), divers will investigate the Ticonderoga Historical Society objects. A remote operated vehicle (ROV) is used to reach depths of more than 180 feet. A ROV is University of Vermont equiped with a video camera that can be con- US Fish and Wildlife Service trolled from the boat to conduct visual searches. VT Department of Environmental Conservation During 1996, the research team investigated 10% VT Department of Fish and Wildlife Ticonderoga ¥ of the lake’s total surface area. The team identi- VT Institute of Nature Science fied over 300 cultural and geological sites, ten of VT Youth Conservation Corps which had not been previously discovered. Five Washington and Saratoga County Soil and ships that were investigated ranged in depth Water Conservation Districts from 60 to 110 feet and were infested with zebra mussels. It is estimated that 50% of the lake’s By Leah Villemaire, LCBP Intern historical shipwrecks lie within the reach of zebra mussels, which is around 105 feet deep. Underwater survey areas 1996 – 1998. 8 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Twenty New Cultural Heritage, Bikeways and Shoreline Public Access Projects Underway

The Lake Champlain Basin Program recently awarded Richford Shuttle Bicycle Racks Shoreline Public Access Awards Northwest Vermont Public Transit Network, $32,250 to 20 new cultural heritage, bikeways and A total of $20,000 for eight new projects will be used St. Albans, VT $1,200 shoreline public access projects. Supporting the efforts to enhance public access to Lake Champlain. of local groups and communities working towards The Northwest Vermont Public Transit Network will enhanced cultural heritage and recreation opportuni- purchase, assemble and install two bicycle racks on Mount Defiance Picnic and Observation Shelter ties in the basin is a priority of the LCBP. All grant their buses between St. Albans and Richford, VT. The , Ticonderoga, NY, $1,000 awards require a 25% match from the recipient. More racks are an important part of the Network’s plan to Fort Ticonderoga will construct a picnic and observa- information can be found on the LCBP website: help provide alternative transportation service. tion shelter on top of Mount Defiance. In addition, the www.lcbp.org. site will include interpretive signs developed last year Champlain Islands Bicycle Parking Facilities with support from the Lake Champlain Partnership Cultural Heritage Technical Assistance Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce, North Program. Hero, VT $1,200 Program (TAP) The Chamber will develop an incentive program for Isle LaMotte Scenic Outlook Three new TAP awards totaling $2,250 have been businesses to provide secure parking facilities for Town of , VT, $1,800 granted. TAP awards support engineering and bicycle travelers by sharing costs of bicycle racks Isle LaMotte will develop a scenic overlook on the architecture assessments, National Register documen- and/or hitching posts throughout Champlain Islands western shoreline of the Island. The project involves tation, downtown revitalization, and cultural heritage communities. clearing fallen limbs, trimming trees, erecting a tourism. handrail and installing a picnic table. Adirondack Coast Bicycling Guide II Grange Hall Conservation Assessment Moriah Economic Development Zone, Port Henry, NY Cooke’s Island Recreation/Arts Center Development Town of Hyde Park, VT $1,000 $1,285 Arts and Recreation Commission of Whitehall, NY, TAP funds will help the town prepare a conservation Working with Adirondack Coast Bikeways, Moriah $3,600 assessment of the former Grange Hall and prelimi- EDZ will produce a second edition of the Adirondack The Arts and Recreation Commission of Whitehall will nary drawings for its future use as a county-wide Coast Bicycling Guide for the 2000 season. The new begin to establish a recreation/arts facility in a pre- cultural center. guide will feature the original six loops, as well as six 1900s historic structure. The facility will include an “new” loops which connect to the Lake Champlain information center, nature park and environmental Peru Community Church Structural Assessment Bikeways principal route. and historic education center. Peru, NY $1,000 A structural engineer will be hired to assess problems Whiteface Mountain Bikeway Enhancement Project Intervale Road River Access causing a ceiling crack and outline solutions for the Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau, Intervale Foundation, Burlington, VT, $2,100 repair of this architecturally significant building. Wilmington, NY $525 The Intervale Foundation will locate a canoe and The Visitors Bureau will purchase bicycle racks for six kayak launch along the Winooski River. Improvements locations in the Towns of Jay and Wilmington, will include road and parking lot upgrades, a 280' Judy Gallingher including the visitors center, two libraries, Wilmington trail and a launch area. Town Beach, Wilmington Town Park and Jay Green. Port Douglas Beach and Picnic Enhancement Town of Chesterfield, NY, $2,600 Cyclists Rest Stop Project Chesterfield will renovate the Port Douglas beach and Village of Keeseville, NY $785 picnic area restrooms for persons with disabilities. The Village of Keeseville will create two rest stops for Doorways will be enlarged and proper handles, grab cyclists as a pivotal point in joining bicycle loops from bars and toilet ramps will be installed. Plattsburgh, Lake Placid, Ticonderoga and Burlington. Funding will be utilized to purchase two bicycle racks Georgia Recreation Area Boat Launch Enhancement and a bench. Town of Georgia, VT, $4,200 Georgia will utilize funds to replace an old dock with Cycle the City Guide a new and improved 40' dock on wheels at the town Burlington Bikeways Inc., Burlington, VT $1,285 boat launch. The Town will also replace two stairways New for the 1999 cycling season, “Cycle the City” is and perform erosion control at the site using addi- an interpretive bicycle loop that showcases the history, tional funds. culture and natural splendor of Burlington. Funds will be used to assist with printing costs for the 16-page West Haven Public Access Improvements guide. Town of West Haven, VT, $2,700 West Haven will create a new public access site at an unimproved strip of land along the lake, which was recently donated by The Nature Conservancy. Site work will include grading, creating a small gravel parking area, and installing two gates and a floating dock.

Adaptive Water Sports Program Improvements Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, Burlington, VT, Peru Community Church. Accessible Bikeways Project $2,000 Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center and LCCSC and VASS have teamed up to provide an South Main Street Historic District Nomination Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sport, Burlington, VT adaptive water sports program for the disabled at a Westport, NY Historical Society $250 $1,500 heavily used facility on the waterfront in Burlington. The Historical Society will use the TAP award to LCCSC and VASS have teamed up to provide indi- The team will utilize funds to create better access by support the completion of a National Register nomi- viduals with disabilities the opportunity to easily improving an existing dock and installing a classroom nation for the South Main Street Historic District. access and enjoy Burlington Bikeways. Funds will be ramp. utilized to purchase adaptive bicycle equipment and Bikeways Enhancement Awards staffing to assist people with the adaptive bicycles. Coming Soon... A total of $10,000 was awarded to nine new projects Vergennes Bicycle Parking Project along the Lake Champlain Bikeways principal route or City of Vergennes, VT $1,000 nearby local theme loops. The City of Vergennes will purchase and install four Two new LCBP fact sheets highlighting the leaning bicycle rails along the Lake Champlain Basin’s recreation and cultural heritage Visitors Center - Bicycle Amenities Bikeways principal route in three City parks, including resources will be available this fall: Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, the City Green, Falls Parks and MacDonough Park on Plattsburgh, NY $1,220 historic Otter Creek. • Historic Sites on Lake Champlain At a visitor information center along the Lake Champlain Bikeways principal route, the Chamber • Boating to State Parks and Historic will add exterior equipment for bicyclists, such as a bicycle rack and benches. Villages on Lake Champlain

For a free copy call the LCBP at (800) 468-5227. 9 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Trailing Lake Champlain’s Birds Lake Champlain’s ECO-PEERS Spin a Web irders will want to flock to the proposed Lake commerce. The National Park Service-Rivers LCBSC BChamplain Birding Trail. This highway-based Trails and Conservation Assistance Program and trail will unify and connect about 60 birding the Lake Champlain Byways Program are also sites along Lake Champlain’s shoreline and providing support. uplands in Vermont and New York. This project will help make the Lake Champlain region a “Many of the possible sites along the trail will be premier national destination for birding, and areas that already provide public access in a will add to manner designed existing recre- Lake Champlain Birding Trail to minimize ational, educa- human impact tional and on habitat,” said economic oppor- Christel Flis, one tunities. Al- of the project though Texas and coordinators. already “Participation in have successful the trail is he Lake Champlain Basin Science Center has birding trails, the completely Tlaunched the newest phase of an exciting Champlain loop voluntary.” technology based program. Eco-peers links will be the exemplary standards-based curriculum about the nation’s first bi- Input on pro- Lake Champlain Basin with internet users world state birding posed birding wide. The progam was a year long effort funded trail. Organizers sites has been by a grant from IBM and Bell Atlantic. hope to include received from Quebec locations conservation “Eco-peers represents a new phase for the Science as well. When districts, Center,” said Julie Silverman, Program Director. completed, Audubon chap- “We brought together a select group of teachers uniform signs ters, local com- to design Lake Champlain curriculum aligned will identify bird munities and a with the Vermont Framework of Standards and watching sites variety of other Learning Opportunities.The newly designed along the trail. sources. Site curriculum incorporates technology tools, non- assessments are classroom sites and community resources.” “Birding is one currently under- of the fastest way. Potential With curriculum consultant Amy Demarest, Bill growing recre- impacts and Romond of Vermont Institute of Science, Math ational pursuits recommenda- and Technology (VISMT) and Science Center in the country,” tions for resource staff, 12 teachers from eight schools spent the said Jennifer protection will past school year collaborating on this profes- Waite, Vermont be included in sional development effort. In addition, resource Projects Director the assessments. specialists, including the LCBP staff, offered for the National assistance. Parks Service- By November Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance 1999, the project steering committee hopes to “The educators have incorporated the very best Program. “It is a very ‘eco-friendly’ kind of review the site assessments and begin working of ‘place-based’ curriculum that offers students tourism that will support businesses in both on interpretive signs. Interested organizations the chance to meaningfully engage in the land Vermont and New York, as well as build support and individuals should contact Christel Flis or and water that’s near them and build insights for the conservation of our unique natural Mary Jeanne Packer for further information at that leads to life-long stewardship,” summarized resources around Lake Champlain.” (802) 287-4284 or email [email protected]. Amy Demarest. The next steering committee meeting is sched- The George D. Aiken Resource Conservation and uled for September 16th. New members are The curriculum units are scheduled to go on the Development Council, Inc. is assisting in project welcome. Science Center’s website this fall. For further administration. A project steering committee Funding for the birding trail has come from the Vermont Recreation information, contact Julie Silverman at (802) began meeting in May, with representatives Trails fund, the Lake Champlain Basin Program and the UVM Extension Services. 864-1848. ranging from state parks and fish and wildlife departments, to Audubon chapters, regional and county planning commissions and chambers of

The University of Vermont has initiated its hiring process for the Vermont Sea Grant position which is expected to be filled this fall. U P D A T E Building upon existing programs in the Lake Champlain Basin, the National Sea Grant New York Hires Sea Grant Specialist Program has committed $427,000 to Lake The Lake Champlain Basin welcomes the first Champlain over a three year period, with of two Sea Grant specialists! Mark Malchoff, an additional $247,000 in matching funds a professional extension specialist with 15 pooled from New York Sea Grant, SUNY years experience, is the new Sea Grant Plattsburgh and UVM. Both extension specialist at SUNY Plattsburgh. Malchoff has agents are expected to work closely with the extensive experience with fisheries manage- Lake Champlain Basin Program as we ment and restoration efforts. On day two of pursue the implementation of Opportunities his new job, he attended the LCBP’s public for Action. meeting in Peru, NY to hear citizen concerns about Lake Champlain. 10 CASIN’ THE BASIN

Staff Update Leah Villemaire Leah Villemaire interned What Our Readers Think with the LCBP’s education and outreach staff this hanks to over 250 readers who responded to Bill Howland summer. Leah’s projects Tour first Casin’ the Basin reader survey! We were pleased that most respondents had positive Bill Howland is the Basin included coordinating Celebrate the Lake, assisting comments on Casin’ the Basin and the LCBP. The Program Manager, a new Education and Outreach Committee will evaluate position for the program. the public in LCBP’s resource room and creat- the responses and make changes where appro- Formerly the Executive priate over the coming months. Director of Green Moun- ing an exhibit on bacterial contamination and water tain Audubon, Bill will Survey highlights: manage LCBP and will quality. Leah graduated last spring from Trinity College of Vermont with a dual degree in Biology work to strengthen part- • A majority of respondents (98%) feel that nerships within New York, and Human Services. She is a Vermont native with an inherent love of Lake Champlain and a Casin’ the Basin helps keep them informed Vermont and Quebec. Bill about Lake Champlain issues. will carry out the decisions of the Lake developed interest in its habitat and surrounding environment. Leah’s has a strong interest in the Champlain Steering Committee, the governing • Only 37% would subscribe to Casin’ the board for the LCBP. In his new role, he will work biological sciences and preservation, and hopes to pass on this knowledge to others as well. Basin at a cost of $6 to $8/year for 3 closely with the States of New York, Vermont and issues. the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Bill Lisa Watts has a Ph.D. from McGill University specializing • About 21% reported visiting the website and in biophysical remote sensing. He has more than Lisa Watts helped LCBP’s 20% would read Casin’ the Basin on the 10 years of teaching and research experience at education and outreach LCBP website instead of receiving it in the , the University of Vermont staff with exhibit design mail. and McGill University. In addition, Bill has and assisted the public in experience in state and city planning and the the resource room this • About 95%, feel that the articles in Casin’ private sector. summer. Lisa is a senior at the Basin are not too long or too technical. the University of Vermont Just over a third (37%) feel that it should Michaela Stickney with a double major in have more technical or scientific articles. Michaela Stickney is the Environmental Studies new Vermont Coordinator and Psychology. She • Casin’ the Basin is read mostly for water for the LCBP. Michaela recently finished a semester abroad in India with quality issues, followed by living natural brings 15 years of water- the University of New Hampshire’ GeoCommons resources, nuisance aquatics, recreation/ shed planning and natural program. The program includes courses in tourism, project descriptions of LCBP grant resource management ecology, sustainability, communities and spiritu- recipients, cultural heritage, grant opportuni- experience that includes ality. Lisa grew up in , where she ties, program funding allocations and working in five countries, spent several summers working as a lifeguard. committee updates. three states and 20 Vermont towns. Most re- Lisa has a real appreciation for water and wants cently, Michaela worked on international water- to work towards increasing awareness about the • A majority (59%) of respondents belong to shed and resource planning projects in Eastern effects of human behavior on water quality, organizations involved with Lake Champlain Europe including coordinating the Lake specifically Lake Champlain. basin issues, such as advocacy groups, Champlain - Lake Ohrid Sister Lake Exchange watershed groups and conservation commis- with partners from Albania and Macedonia. Prior Rachel Jablonka sions. to that she managed the Lake Champlain water Rachel Jablonka joined the LCBP in April. She is quality monitoring program for the State of an Environmental Scientist for the US EPA • Over a third are involved with Lake Vermont. Michaela has an M.S. in natural (Region 2) in and is their new Champlain basin or water quality issues in resource management from UVM’s School of representative on the LCBP’s Executive Commit- their employment and have also volunteered Natural Resources. She will work with many tee. Rachel graduated from Tufts University with on a project related to the Lake Champlain Vermont State agencies, non-profit organizations a B.S. in Biology, and Rutgers University with an basin or its rivers/tributaries. Activities and individuals to help incorporate their issues M.S. in Environmental Science. She can be included river clean-ups, water monitoring into Lake Champlain activities and serve as the contacted at [email protected] or (212) and fish or wildlife related projects. state’s liaison with New York and Quebec enti- 637-3853. ties. In addition, she will provide staff support to the Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee.

Andrea Donlon Andrea Donlon joined the LCBP as a technical intern this summer. In May, she finished her master’s degree in forestry at the UVM School of Natural Resources. Her thesis focused on the transport of mercury from soils to streams on Mt. Mansfield. Her project ties into a larger effort in the Lake Champlain Basin to determine how mercury is traveling from the atmosphere to Lake Champlain’s food web. Andrea has worked on other atmospheric deposi- tion projects and studied best management practices in agricultural watersheds. She has also worked in Boston, MA and Washington, DC for environmental consulting firms on groundwater protection and Superfund site cleanup. 11 CASIN’ THE BASIN

New Projects Awarded Support Local Implementation of Champlain 2000: Opportunities for Action. People and Environment of MRBA Lake Champlain on TV

any organizations and Lake Champlain Mprojects will be receiving extra exposure over the upcoming year. In May, WPTZ, the local NBC affiliate, announced that a new series would begin airing on Monday nights on the 6:00 news. Champlain 2000 is about the environment and quality of life in the Champlain Valley, the people and projects that protect them and the actions and issues that may threaten them. While the LCBP issues regular press releases and works cooperatively with all forms of media, this partnership will feature many of the local organi- zations that work to improve Lake Champlain.

“The LCBP is about working in partnership with organizations on both sides of the Lake to implement Opportunities for Action. One of the education actions identified in the plan is to help the public learn more about issues affecting The Missisquoi River Basin Association working on a streambank restoration project. the lake and provide them with hand-on oppor- tunities to get involved. Champlain 2000 will ine new grants totaling $147,582 were Stormdrain Stenciling and Community Outreach help implement that goal,” said Buzz Hoerr, Nawarded to local organizations through the Lake Lake Champlain Committee $17,897 Chair of the LCBP’s Education and Outreach The Lake Champlain Committee will stencil Champlain Basin Program’s Annual Priorities grant Committee. program. Annual priorities awards support projects stormdrains around the basin to inform citizens about that address issues in Opportunities for Action. urban stormwater runoff and pollution. LCC will also distribute information about pollution prevention, To date, WPTZ has covered issues ranging from Watershed Restoration Program conduct community clean-ups, and present a series of pesticide use on our lawns and gardens to the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps $15,000 outreach sessions. impact of zebra mussels to how students are Three Vermont Youth Conservation Corps crews helping to replenish the popula- assisted basin communities with streambank, wetland, Pollution Reduction Project tion in the Basin. In July, Key Bank became and habitat restoration. The crews also hosted Friends of the Winooski River/River Watch $9,000 WPTZ’s partner for Champlain 2000. The Lake Friends of the Winooski River will work with local educational programs this summer. Champlain Basin Program has agreed to provide citizens to compile river and stream buffer condition additional information on our website Lamoille County River Channel Morphology assessments and to reduce pollution. FWR will also Assessment provide volunteers for streambank restoration (www.lcbp.org) for each story that is aired so that Lamoille County Regional Planning Commission projects, stencil stormdrains and produce a newsletter. viewers may have easier access to the organiza- $15,250 tions involved in each segment. This project will assess the severity of river destabiliza- Poultney-Mettowee Watershed Partnership Develop- tion from recent floods and develop a plan to stabilize ment and Coordination portions of the watershed. The goal is Poultney-Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation to increase the expected success rate of restoration District $25,000 efforts in the basin over the long term. A new partnership in the Poultney-Mettowee water- shed will inventory and protect natural, cultural and Stability Assessment and Inventory of the Boquet economic resources, develop a watershed manage- and Ausable Rivers ment plan, and conduct public outreach in New York Boquet River Association $22,860 and Vermont. In cooperation with NYSDEC, BRASS and the Ausable River Association will gather data for restoring stream stability in the Boquet and Ausable River basins which have experienced severe flooding in recent years.

Biological Control of Eurasian Watermilfoil Cornell Cooperative Extension $14,400 This project will support the biological control of Eurasian watermilfoil in Lincoln Pond. Researchers from Cornell University will introduce either weevils or moths into the pond and document post and pre- treatment conditions.

Building Local Capacity for Managing Stormwater National Wildlife Federation $11,650 The Northeast Natural Resource Center of NWF will work with VT ANR, a consulting firm and local watershed groups to implement a workshop-based education program for local decision makers on stormwater management in Basin communities.

Missisquoi Basin Streambank Restoration Missisquoi River Basin Association $16,525 The Missisquoi River Basin Association will continue its work to coordinate citizen involvement in streambank and river corridor restoration projects, as well as river education efforts. 12 CASIN’ THE BASIN RESOURCES

o obtain copies of the following or a com- Cultural Heritage Tourism Survey and Marketing Opportunities for Action, An Evolving Plan for the plete LCBP publications list, contact the Lake Plan. This study identifies the characteristics and Future of the Lake Champlain Basin. LCBP’s final plan T recommends priority actions for Lake Champlain. Champlain Basin Program, PO Box 204, 54 West expectations of current visitors to Lake Champlain Basin cultural heritage sites, identifies potential target October, 1996. Free Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT 05458 or call 1-800- audiences and makes specific recommendations for a 468-LCBP or (802) 655-6382. Our fax number is three year marketing plan. January, 1997. Free Progress ’99. Reports the progress toward implemen- (802) 655-6540. tation of Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan E-mail: [email protected] Cumberland Bay PCB Study. This study assesses PCB for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin. June, contamination in Cumberland Bay and includes 1999. Free Web site: http://www.lcbp.org monitoring of the Bay, the and a portion of the main lake. October 1998. $5.00 A Sustainable Working Forest and Competitive LCBP publications and other Basin information Wood Products Industry. This report explores the can be viewed at our Colchester offices or the Lake Champlain Basin Slide Show Presentation. possibility of establishing a manufacturing network to LCBP staff is available to present a 20-40 minute slide increase the competitiveness of the wood products Resource Room at the Lake Champlain Basin show on issues in the Lake Champlain Basin. The industry in the Lake Champlain Basin. July 1997. Science Center, 1 College Street, Burlington, VT. presentation can be adapted for any audience. Free $4.00 Call us for hours of operation. Lake Champlain Sediment Toxics Assessment Urban Nonpoint Pollution Source Assessment of the Program: An Assessment of Sediment -Associated Greater Burlington Area. Urban Stormwater Charac- Addison County Demonstration Project - Alternative Contaminants in Lake Champlain - Phase II. This terization Project. This study examines the health of Sewage Disposal Technologies. By installing and report details the results of a study on the toxicity of streams and riparian corridors, and evaluates best monitoring four alternative on-site sewage treatment sediments in three areas of concern in Lake management practices in the Greater Burlington area. systems in Addison County clay soils, this study Champlain: Cumberland Bay, Outer Malletts Bay, and December, 1997. $5.00 demonstrates technologies that may be acceptable for Inner Burlington Harbor. October 1997. $15.00 sites having limited suitability for conventional treatment systems. February, 1997. $6.25 Lake Champlain Underwater Cultural Resources Survey, Volume 1: Lake Survey Background and Background Technical Information for Opportunities 1996 Results. First in a series of annual reports on for Action: An Evolving plan for the Future of the the results of the underwater lake survey. December BASIN MAPS AVAILABLE Lake Champlain Basin. Lake Champlain Basin 1998. $12.25 Program. June 1996. $9.00 Lake Champlain Maps are now available. Long-Term Water Quality and Biological Monitoring The maps (24" X 32") highlight town, county, state and Characterization of On-Farm Phosphorus Budgets Project for Lake Champlain. Cumulative Report for and Management in the Lake Champlain Basin. This Project Years 1992- 1996. Documents the monitoring international boundaries within the drainage basin. The database and provides a statisical summary of the study evaluates phosphorus inputs and outputs on maps also illustrate the principal surface waters, and the seven dairy farms in NY and VT, characterizes the sampling results from 1992-1996. March, 1998. cycling of phosphorus, and assesses the efficiency of $5.25 boundaries of major river basins which lie within the Lake nutrient use on the farms. April, 1997. $8.00 Champlain basin. Cost $3.00.

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 Champlain Nicole Ballinger — Information and Communications Basin. The public is encouraged to respond to information Specialist, (802) 655-6382 presented in this newsletter and can send comments to: Jim Connolly — New York Lake Champlain Coordinator, Editor - Casin’ the Basin (518) 897-1216 Lake Champlain Basin Program Rachel Jablonka — EPA Coordinator, Region 2, U.S EPA, PO Box 204 (212) 637-3853 54 West Shore Road Lake Champlain Grand Isle, VT 05458 Tricia Foster — Cultural Heritage Coordinator, (518) 597-4212 Material may be reproduced without permission, as long Basin Program Barry Gruessner — Technical Coordinator as credit is given. Casin’ the Basin is produced under an (802) 655-6382 EPA grant # 001840-01-0, with financial assistance from NEIWPCC and distributed free of charge as a public Colleen Hickey — Education & Outreach Coordinator, service. The views expressed in this newsletter do not THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN (802) 655-6382 necessarily reflect the position of the Environmental BASIN PROGRAM Bill Howland— Basin Program Manager, Protection Agency. (802) 655-6382 The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) was established to Kathy Jarvis — Administrative Assistant, LCBP, coordinate the activities envisioned by the Lake Champlain (802) 655-6382 Special Designation Act of 1990. The LCBP is a government Maja Smith — Recreation Coordinator, (518) 597-4464 funded initiative working in partnership with numerous coop- Michaela Stickney — Vermont Coordinator, erating agencies, organizations and individuals to develop (802) 655-6382 and implement the comprehensive pollution prevention, con- trol and restoration plan for Lake Champlain. The program is Editorial Staff

recycled paper guided by the Steering Committee which represents a broad Colleen Hickey — Editor spectrum of lake-basin interests and organizations from New Nicole Ballinger York, Vermont, and Quebec including local government and Jim Connolly Anita Deming citizen representatives, scientists, and state and federal agen- Mike DiNunzio cies. In addition, many individuals are involved in the plan- Buzz Hoerr

Lake Champlain Hotline ning process through advisory committees and interested citi- ○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Bill Howland zens participate through public meetings. The ultimate goal of Do you have a question or concern Michaela Stickney the LCBP is to insure that the Lake and its drainage basin will about Lake Champlain? be protected, restored and maintained so that future genera- Call toll-free: tions will enjoy its full benefits. Design: Don Hanson, Stowe, VT 1-800-468 LCBP Printing: Queen City Printers, Burlington, VT Our special thanks to Kelliher Samets for the creation of the name “CASIN’ THE BASIN”