Lake Champlain Matters June 2010
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In This Issue
LCI Events Calendar
Simple Actions
Lamprey Petition
Fishing for Friends
Carry on the Angling Heritage & Win 2011 Everything Pass
Charity Golf Event & Celebrate Champlain BBQ
Online Registration Ends May 31
America's Great Outdoors IdeaJam
Cafe Scientifique Speaker
LCI Derbies & Promotions
Canadian Musky Auction
3rd Annual Governor's Cup
Volunteer Your Time
Bobber Bob Attends Kids Day
LCI's Check, Clean, Dry PSA
Quick Links
Lake Champlain International, Inc.

Fish Indicators of Watershed Health

Lake Champlain Fisheries Habitat

NEIWPCC Resource Links

UNH Stormwater Center

Vermont Fishing Seasons

Northern Pike Biological Survey

Baitfish

Vermont Fish Records

Walleye and Sturgeon Spawning Habitat

Carry Bay Wind and Wave Study

Fish Species of Grater Conservation Need

American Sportfishing Association

Swanton Dam and Fish Passage

Champlain Bass Fishing

NY Fishing Seasons

VT Fishing License Online

VT Fishing Access Areas

Champlain Tributaries Conservation

Balanced Champlain Ecosystem Petition

Missisquoi River - Swanton Revitalization Petition

Interactive Map for Clean Water Act Annual Noncompliance Report

THIS JUST IN
Executive Director James Ehlers has been named Vice President of the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce. We are all very excited and happy for all of his accomplishments! Way to go!

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Attention: IBM Employees
Supporting LCI and Lake Champlain has never been easier

Thanks to one of your fellow IBM employees, Lake Champlain International, Inc. has been added to the list of recognized charities that IBM employees can contribute to through IBM's semi-monthly Employee Charitable Campaign Contribution (ECCC) program.

Please consider adding Lake Champlain International to your semi-monthly contributions when your ECCC selections are renewed this fall. Thank you.
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Greetings!

I just returned from a week of water pollution seminars and commission meetings in Massachusetts.  If the thought of eight-hour days of wastewater and stormwater PowerPoint presentations does not excite you, worry not.  The summer breezes of June and the Father's Day Derby are fast approaching.  However, if we are to ensure the lake we love is swimmable, drinkable, and fishable, there is no limit to what we can learn and then implement even now ourselves and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Commission does an outstanding job in bringing together the foremost experts in the fields of improving the quality of our water.

On this note, I am pleased to tell you that beginning this month, LCI will commence a pilot program in Colchester to assist residential property owners in evaluating their property's watershed "friendliness."  If homeowners are willing to voluntarily commit to changing a few practices around their yards, such as not spreading fertilizer unless a soil test indicates it is necessary or redirecting gutter downspouts so all the rainwater stays on the property, they can earn a BLUESM certification for their property.  We believe if enough of us certify our properties, we can begin to clean up Malletts Bay, and then do likewise in other communities around the lake.  If cleaning up our bays, ponds, and rivers was not motivation enough, it certainly stands to reason we will be improving our own property values if we can swim at our beaches when other communities' beaches are closed.  In fact, a Canadian newspaper recently reported that homes with stormwater pollution prevention practices in place were selling for 15 percent more than comparable properties.  Needless to say, we are excited to be able to help all of you keep our waters safe for our families as we continue to work towards the habitat and water quality necessary to restore Lake Champlain's fisheries.

And that is not all that is taking place in this month.  Please join us at the LCI Governor's Cup or Little Anglers Derby.  Stop in at the ECHO at the Leahy Center on the Burlington waterfront for my discussion on fish stocking, those who malign it, and why it may be the most important thing we can do right now.   Celebrate Father's Day, of course, as many of you have for nearly 30 years, with friends and family during this year's Father's Day Derby.  How about joining us for the Chicken and Ribs BBQ or the Inaugural Golf Open and Lobster Bake, both at Apple Island Resort in South Hero, Vermont?  And, of course, there is the $100,000 Lake Trout: June 21st - 23rd! 

June also marks the introduction of our membership program.  American Fishing Tackle Company and artist Al Agnew are making it possible for us to offer members beautiful gifts featuring their favorite fish, and even the North Country's favorite land-dweller: the whitetail deer.  If membership and all the benefits that will accompany it interest you, contact Ali in our office.  And, later this summer, we will be announcing our plans for a youth angling "academy" in partnership with professional Vermont and Salmon River guide, Bob Shannon.  Some days it seems like it is not possible for so many good things to be happening.

None of what we do is possible without the tremendous backing of our volunteers, sponsors, and benefactors.  In addition to the 80-plus volunteers that enable us to produce our events, thank you Pepsi, Firetech, Apple Island Resort, WCAX, and WPTZ for stepping forward to assist us in ensuring Lake Champlain is swimmable, drinkable, and fishable.  Pepsi, Firetech, and Apple Island all made cash donations.  WCAX, FOX44, and WPTZ are all running the PSA we produced, "Check. Clean. Dry," on how we boaters can slow the introduction of potentially harmful species to new waterbodies.

Finally, for now, we thank all those that came out for the Missisquoi River tour last month to learn why removing the Swanton Dam will be so beneficial for the river and the community.  I enjoyed meeting each of you.  We are especially grateful for those folks who came opposed to the removal but kept open minds:  you're willingness to change your position after getting all the facts is a testament to your character and a source of hope for the future of the river and those who will depend on it after we are all long gone.  You are the reason we do what we do and will continue to do it ... a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain is the only option.

Sincerely,
James Ehlers
James Ehlers
Executive Director
Simple Actions
Each of us can take to help the lake

The water that runs off of our roofs, driveways, roads, parking lots, and sidewalks-or stormwater-will continue to "quietly" pollute our beaches and destroy our fish habitat.  This water, often unnaturally warm from running across hot pavement in spring and summer months, carries with it sediment, pathogens, and toxins (like pesticide and fertilizer residue, and even auto brake dust) that destroys fish habitat and shuts down our beaches.  This is happening even in "green" Vermont and the Northern New York. 
Here a few things each of us can do this spring to help the lake and its fisheries:
  • Redirect gutter downspouts away from pavement and onto lawns
  • Use a rain barrel where directing downspouts away from paved areas is not possible
  • Limit or eliminate use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorous
For more actions you can take, contact us at 802.879.3466, [email protected] or through the website ... because a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain is the only acceptable option.
Healthy Lake Champlain Ecosystem
Please sign the sea lamprey petition

Please consider signing our petition to continue the progress we are making protecting our salmonid fishery from the devastation wreaked by the parasitic sea lamprey.  Tell our elected officials you support a balanced Lake Champlain ecosystem and so should they. You may do so here: Lamprey Petition
Fishing For Friends Makes A Match

LCI's mentoring program, Fishing for Friends is proud to announce they have paired an avid fisherman and conservationist with an eager young child who is interested in learning about fish and nature.
If you know a young child, or you would like to become a mentor, contact LCI at 802-879-3466.
Carry on the Angling Heritage & Win a 2011 Everything Pass
Plus, the new junior anglers receive LCI tackle packages!

Congratulations to Bruce Folsom, Jr. of Rutland, VT for winning the "Carry on the Angling Heritage" promotion.  By recruiting three new junior anglers for the 29th Annual LCI Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha,  Bruce will receive an Everything Pass for the 2011 LCI Father's Day Derby. LCI tips its hat to Bruce, and all LCI anglers who do their part to involve the next generation in fishing and carry on the angling heritage. To do our part, we are now offering the 2011 Everything Pass and the tackle packages for the juniors to ALL LCI Father's Day Derby registered anglers who carry on the angling heritage and signs up three new junior anglers.

LCI's Newest Fundraising Events
Celebrate Champlain BBQ &  2 Clubs, 1 Lake Charity Golf Open

June 19th: LCI is kicking off the Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha  with a BBQ at Apple Island Resort and Marina. $25 per ticket includes a chicken and ribs BBQ, 5 raffle tickets and an invitation to our membership program, with LCI newsletter and member decal. With the purchase of an admission ticket, children under the age of 10 eat for free.

June 24th: LCI's Inaugural 2 Clubs, 1 Lake Charity Golf Open at Apple
Island Resort and Marina. 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. shot-gun start times. $45 for golf and a lobster dinner catered by The Rotisserie in South Burlington. $25 golf only.  Great prizes for the winners and raffle prizes at the conclusion of the event. Remember: only 2 clubs are allowed on the course!
Register your team
of four today!
Come out and show your support at these family fun events!

We are also still looking for sponsors.  If you would like to support Lake Champlain International, Inc. you can call 802-879-3466 or email.
Online, Telephone, & Facsimile Registration Period Closes May 31
Register exclusively at Official LCI Registration Outlets from June 1 through June 18

To some of you, receiving your LCI Registration Card in the mail is the official sign that summer is almost here, and the start of another LCI Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha is right around the corner. To others, standing in line at Dattilio's, Lakeshore Ace, or any of our Official LCI Registration outlets to register with family and friends is just as much a part of the tradition of the Father's Day Derby as the fishing itself. Either way, the derby is coming, and coming fast!

Your chance to register at a discounted rate through our online registration, telephone, or facsimile will come to a close on May 31.  If saving a few bucks is important to you, or, getting your registration card in the mail is more exciting than getting your tax rebate, register today! Click here to register online, call us at 802-879-3466, or fax your application to 802-879-1746.

Beginning June 1, all registrations will be handled by Official LCI Retail Registration Outlets.  With over 40 Official Retail Registration Outlets, you are sure to find one nearby.  Don't forget to ask for some Lake Champlain hot spots or pick up some tackle while you are there! 
Click here to see all of the Official LCI Registration Outlets.

America's Great Outdoors IdeaJam
Support and promote community-based fishing events.


6
Vote Now

Fishing Creates Stewards and Stakeholders

IdeaSpace: Reconnect with the Great Outdoors
Tags: fish fish habitat people fisheries restoration habitat habitat protection habitat restoration
Status: Open

Ehlers to Speak at Cafe Scientifique June 3
James Ehlers, LCI's Executive Director speaking at ECHO

Thursday, June 3. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; discussion starts at 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Happening in ECHO's salon, ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington Waterfront, Burlington, VT.

What is the value of the recreational fishing industry to the Lake Champlain Basin? Why do some of us in Vermont defend polluters while disparaging anglers? What is the overall condition of Vermont's waters, and what are we-the Vermont citizens-doing individually to improve them or degrade them? Join James Ehlers, Executive Director, Lake Champlain International, Inc., as he leads a conversation that will explore the myths around the secret lives of stocked fish, their solitary pursuers, and the future of Lake Champlain restoration.
All-Season Tournament in Full Swing
presented by Apple Island Resort & Marina

All-Season Tournament: 5 full months of competitive fishing, now with cold, cool, & warm water winners each month.  More Information
Terence's monster  15.4-pound laker

NEW 2010 LCI Promotions
  • $100,000 Everything Pass Lake Trout: Catch a 20-lb lake trout and you could win $100,000! More Information
  • LCI Anglers of the Year. New for 2010, Lake Champlain International, Inc. will award LCI Anglers of the Year in the Cold, Cool, and Warm Water Divisions at this years 29th Annual Father's Day Fishing Derby presented by Yahama. More Information
$175 Starting Bid for Canadian Musky Trip
Full day musky fishing charter in Ontario, Canada

Place your bids for a 1 day, 2 person Musky Fishing Charter on the Rideau River in Canada.

You will experience Ontario Canada on this fishing trip of a lifetime. With over 35 years of experience, Musky Joe knows where to catch the big ones. No wasted time looking for that hot spot, renting a boat, or finding a place to spend the night. Arrangements can be made comfortably and affordable accommodations at a local inn or campground, adding the finishing touch to an unforgettable trip. Your enjoyment and success will be their #1 priority.

Rideau River is an hour and 10 minute drive from the 1000 Island Bridge.

For more information about Musky Joe or other trips, visit their website: www.muskyjoe.com

Click here to bid on the trip now


New auction item starting June 1st, check LCI website for details.
LCI's 3rd Annual Governor's Cup
Raising awareness for Lake Champlain

Governor Douglas, the participating teams, and LCI will be at Windermere Way Fishing Access in Colchester on Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 for a morning of fun competition and raising awareness for Lake Champlain. Everyone is invited to come down to the water and show your support. This charity fishiTeam ANR 2009  Governor's Cup Winnersng event is a fun way to highlight the importance of the Lake Champlain watershed, its fishery and the value of Vermont's angling heritage to our communities. Proceeds will benefit the Lake Champlain Fisheries Recovery Initiative and the LCI Next Generation Fund, which benefits youth conservation education and mentoring.
Team captains participating in this year's Governor's Cup:

Lawrence Hughes                   Bill Lanzetta
Ron Poltak                               Bill Stritzler
Bob Qua                                   Larry Dupont
Jason Galipeau                         Len Britten Campaign
Scott Goddard                         Bridget Butler

We would like to thank Deb Winters and Roger Zlotoff for their generous donations. Sorry you are unable to attend this year.
Get Involved Today!
Volunteers are needed for all LCI events and programs
  • Not fishing in the derbies or know someone who's not? Want to be involved? Volunteering is the answer. 
  • Like to work with kids? Consider being a member of the LCI Tackle Team, educating kids on the importance of lake education and fishing heritage.
  • Along with Lake Champlain International, Inc. you make our events a success! Considering helping today! 

    For more information call Lake Champlain International, Inc. at 802.879.3466. or email [email protected]
Kids Day, Bobber Bob a HUGE Hit
Bobber Bob strutted down Main St. Saturday in Burlington

Bobber Bob, the official spokesbobber for LCI, was one of many participants in the 25th Annual Kids Day at the Burlington Waterfront.

The rain held off, keeping Bobber Bob out to say Hi to all the kids.  LCI handed out "Clean Water. Healthy Fish. Happy People." fishing bobbers along with conservation activity booklets and a ton of LCI stickers!

Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped out, especially Phil Smith who did a fantastic job as Bobber Bob. Special thanks to Jake Perkinson, Megan Winward, and the Ehlers Family who all helped out at the event.

Keep up with all of Bobber Bob's adventures on his facebook page.
Thank You for Airing LCI's PSA!

WCAX
Channel 5 WPTZ
About Lake Champlain International, Inc.
A community of conservation stewards individually committed to together caring for Champlain's future and traditions ... because a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain is the only option.

a 501(c)(3) organization
Lake Champlain International, Inc.
531 Main Street
Colchester, VT 05446
802.879.3466  Fax: 802.879.1746

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