Lake Champlain Matters August 2010

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In This Issue
U.S. EPA Support for Lake Champlain
VNRC and Trout Unlimited join LCI Coalition
Boat Access to be named after Larry Green
NLCAC Annual meeting
LCI Welcomes New Staff
Angler Day at the Ball Park
LCI Makes a Slash at ICAST
Leahy Quote about LCI
Channel Cats go to ECHO
LCI Derbies & Promotions
Photos of the Month
Place Your Bids!
Become an LCI Memeber!
Volunteer Your Time
Lamprey Petition
Simple Actions
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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!

Summer 2010 has been kind to Lake Champlain and those of us that call it home so far.  Beach closures and blue-green algae blooms have been few, relatively speaking.  The fishing and boating has been phenomenal, and our efforts to ensure a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain continue to gain momentum as more of our neighbors, public officials, and visitors embrace the ecological and environmental value a healthy Lake Champlain watershed.

 

For example, finally, after years of work educating public agencies and elected officials, there will be a significant effort made to restore Atlantic salmon to the basin through addressing the necessary habitat remediation and water quality improvements.  This comes as a result of a partnership between the Lake Champlain Basin Program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Great Lake Fisheries Commission.  The announcement was made at a press conference convened by Senator Leahy, who secured the record-level Lake Champlain funding necessary to jumpstart us on the road to recovering the best bio-indicator of water quality and wildly popular gamefish, the landlocked Atlantic salmon.  I was honored to be asked to deliver the closing remarks at this historic event.  You can read more about it later in this newsletter.

 

While less dramatic, but still vital to ensuring continued progress, our public outreach has been going exceptionally well.  Trout Unlimited Central Vermont Chapter and the Vermont Natural Resources Council have joined our coalition calling for the restoration of the Missisquoi River.  If you would like to get involved, visit our homepage to sign the petition. LCI Lake Day at the Ballpark last month was a huge success again this year with thousands of baseball fans and children exposed to our "Clean Water.  Healthy Fish.  Happy People" message.  We were joined at the park by several other organizations focusing on improving Lake Champlain.   Thank you, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Vermont Fish and Wildlife, Spectrum, ECHO, Let's Go Fishing volunteers, BLUE and the Tethys Corporation, Lake Champlain Basin Program, and Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

 

The All Season Tournament is still going on, and the Bass Open is just a few weeks away.  If competitive fishing is your thing or something you always wanted to try, there is still plenty of time left to get involved in either or both events.  More details are available on the website or by calling the office.

 

Our membership program is now fully underway.  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.  Ali's email address is [email protected].   Plans for a youth angling "academy" in partnership with professional Vermont and Salmon River guide, Bob Shannon are in the final stages of development.  The Youth Eco Angler (YEA) Program will offer school programs during the school year and camps during the summer, throughout the Lake Champlain Basin.  We are also currently scheduling Bobber Bob appearances at community events and children's event.  If you know some place Bob should be to spread the "Clean Water.  Healthy Fish," message just send a note or give a call to the office.   

 

Our pilot program to assist residential property owners in evaluating their homes' watershed "friendliness" is underway.  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 is 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.  So far, we have visited more than 400 homes in Colchester with some 80 certifications underway.

 

Some days it seems like it is not possible for so many good things to be happening.  None of what we do, however, takes place without the tremendous backing of our volunteers, sponsors, and benefactors.  WCAX, FOX44, and WPTZ, for example, 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.

 

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.  Thank you for your support.

 

Sincerely, Your Executive Director,
 

James Ehlers
James 
Ehlers
Executive 
Director 

 

 
 
Announcement of U.S. EPA Support for Lake Champlain
Signing of MOU for Great Lake Fisheries Commission Lake Champlain Funding
 
James and LeahyMonday, July 26th,  a press conference was held to announce the U.S. EPA's support of Lake Champlain with the signing of the MOU for Great Lake Fisheries Commission Lake Champlain funding.  Lake Champlain International, Inc.' s Executive Director, James Ehlers was asked to prepare  the closing words for the press conference.  Senator Leahy had these kinds words to share about Mr. Ehlers;

"Lake Champlain has few fans more ardent than James Ehlers, and it was great to have such a strong supporter of our fishing community participate as we announced a major new funding source for protecting the lake - Senator Patrick Leahy.

 
Speakers included Senator Patrick Leahy; Phelan Fretz, Executive Director of ECHO at the Leahy Center; Pixley Hill, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain: Curt Spaulding, Regional Administrator for the U.S. EPA; Beth Card, Director of Water Quality Programs for NEIWPCC; Dr. Jamie Geiger, USFWS Assistant Regional Director for Fisheries; Dr. Marc Gaden, Communication Director, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission; and James Ehlers, Executive Director of Lake Champlain International, Inc.,  Vermont Commissioner of NEIWPCC.
 
To read Lake Champlain International, Inc.' s Executive Director, James Ehlers's closing speech from the press conference, please follow the link below:
 
The Movement Grows
More local groups join LCI Coalition
VNRC Logo 
Our decade-long education campaign to inform the public of the benefits to restoring the historic fisheries of the Missisquoi picked up two new major supporters recently.  The Trout Unlimited Central Vermont Chapter Board of Directors voted last month to support our call for the Village of Swanton to permit removal of a defunct mill dam.  Earlier in July, the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) likewise informed our executive director that their organization also supports LCI's goals.  VNRC is a state chapter of the National Wildlife Federation.
 
Trout UnlimitedAs much as 1200 more times spawning habit is out of reach for struggling native fish.  Sturgeon and walleye populations are currently impeded from reaching their historic spawning grounds by the decaying structure, Swanton Dam.  Muskie and salmon would also stand to benefit.  While it may be hard to believe, salmon used to swim the river, and the Missisquoi was known to the Native Americans as "the land where muskellunge abound."
 
As is our approach in all environmental matters, we seek to find the common ground and educate others regarding our position.  We do not litigate.  Earlier this year, in a show of good faith and our sincere intentions to aid the Village of Swanton, LCI formally requested a meeting to discuss our offer to purchase the dam from the Village of Swanton to effect its removal.  This would alleviate the citizens of Swanton of the liability the dam now poses them, as well as provide the community with much needed revenue-revenue that could be used to update its outdated drinking water facility.  Our offer and request were never formally acknowledged; instead, a town leader aggressively attacked LCI as nothing more than "cheerleaders."  Undeterred, we continue to work with citizens on an individual basis to answer their questions and illustrate the benefits of a healthy river and healthy fishery to their town's economy.  We are committed to restoring the river, the lake, and its fisheries, no matter how long it takes-even if two more decades.
 
Read the derisive opinion piece authored by a Swanton leader here, and LCI's response here.
 
 
 
Boat Access to Be Named after Larry Green
 
On Thursday, August 19, 2010, at 12:00 noon, the Fish & Wildlife Department will hold a dedication ceremony to re-name the Sandy Point Fishing Access on Route 78 in the Town of Swanton in honor of Larry Greene.  Mr. Greene (deceased) was a past president of the Lake Champlain Walleye Association, and did a great deal to further walleye management in Vermont.  
 Walleye Association
 
This dedication ceremony will also provide an opportunity to thank the Governor, the Lake Champlain Walleye Association, Lake Champlain International, as well as some legislators, for their support of the Walleye and Fishing Access Area Programs. 
 
 
NLCAC Annual Meeting          
 Terence's monster 15.4-pound laker 
9th International Northern Lake Coalition Event,
 Lake Champlain Basin Program,
 Vermont Citizens Advisory Committee public meeting,
Saturday, August 14, 2010 
 SunSaturday August 11, 2007
 
 
For more information contact the Island Chamber of Commerce at:    
Phone: 802-372-8400 or [email protected] 
 
LCI Welcomes New Staff  Members
Niel Maurer and Megan Winward 
 
Niel and MeagnLCI is proud to announce two new additions the LCI team.  Niel Maurer has assumed the position of Events Coordinator, and our volunteer - turned board member - turned employee Megan Winward, Outreach Coordinator. 
 
We will miss Megan's contributions to the board, but we now have the benefit of Megan's full-time involvement with LCI as a member of the staff where Megan's great work ethic, commitment to our mission, and "can-do" attitude will surely produce the results for LCI that we all know are possible. 
 
 Niel has many years of experience in events and nonprofits from grass root marketing campaigns, to comprehensive media plans.  His outstanding attitude combined with this experience is sure to have an immediate positive impact on the organization bringing all of LCI's events to the next level.
 
 
Angler Day at The Ball Park
Bobber Bob makes friends with
Lake Monster's Champ and ECHO's Newton
  
What a great day it was this past Sunday for LCI's Angler Day at the Ball Park!  The weather was perfect and everybody had a great time.  Base Ball fans had a nice the surprise of having not just one mascot but three mascots parading around the ball field all day.  Bobber Bob was joined by ECHO's Newton to thrill the crowd with the Lake Monster's Champ leading the way.  While those wise guy mascots were up to their shenanigans, our volunteers were busy face painting fish on ALL the kids and kids at heart. 
 
LCI Makes a Splash at the Annual ICAST Convention in Nevada
A Note from Executive Director James Ehlers
 
ICAST 2010
 The LCI team, consisting of Ali, Niel, Megan, and myself just returned from the 2010 ICAST show in Nevada.  Ali, Megan, and Niel represented us extremely well and exceeded all my expectations for our attendance at the show.  We made dozens of new contacts as a result of everyone's enthusiasm, outstanding people skills, and interest in learning about the fishing industry.  We also cemented existing sponsor relationships receiving verbal commitments from several to do more to support our events and organization in the coming year. 
 
I am extremely proud of our team's efforts, especially given this experience was a new one for each of them and the long days and travel involved.  I also very much appreciated Elizabeth handling the office, notably the ongoing award pick-ups, in our absence by herself.  It was a very good week for LCI.
 
Senator Leahy Weighs In
On LCI Father's Day Derby 
Senator Leahy 
Our own US Senator Patrick Leahy says ""This year's tournament was another great one, right down to the perfect weather and the many satisfied anglers."   Senator Leahy  has secured federal funds for sea lamprey control on Lake Champlain since 1988.
 
 
To read the full story follow this link:Senator Leahy's Words about the FDD 
 
 
Channel Cats Going to ECHO from FDD
 LCI Anglers helping science
 
ECHO
Many years ago, LCI catfish anglers made a contribution to science.  When the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington first opened, the aquarium needed fish for their displays.  Catfish caught during the LCI Father's Day Derby were evaluated and then chosen for transport from the weigh station in St. Albans back to the Science Center where they lived "happily ever after."  Nothing lives forever, not even a catfish, so once again LCI anglers contributed to the education of the thousands that pass through the Leahy Center.  This past year, catfish from the Chipman's Point weigh station made their way back safely to Burlington where they are now on display.  Stop down to the ECHO at the Leahy Center at the foot of College Street in Burlington and see the LCI "cats."  Steve Smith, the director of Animal Care and Facilities at the Science Center, does an outstanding job showcasing many of the species that call Lake Champlain "home." LCI is proud to be a partner with ECHO in assisting to educate the public about the Lake Champlain ecosystem and its aquatic inhabitants. 
 
All-Season Tournament in Full Swing
Presented by Apple Island Resort & Marina
Celebrate Family, Friends and Fishing
 
Trophy Atlantic salmon dominate first month of the 17th Annual All-Season Tournament presented by Apple Island Resort and Marina. The "All-Season" features seven species categories which include the most sought-after first Lake Champlain has to offer. Steelhead trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon, brown trout, lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, catfish, and walleye. Monthly cash
and merchandise prizes are awarded to the anglers who amass the most derby prize points in the Warm,
Cool, and Cold Water Divisions.
 
For a complete list of the latest results, visit
www.mychamplain.net
 
If you are not signed up for the All-Season Tournament presented by Apple Island Resort and Marina, you can sign up right on our website! Register today and make every fish that you catch this summer count!
 
All-Season Tournament: 5 full months of competitive fishing, now with cold, cool, & warm water winners each month.  
 More Information
 
Photos of the Month
Submit your photos to [email protected] and your picture could be here! 
 

Laduke Trout

Dana Laduke and his reacord breaking 16.77 Lake Trout caught during LCI's Fathers Day Derby.
 

Roland

 Ronald Poulin's  fish was 35 1/2 inches long, and weigh in at 12.75 lbs at the weigh station on Grand Isle for the all season tournement, during the month of June.
 
 Bilodeau Brown
 
 Theresa Bilodeau caught this Big Brown weighing 5.78lb and was 21", weighed in at Apple Island June 22.
 
 
  Brian Bashaw Walleye
 
Brain Bashaw caught this beauty: 11.21lbs and 28.5 inch walleye
 
Place Your Bids!
Online Aution Ends Monday, August 1st
 
Win a beautiful campsite for 7 days for only $150!!
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Become an LCI Member Today!
 
In order for Lake Champlain International, Inc. to accomplish its water conservation, fisheries restoration, and advocacy and education objectives, we need your help. By becoming an LCI member, your contribution will help restore the glory of the Champlain fisheries, help raise awareness of the numerous issues facing the lake, assist our youth in  helping to  carry on the heritage of the lake, and be kept up to date with the latest information concerning Lake Champlain's watershed and its communities. You'll also have many opportunities to get involved with LCI during one of its enjoyable fundraising events, contests, or other membership related events.  
 
Lake Champlain International, Inc. would like to recognize our loyal LCI members who have signed up this month: Mary and Arnold Sharp, Eric LaChance, Cory and Amanda Cashin, Robert and June Horton, Joseph and Doreen Mcneil, Nathan and Carol Mchugh, Mark and Lisa Lagerquist, Peter and Mae Worthington, and Steven and Anne Biafore.
 

For more information, please contact Ali, the Membership Coordinator at the LCI office (802) 879-3466 or [email protected]

 
Get Involved with LCI!
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.  Our next volunteer opportunity is during  our 11th Annual Open Bass Tournament, Sunday September 5th at Mallots Bay, Colchester, VT.  Come join us!

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]
 
Healthy Lake Champlain Ecosystem
Please sign the sea lamprey petition

lampray2Please consider signing our petition to continue the progress we are making protecting our salmon 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
 
Simple Actions
Each of us can take to help the lake
Phosphorous run off
 
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.
 
 
America's Great Outdoors IdeaJam
Support and promote community-based fishing events.
 
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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
 

Idea jam

 

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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