February 2011
LCI Transition Banner 3

Former Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Joins LCI as Staff Scientist

Wayne LarocheWayne Laroche, the recently retired and the second-longest serving commissioner of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, will be contributing his scientific expertise to the fisheries restoration and water quality improvement efforts of the Vermont-based conservation organization, Lake Champlain International (LCI). Read More
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Cormorants and Lake Champlain; an update from Senator Leahy's office

  

Cormorant

An email note from:

Tom Berry,  Senator Leahy's Office  01/05/2011 

 

To: James Ehlers, Executive Director, Lake Champlain International, Inc.

 

Subject: Cormorants and Lake Champlain 

.... Knowing of your interest in this subject however, I do need to let you know where we stand regarding funding of Cormorant work on Lake Champlain, at least from Senator Leahy's perspective. Read Full Email

 

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EPA Takes Step to Improve Lake Champlain Water Quality

EPAAfter a careful review, EPA has disapproved Vermont's 2002 water quality plan that set phosphorus targets for discharges into Lake Champlain. Following this action, EPA intends to work closely and collaboratively with the State to develop a new plan for reductions in phosphorus from sources in Vermont. Elevated levels of phosphorus cause algae blooms and other water quality problems in Lake Champlain. Today's action follows EPA's reconsideration and withdrawal of its 2002 approval of the plan. Read More

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LCI Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha registration now open online!

Laduke TroutOnline registration is now open for the 30th Anniversary of the LCI Father's Day Fishing Derby presented by Yamaha!  Save $ if you register online, and if you enter before March 31st, you'll be entered into win the LCI Early Bird Special!  Register now!

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LCI gives $2500 to Spectrum Family and Youth Services

Spectrum Logo 2The $2500 donation supports the Fishing For Friends Mentorship Program which supports lake activities and environmental stewardship for youth. 

 

"We are looking forward to doing lots of activities outdoors with our youth, like fishing, thanks to the support from this grant. It is our intention to encourage youth to take full advantage of the lake and to learn of its importance and how they can help protect it. Thank you LCI for your generosity and partnership!" - Spectrum Newsletter 

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Early Bird Special: Deadline March 31st

Win a chance at a Father's Day Derby Family Forever Pass with early registration   

Bass Couple

Sign up for the 30th Annual LCI Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha Before March 31st and be entered to win a Father's Day Derby Forever Family Pass.  This Family Forever Pass will get you and your family into the Father's day Derby free forever, and your kids' family forever, and your kids' kids forever!!!  That's a lot of free fishing in the Father's Day Derby! Register today

 
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LCI welcomes Mike Rapacz to

LCI Board of Directors

 

Lake from Mnt PhiloMike Rapacz is a three decade state regulator and advocate on water quality and drinking water issues. He joined the LCI Board in December because of their strong focus on Lake Champlain water quality issues.   

 

"I am pleased to be working with LCI because they are doing right by Lake Champlain and are interested in achieving real improvements in water quality." -Mike Rapacz

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Attention Businesses!

Lake Champlain International, Inc. logoWe have advertising opportunities available! Get extensive exposure while associating your name with an organization known for its community involvement, influential conservation efforts, and one of the largest fishing derbies in the USA. Rates start at less than $0.02 per impression! Please email [email protected] for more information. Read More 

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5th Annual Free Kids Ice Fishing Derby

Great Ice DerbyGreat Ice in Grand Isle will be hosting the 5th Annual Free Kids Ice Fishing Derby from 11 am to 2 pm at the Holiday Harbor Motel, Route 2, North Hero. The derby is open to all kids 14 and younger with numerous trophies given for both pan fish and larger game fish such as northern pike. Read More

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Save the Date!! The 6th Annual Charity Bass Open is scheduled for July 31, 2011 

Charity Bass Open

Again this year, the tournament will pay back better than 100% of the entry fees with great contingencies. For every team entry, $40 of fishing-related gear will be donated to Lake Champlain International (LCI) for our Next Generation Fund and Fishing for Friends mentor program Go to charitybassopen.com to get your Charity Bass Open entry form, for more information about the event, and to view previous year's results.

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EPA to seek divers for sunken  

Lake Champlain tugboat

Tugboat

The federal government is taking a step toward exploring a tugboat sunk in 160 feet of water in Lake Champlain to see if its tanks contain fuel that could leak and cause an environmental disaster. The Environmental Protection Agency wants a diver to check the fuel manually on the tugboat William H. McAllister, which sank five miles south of Port Kent, N.Y., in November 1963 after running aground while pushing an empty fuel barge.  Read More 

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Lake advocates weigh pay-to-pollute

Runner over waterShould Vermont impose taxes on those who pollute Lake Champlain?

 

The idea, once unthinkable, was squarely on the table this week as a government-appointed citizens committee - impatient over continuing algae blooms and rampant weed growth - struggled to agree on priority actions to recommend to the 2011 legislature.

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Support LCI By Becoming A Member

Support

Joining LCI's membership program is an easy way for you to increase your involvement with our organization. You will be helping to ensure Lake Champlain remains swimmable, drinkable, and fishable for generations to come. We'll even send you some welcoming gifts when you join!  Please visit http://bit.ly/LCImember or email [email protected] for more information on this great opportunity.

 

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Sponsored By::
Sing-a-Rama Ad
 
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New Auction Item
Halvorson's Ad

Online Auction Item  

Continuing Through

Feb.28th, 2011

Cloud Nine Logo

Fishing Charter in July

cloudninefishing.com
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In This Issue
Former Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Joins LCI
FDD registration open Online
Early Bird Special
5th Annual Free Kids Ice Fishing Derby
Scents latest weapons in fight against sea lamprey
Adirondack Lake pH and Levels of Mercury in Yellow Perch
Stormwater Runoff Disrupts Urban...Stream Life
LCI IN the News
Poll- Should agriculture be held to the same water pollution regulations as other industries?
Just BLUE it!
VT Fish & Wildlife Law Book
Commissioner Looks make Dept. Work Known
Become an LCI Member
Sign Lamprey and Missisquoi Petitions
About LCI
Berts Sponsor Ad 2

Find a dealer near you!

www.teclausa.com/bert

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Give a gift of education,
conservation, restoration,
and revitalization
for Lake Champlain.
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OM Cares Advertisement
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Contact LCI
802-879-3466
[email protected]
531 Main St.
Colchester, VT 05446
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Pollution at our feet
in "green" state Find us on Facebook
Stormdrain 2
 Do your part to protect our beaches, pets & fish!
 More pollution pictures here
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Quick Links
*American Sportfishing
     Association
 
*Baitfish
*Balanced Champlain
      Ecosystem Petition
 
*Carry Bay Wind and Wave
      Study
*Champlain Bass Fishing
 
*Champlain Tributaries
      Conservation
*Fish Indicators of Watershed
      Health
 
*Fish Species of Greater 
      Conservation Need
*Interactive Clean Water Act
      Map
 
*Lake Champlain Fisheries
      Habitat
*Lake Champlain
      International, Inc.

*MERC 2011 Annual Report

*Missisquoi River - Swanton
      Revitalization Petition
*NEIWPCC Resource Links
 
*Northern Pike Biological
      Survey
*NY Fishing Seasons
 
*Swanton Dam and Fish
      Passage
*UNH Stormwater Center
 
*Vermont Fish Records
*Vermont Fishing Seasons
 
*VT Fishing Access Areas
*VT Fishing License Online
 
*Walleye and Sturgeon
      Spawning Habitat

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Conservation Camp Applications Are Available

If you are 12 to 14 years old and want to learn about Vermont's wildlife and gain outdoor skills next summer, consider attending one of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Green Mountain Conservation Camps.

 

The one-week camp program is held at two locations -- Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury.  Students are taught about fish and wildlife conservation, forestry, orienteering, swimming, canoeing, fishing, gun safety, and more in an attractive outdoor setting.  Natural resource professionals come to the camp during the week to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities. Conservation Camps open June 19 and continue until August 19.  Camp tuition is $200 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment. Read More  

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A Diet for an Invaded Planet: Invasive Species

Zebra MusselsThere's a new shift in the politics of food, not quite a movement yet, more of an eco-culinary frisson. But it may have staying power; the signs and portents are there. Vegans, freegans, locavores - meet the invasivores. Some divers in the Florida Keys recently held a lionfish derby, the idea being to kill and eat lionfish, an invasive species. Local chefs cooperated by promoting the lionfish as a tasty entree. Read More


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Scents latest weapons in fight against sea lamprey

Lamprey w HandIn the never-ending battle to prevent blood-sucking sea lamprey from wiping out some of the most popular fish species in the Great Lakes, biologists are developing new weapons that exploit three certainties in the eel-like parasites' lives: birth, sex and death.

 

Researchers are beginning the third and final year of testing lab-refined mating pheromones - scents emitted by male lampreys to attract females. They're also working on a mixture with the stench of rotting lamprey flesh, which live ones detest, and another that smells of baby lampreys, which adults love. Read more 

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Adirondack Lake pH and Levels of Mercury in Yellow Perch

PerchLevels of total mercury in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) from Adirondack lakes were studied in relation to characteristics of the lakes to determine why some lakes had fish with higher concentrations of mercury. Almost all mercury in fish is in the form of methylmercury, which can pose significant health hazards to humans who consume such fish. Fish mercury concentrations and water chemistry data were analyzed from eight Adirondack lakes.


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Stormwater Runoff Disrupts Urban Stream Life

City StreamUrban streams commonly have low abundances and poor diversity of many freshwater insects that fish and other aquatic animals eat. Even after people have restored these stream habitats, the waterways often remain biologically impoverished, with diminished numbers of fish. New research reported Nov. 8 at the annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) in Portland, Oregon, has identified a probable culprit: pollutants in stormwater runoff that flushes through the streams. Read More

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LCI In the News

Boston Globe Logo 

"Former Vt. Fish and Wildlife chief has new job" Boston.com

January 14, 2011

Follow us on Twitter  EPA withdraws approval of Lake Champlain plan http://dlvr.it/F0gNh 
 

Original Tweet: http://twitter.com/bfp_news/statuses/29639840588890112

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Lake Champlain International Poll

Ag FieldShould agriculture be held to the same water pollution regulations and standards as other industries and businesses?  
 
Click here to vote
(poll is in the bottom left of the page)

 
Thank you for taking the time to share your opinion.
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Just BLUE it! 
BLUE Logo
Lake Champlain International and Tethys Corp. are working with homeowners to help protect the health and safety of our families through a few simple steps around the house and lawn. This pilot program initiates an innovative method towards managing water pollution runoff, starting at the source. Tethys BLUER program is a framework to expand residential stewardship and help homeowners protect our oceans, bays, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

For more information about Tethys and BLUER

 

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Vermont Fish & Wildlife Digital Law Book
Now Available For 2011
 
The Fish and Wildlife have just released the Electronic version of the 2011 hunting and fishing law book.
Read Here






 
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New Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Looks to make Department Work Known

 

Hiring a new deer biologist will be one of the first high profile tasks facing incoming Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry. But his greater responsibility over the long term, he says, is raising awareness of all the work the department does, from providing public access areas and managing state lands to protecting important wildlife habitats. Read More 

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Become an Official LCI Member

 
Lake Champlain International, Inc. logo
If you
become 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. 

Read More
 

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Help Lake Champlain Ecosystems
          
lampray2 Please sign 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.
Sign the Lamprey Petition



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Swanton Dam 2Please sign our petition to support exploring the removal of the old dam located in the Village of Swanton, Vermont on the Missisquoi River. We consider removal of this old dam as a necessity to restore fish runs to their historic spawning grounds which will benefit fish and other aquatic species found in the Lake Champlain basin.
Sign Missisquoi River Petition  Read more




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About Lake Champlain International, Inc.

LCI is a non-profit conservation organization working to clean up Lake Champlain, a community of conservation stewards committed to 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

www.mychamplain.net 
LCI on flickr      Follow LCI on Twitter 
Follow us on Facebook     LCI YouTube Channel

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