TopThe Straight Pipe 

Lake Champlain Health Updates - Not Watered Down 

 Lake Champlain International

 ...because a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain is the only option.

February 2013
Sections in this Issue:
-Lake Champlain Basin                       
-Think You Know Champlain?           
-What's New With LCI
-National & World                                

 LakeChamplainLake Champlain Basin 

DEC issues water pollution reduction permits to Rutland
City, Rutland Town
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation issued an updated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit Dec. 5. The department has designated Rutland Town and City as new MS4s subject to the requirements of the permit. Find out more...
EPA analysis shows increase in 2011 toxic chemical
releases in Vermont
EPA EPA's most recent Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) data is now available for the reporting year of 2011. In Vermont, the reporting data show that overall releases of pollutants to the environment have increased since the previous reporting year (2010). Read about Vermont's toxins...
Lawmakers search for means to fund municipal
infrastructure upgrades
Lawmakers will search for alternative tools to promote municipal infrastructure, as the administration requests to slightly exceed the legal limit on the number of permitted tax increment financing (TIF) districts.Stay in the loop with our infrastructure upgrade plans...
VIDEO: How Vermont hopes to get stormwater
under control
Polluted water runoff from our developed lands is a persistent problem that contributes a large amount of pollution to our waterways and Lake Champlain. Learn about one way the State plans to reduce stormwater...
Blue Coalition unites businesses & nonprofits for healthy waters
The message of the Blue Resolution, around which the Coalition is united, was clear, and many members of the media were listening closely: we need to invest in clean water, as a state, if we expect a prosperous future in Vermont. Find out more!  
 

Dartmouth researchers studying VT stream recovery 

Unnecessary stream work Using a combination of their own observations, aerial photography and data from remote sensors, the researchers are developing faster and more accurate assessment techniques that can be used to pinpoint potential trouble spots along streams.  Learn more...

ANR eyes dam, causeway removals 

Swanton Dam 2 Previously controversial issues and new initiatives tied into lake quality improvements are being raised as part of state planning for the Missisquoi River Basin. Find out more about these removals...

Wastewater treatment facility overflows persist 

Even during the winter months when there is no rain (usually) to overload treatment facilities with high volumes of stormwater, we're still seeing sewage overflows. Why? Many facilities around the state are years out-of-date. See the recent overflows list here. 

ThinkYouKnowChamplainThink You Know Champlain? back to top 

February Edition: A rare brute

It is common knowledge that Lake Champlain is home to many different species of fish. From miniscule minnows to monstrous muskies, the diversity held within the waters of Lake Champlain is impressive. Of the more substantial fish, the Freshwater drum is a brute. Find out more! 

 

LCIWhat's New With LCI back to top  

Online: LCI LinkedIn group is growing!

For those on LinkedIn, the LCI group is a great spot to stay updated with Lake Champlain issues and happenings. Join many friends and colleagues in the conversation about protecting Lake Champlain, and therefore our economy, community, and well-being. Check out the LCI LinkedIn group... 

 

Shop online, search the internet, dine out ...  

and help Lake Champlain!

Learn more about using GoodSearch to save money while shopping online and protecting Lake Champlain! It's easy!




Shop online, eat dinner out, and search the internet

all in the name of a healthier Lake Champlain! Learn how!

Compostable plates, bowls, and forks, oh my!  

EarthSmart plates, bowls, spoons, knives, forks, bait cups, and toilet paper ... the best of the best in disposable meal kits and home/camping needs. Visit HelpTheLake.org to order your supplies and LCI will receive funds to help protect our lake! Equip yourself this summer...
Need a gift for a friend or yourself?
Here are some great gift ideas to get you out of trouble. Plus, rest well knowing that your purchase helps protect Lake Champlain's waters and fisheries!

      

   

National-WorldNational & World back to top
Get used to climate change
Life has had to deal with environmental change, especially climate change, since the beginning of its existence on Earth. Species adjust or go extinct, and both have happened. Keep reading this popular article...
TU Statement on Genetically Engineered Salmon
Trout Unlimited is concerned that the Food and Drug Administration's 'finding of no significant impact' is a premature 'green light' for the eventual production of genetically engineered salmon for human consumption. Read more from Trout Unlimited...
Dams found to be barrier to fish breeding
Experts say fishways meant to give fish a route around dams have failed to let economically important species such as salmon, shad and river herring reach their spawning grounds.  Find out why...
Stress initiates disease in Atlantic salmon
 Stress affects the congenital immune defense system. New doctoral research has revealed how stress can lower the immunity of salmon and increase its susceptibility to viral infection. Read more about this new research...
Harmful algae blooms increase as water warms
in the world's major lakes

 The warming waters of one of central Europe's most popular holiday destinations, Switzerland's Lake Zurich, have created an ideal environment for a population explosion of algae including Planktothrix rubescens, a toxic cyanobacterium. Read more...
NASA says 2012 was the 9th warmest year since 1880,
blames global warming

2012 was the ninth warmest year since annual record-keeping began in 1880 say NASA scientists who cited rising greenhouse gas emissions as the chief culprit. Read more...
Federal agencies to improve coordination of information
on pharmaceuticals in drinking water
EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of the Interior have agreed to  improve coordination and collaboration on issues related to pharmaceuticals in drinking water through a new memorandum of understanding.  Read more...
Kids-OutdoorsKids & The Outdoors back to top
OWAA holds youth outdoor writing contest with cash prizes
Outdoor Writers Association of America is once again hosting the Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards contests. The 2013 contests allow promising young writers and poets to showcase their skills and win cash prizes totaling $1,700. Learn more!
TechTechnology back to top
New Rain Garden App available for your smartphone
The UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) has developed a Rain Garden smart phone app that is now available for download from iTunes.  Check it out...
First-Of-Its-Kind Solution Revolutionizing
Wastewater Treatment
One key characteristic of the selected alternative was the incorporation of dual-purpose components to provide both advanced treatment of dry weather flows as well as treatment of wet weather flows components aimed at further protecting Lake Lavon as a water supply source.  Check it out...
ThomasThomas Talks back to top
February Edition: Give ice fishing a try!
Many people have heard of ice fishing but have never tried it. From my experience with ice fishing, if you are properly dressed and have the correct tools, it can really be fun. Click hear to read about Thomas' ice fishing tips!
2013 winter retreat for adventurous women
Vermont Outdoors Woman is accepting registrations for its Annual Winter Doe Camp at the Hulbert Outdoor Center, March 1-3, 2013. Come by yourself, take advantage of our mother/daughter discounts or bring a group, it's a great getaway either way. 
Find out more!

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kid fishing edited

 

Lake Champlain International, Inc.                          

531 Main Street

Colchester, VT 05446

802.879.3466  Fax: 802.879.1746 

  

a 501(c)(3) organization   


www.mychamplain.net

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Good Links to Know
 LCI Staff
James Ehlers
Executive Director 

Eric LaMontagne
Outreach Director 

Ross Saxton
Director of Conservation & Education 

Liz Ehlers
Business Manager 

Wayne Laroche
Chief Scientist

Cathy Pirie Merrill
Let's Go Fishing Administrator

Meet the LCI Staff! 
 LCI Board of Directors
Dave Adams

Michael Brigham
Secretary

James Ehlers

Jason Galipeau

Scott Goddard

President

 

Frank Petrosino
Treasurer

 

Bob Qua

Craig Roskam

Bob Shannon

Frank Stanley
 LCI Advisory Council 
Aleksandra Drizo, Ph.D.

Jim Douglas, Governor (2003-2011)

Brian Grenon, Ph.D.

Gary Henry, M.S.

Janette Henry, M.S.

Scott Mapes, P.E., Esq.

Timothy B. Mihuc, Ph.D.

April Moulaert, M.S.
   

mychamplain.net | facebook.com/LakeChamplain | Donate | Become A Member

Lake Champlain International (LCI) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization actively involved in shaping the future of Lake Champlain's water and fisheries health for the well-being of the people who depend on it today and tomorrow.  To protect, restore, and revitalize Lake Champlain and its communities, LCI educates, advocates, and motivates to ensure that Lake Champlain is swimmable, drinkable, and fishable, understanding that healthy water resources are essential for a healthy economy and a healthy community.
LCI Business Members support your lake and your community.

  
   

Lake Champlain International, a Top-Rated Nonprofit Award winner, has earned the Guidestar Exchange Seal and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, illustrating the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and effectiveness as set forth by these internationally trusted organizations.