TopThe Straight Pipe 

Lake Champlain Health Updates - Not Watered Down 

 Lake Champlain International

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

May 2013
Sections in this Issue:
-Lake Champlain Basin                       
-Think You Know Champlain?           
-What's New With LCI
-National & World                                
Did you know there are two Lake Champlain newsletters? 
You bet! This newsletter, 'The Straight Pipe,' focuses on conservation and science updates.
If you would like to subscribe to 'On the Hook' and receive fishing and boating related updates, click here and enter your email address. Follow the directions and you'll be able to update your subscription preferences by selecting 'On the Hook.' That's It!

 LakeChamplainLake Champlain Basin 

Investigation into sewage seeping into Lake Champlain
"Someone stuffed so many industrial strength rags into the Montpelier sewer system that a 30-inch main sewer line near the State House completely plugged up and flow for the entire system stopped over a weekend in mid-March. The Dept. of Public Works didn't know about it until the following Monday morning."  Read more...
F&W license services move to Montpelier
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department announced their license services unit has moved into a spacious and welcoming new office in the Dewey Building adjacent to the National Life Building in Montpelier.
 Continue here...
 State looks to cut pollution from farms, sewage plants
"The state is looking to cut water pollution that reaches Lake Champlain by imposing new regulations on farms and by enforcing phosphorus limits on a sewage treatment plant in Waterbury. Environmentalists say both steps were needed to get the state in compliance with federal Clean Water Act requirements"  Read more here... 
Editorial: valuable natural resource
"Lake Champlain has been described as an angler's dream. That ethereal description translates to solid money, a literally green reason to protect this valuable natural resource." Continue reading... 

New LCBP report--flood resilience in the Lake Champlain basin and the upper Richelieu River
"The report stresses that identifying, restoring, and protecting existing floodplains, whether they are adjacent to Lake Champlain or its tributaries, are important steps to help lessen flood damage in the future."   Read the full report...
Stocked fish provide recreation, help restore fisheries in Vermont
"While our primary goal is to manage for wild fisheries, we also stock fish to support popular recreational fisheries that keep Vermonters connected to these waters. We work closely with watershed management and angler groups to identify ways we can improve fish habitat and increase fishing opportunities." Read more...
Keep water clean - NYS DEC
"Human activities leave behind materials like pesticides, pet waste, trash and even loose soil that can wash into our waters and pollute them. Even where you don't see a stream or lake, streets, roadside ditches and underground storm sewers carry polluted runoff into the closest waterbody. The good news is that your positive actions can do much to protect New York's waters."  Take personal responsibility...  
 
ThinkYouKnowChamplainThink You Know Champlain? back to top 
Carleton's Prize and Odzihozoiskwa
In a region overflowing with historical lore, the Lake Champlain basin yields a vast quantity of legendary locales. This month brings us out on the Lake to the crossroads of Revolutionary War legend and native Abenaki creation mythology.

LCIWhat's New With LCI back to top  

Chittenden County RPC to partner with LCI to develop interpretive panels on history of Lake Champlain's fisheries
The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission will work in partnership with  Lake Champlain International, to oversee design, fabrication and installation of three, bilingual interpretive panels concerning historic and present day fisheries on Lake Champlain. Read on...
LCI Conservation Director and Outreach Director celebrate trout opener
Just ask Eric and Ross... there is no better way to enjoy Vermont's unofficial spring holiday than to get out on the water!   Catch the enthusiasm...
LCI Father's Day Fishing Derby featured on VPT
Spreading the word about LCI's major fundraiser... because a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain is the only option!   Originally aired on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m., and again on Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Watch the video...

Run for Clean Water, Healthy Fish, & Happy People!  

If you're a runner or know someone who likes to run, this is the perfect opportunity to run for clean water and fundraise for LCI! Join Ross Saxton (LCI's Conservation Director) and others to run the Mad Marathon this July. You can also run the half marathon or join a relay team.  Learn more or join the team...

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

and help Lake Champlain!






Shop online, eat dinner out, and search the internet

all in the name of a healthier Lake Champlain! Learn how!
Reel in a special catch for Mother's Day and support LCI!
Here are some great gift ideas for those patient mothers in your life. Plus, rest well knowing that your purchase helps protect Lake Champlain waters and fisheries!

      

   

National-WorldNational & World back to top
Blocked migration: fish ladders on U.S. dams are not effective
salmon jumping "In most major rivers in the U.S., maintaining some semblance of the integrity of migratory fish runs past hydropower dams is dependent upon the fish using ladders and elevators as freely as do two-legged humans. But is this asking too much?"  Continue reading...
The impact of ag: more than half of U.S. rivers in 'poor' condition
"Measuring things like water clarity, nutrient pollution, bacteria levels and mercury contamination, the EPA found that 55% of the river miles studied were in poor condition to support aquatic life like insects, crayfish and fish. "  Learn more...
Polluting plastic particles invade the Great Lakes
You have heard of the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch"... Please recreate responsibly while enjoying Lake Champlain and its tributaries this season. Do not contribute this mess to our great lake!
Maryland 'Rain Tax' will calculate rainfall on houses
"Maryland will impose a new tax on homeowners for the amount of rain that falls on homes, according to a report.The measurement was passed by state lawmakers last year to raise funds to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's order to clean up the Chesapeake Bay estuary."
Safe boating tips in honor of National Safe Boating Week
May 18-24

"National Safe Boating Week is coming up and will be celebrated May 18-24, 2013, leading into Memorial Day weekend - the official kickoff of the boating season for much of America. National Safe Boating Week's goal is to raise public awareness about the importance of following safe boating practices while on the water, including life jacket use. " Keep safe on the water...  


Kids-OutdoorsKids & The Outdoors back to top
Bobber Bob to attend Colchester Family Fun & Safety Night
Come visit Bobber Bob May 22 from 6-8 PM at the Colchester Rescue station.  Great fun for the family plus safety tips, bike helmet fittings, and much more! Hope to see you all there!

Bobber Bob celebrates Kids' Day May 11!
Bobber Bob and family Who loves a giant fishing bobber who gives out free fishing bobbers? Everyone we've met!  Bobber Bob will be at Kids' Day in Burlington on May 11 motivating kids to get outside.  Look for Bobber Bob around the Lake Champlain basin this summer! 
TechTechnology back to top
The EPA's water chief announces a blueprint for tech innovation 
The EPA's blueprint calls for greater national support for emerging technologies in water treatment, testing and reuse, as well as an easing of barriers to greater collaboration and innovation among academic, industry and government researchers.
ThomasThomas Talks back to top
May Edition: Mini Champs in Champlain
This month, Thomas tells us about the diverse fish and bird species in the Lake Champlain basin.  Ypu'll be amazed to hear about how many different types of birds and fish there really are in the Champlain region! Find out here...

Plant some trees with the Friends of the Mad River 

We're partnering up with the Intervale Conservation Nursery and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters to plant 1,000 (one thousand) trees in Waitsfield on May 4th (aka Green Up Day).  Meet up with us at 9:00am downstream of the covered bridge, on the West side of the river.  Bring a shovel and a friend!

Questions? Email or call Caitrin Noel (802) 496-9127

  Check out the Friends of the Mad River...
Lake Champlain Kayak Club annual dinner meeting  

Sunday, June 9, 2013

1:30 PM - 8:30 PM

North Hero House, Rt. 2, North Hero

Price: $33.00/per person

Includes use of beach, changing area, paddles, use of hot tub, scrumptious supper and speaker.Learn more...

____________________________________________ 

 

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
 
Todd Lantery 
Membership Director 

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.

Click here to learn how you can become an LCI Business Member!

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.