LAKE CHAMPLAIN INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS
    THE STRAIGHT PIPE * September 2013 
     LAKE CHAMPLAIN HEALTH UPDATESTop
 
    IN THIS ISSUE:
Did you know there are two Lake Champlain newsletters? 
In 'The Straight Pipe' we focus on science & conservation
related updates and in 'On the Hook,' we focus on fishing and boating updates.  
If you would like to subscribe t'On the Hook,' 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!
LakeChamplainBasinLAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN          BACK TO TOP

"Bloom Season" Is Upon Us
Fall is right around the corner. But until the leaves turn red and gold, people around Lake Champlain must contend with changing colors of a different sort: For the last two weeks, pea-green blooms of algae have been popping up in Missisquoi, St. Albans and Malletts bays. Continue reading... 


VT Landowners Eligible for Wetlands Protection Grants
 
The waterfowl protection group Ducks Unlimited is promoting grant money available from the state of Vermont for landowners in the Lake Champlain basin who are looking to restore wetlands. Find out more...
Environmental Groups Sue NY State Over Dairy Farm Rules

A coalition of environmental organizations sued the state Department of Environmental Conservation late last week, claiming the state's effort to roll back dairy farm regulations violates both New York and federal law. Continue reading...

Research Examines Links Between Runoff and Phosphorus Pollution

For years, Lake Champlain has had high levels of phosphorus pollution, which can result in toxic blue-green algae blooms. And farm runoff is one of the primary contributors. Now scientists are trying to figure out whether there's a link between tile drainage and phosphorus pollution. Continue reading... 

Federal Cuts Threaten Equipment For Flood Warning, Pollution Research

A federal budget squeeze threatens to cut off funding for equipment that researchers use to predict floods and pinpoint the amount of pollution flowing into Lake Champlain. Continue reading... 


ThinkYouKnowTHINK YOU KNOW CHAMPLAIN          BACK TO TOP

September 2013 - Causeways: Cause Habitat Fragmentation in Lake Champlain
In 1850, the first causeway was built in Lake Champlain creating a land bridge between the mainland in Milton, Vermont and South Hero at the southeast corner of Grand Isle.  Before 1850, people and their horses and wagons waded across the sandbar. Find out the rest of causeway history...
Business Member
WhatsNewLCIWHAT'S NEW WITH LCI                     BACK TO TOP

NEW! Sign-up with GoodSwipe to Help Lake Champlain
Now through everyday purchases with your debit or credit card at more than 50,000 stores around the nation, a percentage of your purchase can be donated to LCI! Learn how to sign-up here...
One Last Trip! Uncover Champlain Mysteries With LCI and UVM's Researchers This Summer!
Join Lake Champlain scientists and experts for a two-hour trip on Lake Champlain this summer!  Held on UVM's renowned research vessel, the Melosira, these trips will allow you to explore many fascinating components of Lake Champlain including interactions between the lake's creatures, physical dynamics, weather, human influences, and natural history. Learn more and get your tickets here!
Feeling Lucky? Of Course You Are!
Help out with protecting our lake and enter for your chance to win some awesome prizes in the 2013 Family & Friends Fundraising Raffle! Win a great prize like a $900 Simms waterproof rain suit and more! 
 
Check out the prizes and buy your tickets online!

 membersLCI's NEWEST MEMBERS                BACK TO TOP
LCI Business Members support the work with which you and LCI are so passionately involved. These businesses recognize the vital importance clean waters and healthy fisheries are to our local and regional economy, communities, and health.

Smuggler's Notch
(Signature Member)
Smuggler's Notch has been selected as #1 for family programs by readers of SKI Magazine in the magazine's annual survey for their Resort Guide 14 years in a row. Last winter Smugglers' was ranked as the top ski resort in Vermont and placed #3 among Eastern resort rankings. Find out more!
Real Goods Solar (Signature Member)

Real Goods Solar is one of the nation's pioneering solar energy installers. They have a proud history of bringing affordable renewable energy solutions to homes, businesses, schools, and governments, beginning with some of the first solar panels ever sold in the U.S. in 1978. Contact them today to learn about their comprehensive services and how they can work with you to meet your energy goals and budget. Learn more!

 

WCAX (Signature Member)
Television first came to Vermont on Sept. 26, 1954, when WCAX-TV became the first television station to begin airing local programs from its studio located on Barrett Street in Burlington. Actually, WCAX began broadcasting its test pattern on Sept. 7 of that year and received over 200 letters from excited and anxious viewers telling us how happy they were that Vermont was going to have a station of its own. A station that was, and still is, locally owned and operated by one family. Find out more!
Vermont Tech Guy (Sustainer Member)
Jace Sheppard, the Vermont Tech Guy, has been supporting computer users for 17 years. He combines his love of helping people with his passion for technology. From computer repair and software upgrades to end-user training, he's dedicated to helping his clients get the most from their technology. Jace grew up on Lake Champlain and appreciates the value of the lake to our community. "I understand how important it is to maintain this source of drinking water, recreation, tourism....so much comes from our lake. I'm happy to support the efforts of LCI."  For a free consultation call 802.318.4973 or visit his website here.
Lodge at Shelburne Bay (Partner Member)
The Lodge at Shelburne Bay Senior Living Community is located on the shores of Lake Champlain. The Lodge at Shelburne Bay has established a reputation that is second to none and has provided its community members, their families, and staff with a comfortable and welcoming environment for over a decade. Find out more!
Ski Vermont (Partner Member)
Ski Vermont serves its 19 Alpine and 30 Nordic member resorts in three major areas: governmental affairs, marketing and public affairs. The association's priorities include environmental integrity, enhancing economic and social contributions to the state's welfare, and promoting Vermont as the premier destination for winter tourism. Learn more!
ECS and Hotel Vermont (Contributor Members)
LCI welcomes two new Contributor Members, Environmental Consulting Services (ECS) and Hotel Vermont. ECS offers environmental consulting, and assessment, soil analysis, air quality testing, and more. Hotel Vermont is Burlington's newest hotel offering modern accommodations in a rustic environment. Thank you to both of these companies for helping ensure a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain.
KidsOutsideGETTING KIDS OUTSIDE                BACK TO TOP

Fall Feather Fun With the Family
Without a "goal," it can be hard to get kids outside and keep them interested in staying outside. Before birds start to migrate this fall, create a checklist of birds you'd like to spot during their travels south. With this checklist and some binoculars, you and the kids can go out for bird expiditions with the goal of checking some birds off the list! In particular, look for migrating waterfowl from the shore of Champlain or from a canoe, kayak, or motorboat.
NationWorldNATION & WORLD                          BACK TO TOP

The High Cost of Free Curb and Gutter

In mid-June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delayed, yet again, new rules for managing water and runoff in cities.  Advocates for clean waterways, yet again, returned to the rulemaking waiting game. Continue reading...
Deformities in Yellow Perch Eggs Linked to Suburban Sprawl
Yellow perch are popular sport fish, prized for their flavor. Their spawning runs up streams during the late winter are heralded as an early sign of spring in the Chesapeake Bay region. But the ability of yellow perch to reproduce has fallen off sharply in recent decades, with many egg yolks abnormally formed. Continue reading... 
The Algae Is Coming, But Its Impact Is Felt Far From Water
"The cost is in the billions, and a lot of that comes from the decrease in property value from water that looks just noxious and green and slimy..." Read more about the impacts of algae locally and globally... 
TechnologyTECHNOLOGY                             BACK TO TOP

Sewage-powered Biofuels Plant Claims 'Major Breakthrough'
An algae-to-power project claiming the potential to "power 200,000 vehicles every year with a single
toilet flush" has hailed a major breakthrough after this week producing its first crop. Continue reading... 

ThomasTalksTHOMAS TALKS                            BACK TO TOP
 
September Edition: History of Champ
Ever wonder if Champ exists, and if so, what kind of creature it really is? Join Thomas to read about the history of Champ and what he thinks Champ might be. Dive in...
EventsAllEVENTS                                      BACK TO TOP

Champlain Basin Derby
 
Now - March 2014 
Fish around the entire Lake Champlain Basin from now until March 2014 for your chance to win cash while exploring our region's spectacular network of streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. You never know what you'll catch! Sign up today... 
 
Become an Expert on Your Backyard Wilderness  
Join Mike Anther and explore your "backyard wilderness" around Chittenden County, Vermont and beyond!
Click here for the summer and fall schedule and more details... 

 

14th Annual Lake Champlain LCI Evinrude Fox Marine Bass Open presented by Twisted Tea 
Two-person teams fish for bass in Lake Champlain in this classic competitive tournament that benefits clean water, healthy fish, and happy people.
September 1, 2013
Malletts Bay Boat Launch
Learn more and register... 

VOW Fall Doe Camp 
"A backcountry retreat for adventurous women," participants choose from more than 35 classes including mountain biking, firearms marksmanship, fly fishing, wild edibles, archery, kayaking, birding, game calling, self defense, and much more!
September 27-29, 2013
Jackson's Lodge in Canaan, VT
Learn more and register... 

____________________________________________ 

 

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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 LCI Staff

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Executive Director 

Eric LaMontagne
Outreach Director 

Ross Saxton
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Cathy Pirie Merrill 
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Shawn Bartlett

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Secretary

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Jason Galipeau

Scott Goddard

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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.
   
 

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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.