WhatsNewLCIWHAT'S NEW WITH LCI                   BACK TO TOP

April 12, 2014 -- March 31, 2015
50 weeks of fishing -- 15 species -- $25,000 cash prizes
 
Fish on any legal, public body of water within the U.S. boundaries of the Lake Champlain Basin. Sign Up Now
LakeChamplainBasinLAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN          BACK TO TOP
Purchase a 2015 Vermont License to Win a Fishing Kayak or Shotgun
TWO CHANCES TO WIN! The first drawing for a L.L. Bean� Manatee Deluxe Angler's Kayak package, with paddle and cover, donated by LL Bean, Freeport, ME will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015. The second drawing for a shotgun will occur at the Yankee Sportsman's Classic Show in January 2016.

All license holders who purchase a 2015 Vermont hunting, fishing, or combo license from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website, before the day of the drawing will be entered for that prize. More information
Vermont's Ice Fishing Opportunities
Lake Champlain

Vermont's premier fishing destination, Lake Champlain, offers many ice fishing opportunities. Quality fishing for many species is easy to find on this 120-mile long lake, including landlocked salmon, lake trout, northern pike, yellow perch, white perch, walleye, and crappie. Learn more
Ice Fishing Safety
Safety should always be of concern when you head out ice fishing.  Early season ice is particularly dangerous, so be careful as you head out fishing this winter.  Learn what safe ice thickness is.

Chuck Ross: Mitigating Agricultural Impacts on Lake Champlain
MONTPELIER, VT -- With the recent series of meetings by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Lake Champlain total maximum daily load there has been much discussion about the agricultural water quality efforts on-going in the state. As the Secretary of Agriculture, I am responsible for ensuring that agricultural nonpoint source rules are enforced. I know that the success of our farms depends on a commitment to environmental stewardship and I want to take a moment to explain our regulatory and enforcement programs and to outline our current strategy to focus on the northern Lake Champlain watersheds (Lake Carmi, Missisquoi Bay and St. Albans Bay).  Read article
Conservation Law Foundation Appeals State Decision in an Effort to Stem Manure Runoff into the Missisquoi
The state's Environmental Court will decide whether Vermont should require farmers to adopt new water quality controls to reduce manure runoff in the Missisquoi Bay watershed.

The Conservation Law Foundation on Tuesday appealed a decision by the secretary of the Agency of Agriculture. Chuck Ross, the secretary, chose not to require that farms use best management practices to prevent manure from flowing into waterways in a decision last month. Earlier this year, CLF petitioned the state to enforce the new federal regulations.

Chris Kilian, CLF's Vermont director, said farmers need to do their part to help clean up the lake. Read article
Lake Champlain Plan - Needs More Teeth
Lauren Hierl - Montpelier, VT - Over the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of talk related to Lake Champlain cleanup. The problem is, it falls short of what we need for a healthy lake.

ANR announced a clean water initiative with two modest (at best) new funding proposals, the Agency of Agriculture issued an anti-clean water decision relative to farms, and EPA held more public hearings.

So, what's really new on Lake Champlain? Not enough.

We know there are challenging times for new budget initiatives as the state faces another looming budget shortfall. However, from drinking water to recreation to commercial interests, it's time to wake up to the fact that cleaning up Lake Champlain is not optional - it is our legal obligation and it is good for the state. Read article
Court Rules Against Environmentalists Seeking EPA Regs for Lead Bullets
A federal appeals court has ruled against environmentalists who are trying to force the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate spent lead bullets and lead shot used in hunting and shooting sports.

In a decision favorable to gun enthusiasts, the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit recently determined that environmental groups have suggested no way in which EPA could regulate spent lead bullets and shot without also regulating cartridges and shells.

The Toxic Substances Control Act exempts cartridges and shells from regulation.

"Given that bullets and shot can become spent only if they are first contained in a cartridge or shell and then fired from a weapon," the environmental groups "have identified no way in which EPA could regulate spent bullets and shot without also regulating cartridges and shells," precisely what the law prohibits, said the decision by appeals judge David Tatel, a nominee of President Bill Clinton.  Read article
Vermont Rivers Recognized as "Wild and Scenic Rivers"
 Washington, DC - In a rare stroke of bi-partisanship the U.S. Senate today passed the most significant piece of legislation to protect new Wild and Scenic Rivers in over five years. With the Senate passing legislation identical to a bill passed by the U.S House last week Congress can agree on something-river protections are good public policy when supported by local communities and businesses. 

Vermont's Missisquoi and Trout Rivers are included in the legislation. Read article

Vermont EPSCoR Native American and First Generation Student Scholarship program

To apply for a VT EPSCoR CWDD Student Scholarship, an applicant must be either:

1. A Vermont resident and United States citizen

2. A graduating senior at a Vermont high school planning to attend a Vermont college during the next academic year, OR a current undergraduate enrolled in a degree program at a Vermont college or university, with a GPA of 3.0 or above

3. Enrolling or enrolled in a STEM major in college

4. Of Native American ancestry OR a first generation college student

Application deadline: April 1st. More information

Phone: 802.654.3272
The Pollution of Lake Champlain
 CHAMPLAIN VALLEY, VT -- Ever wonder how we wound up with toxic bacterial outbreaks in the waters of Lake Champlain and other lakes in the watershed -- here is a short video history:
PartnerNews AROUND THE WORLD               BACK TO TOP
Ice-Fishing: Pro Tips & Techniques
As ever-colder weather approaches here in the Northeast, many anglers turn their attention to fishing the region's frozen ponds and lakes for trout, pike, bass, perch, sunfish, carp and pickerel. If you've never ice-fished before, it can be a lot of fun. However, there's a lot to learn. Take some tipes from Capt. Paul Tawczynski of Fishing the Berkshires guide service.

During a recent trip, he explained the basics of ice fishing and a few of the tricks he uses to improve his success.  Read article
Study: Waterfowl Populations Plummet - Several Causes
A study conducted by the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute and the Finnish Museum of Natural History shows that many species of birds are faring worse than ever. The clearest cause for the species depletion is water pollution in the birds' aquatic habitats. Read article


PartnerNewsLCI PARTNER NEWS                BACK TO TOP
Ice fishing can make the cold days of winter go by fast!
Ice Fishing guy
Article from our partners at The Fly Rod Shop, Stowe, Vermont.

"Many anglers hang up their rods and hangout indoors during the cold, dark months of winter counting the days until they can get back out there. I feel pity for these anglers, as the winter months in Vermont have so much to offer. Fishing on the rivers is one of them. This doesn't sound appealing to many anglers. It may have to do with the fact that you're standing in the middle of the river pursuing fish that can be tricky to catch even when the conditions are ideal. There is, however, a slightly more appealing way to fish in the winter, instead of standing in the water why not stand on it? That's right, Ice Fishing. Ice fishing can make the cold days of winter go by fast, and by April some anglers are already looking forward to the next December when ponds start to freeze over...." Continue reading.

 

The 2015 Vermont Fish & Wildlife Calendar is Available
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Vermont Life Magazine are announcing the release of the colorful 2015 Fish & Wildlife Department calendar.

This year's edition of the calendar maintains the popular large format and includes inset images, matching the format of Vermont Life's other popular calendars. Read more
LCI Welcomes New Business Members

 Leunig's Bistro, located on Church Street in Burlington, has signed on as out newest Sustaining Business Member. Their support will help enable us to keep advocating for the clean Lake Champlain their guests enjoy during their time in Burlington. Stop in for lunch or dinner and be sure to thank Bob for supporting a swimmable, drinkable, fishable Lake Champlain!

Leunig's website


We would also like to welcome Vermont Soap Organics and White & Burke to the LCI Member Family. Thank you so much for your support of a healthy Lake Champlain!


  
KidsOutsideANGLING HERITAGE               BACK TO TOP
2013-2014 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Extend Through March 31, 2015
NEW YORK -- The current (2013-14) freshwater fishing regulations will extend through March 31, 2015, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens recently announced.  New freshwater fishing regulations will take effect April 1, 2015 and a new regulation guide will be available from all license sale vendors at that time.  Read more 
 
Register Your Boat
Whether you are new to boating or have years of experience on the water, it is a good idea to complete a boat safety course in order to earn your Vermont boat license or boating safety card before applying for your Vermont boat registration. Your registration dollars, along with safe use of our state waterways, help to play a role in protecting our natural resources. Learn more
Take A Kid Ice Fishing
Denver, CO -- Winter Adventures for Kids.  Ideas on how to get kids out ice fishing this winter.  Watch video
EventsAllEVENTS & CALENDAR                         BACK TO TOP
Find LCI at these upcoming tradeshows
23rd Yankee Sportsmans Classic
Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Jct., VT

January 16-18, 2015
Learn more


Rockingham Fishing and Hunting Expo
Rockingham Park, Salem, NH

January 10 & 11, 2015
Learn more
Fishing Tournaments
Event
Name: 6th Annual Ice Fishing Derby
Organization: Whitingham Fireman's Association
Date: Jan 17, 2015
Time:
Waterbody: Lake Sadawga
Check-in Location: Lake Sadawga Access Area
Town: WHITINGHAM
Fish: Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch

Contact
Name: Stanley Janovsky, Jr.
Address: PO Box 198, Jacksonville, VT, 05342
Phone: (802) 368-2466 (day) / (802) 368-7184 (evening)
Email: [email protected]

Event
Name: NCWP Ice Fishing Tournament
Organization: NCCC Welding Program
Date: Jan 24, 2015 - Jan 25, 2015
Time: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day
Waterbody: Lake Memphremagog, Crystal Lake, Willoughby Lake
Check-in Location: South Bay Access Area (Lake Memphremagog)
Town:
Fish: Brown Trout, Chain Pickerel, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch

Contact
Name: Ben Wells
Address: 698 Bonin Road, Newport Ctr, VT, 05857
Phone: (860) 917-4119 (day) / (802) 744-2424 (evening)
Email: [email protected]

Event
Name: Down Home Derby
Organization: BENSON FISH & GAME CLUB
Date: Jan 31, 2015
Time: 12:00 midnight to 6:30 PM
Waterbody: all Vermont waters and Lake Champlain
Check-in Location: Benson Town Office (Stage Road, Benson)
Town:
Fish: Bluegill, Bowfin and/or Gar, Brook Trout, Brown_Bullhead, Brown Trout, Burbot, Carp, Catfish, Chain Pickerel, Crappie, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, Sheepshead, Smallmouth Bass, Smelt, Steelhead, Sucker, Walleye, White Perch, Yellow Perch

Contact
Name: THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW
Address: 593 HOWARD HILL ROAD, BENSON, VT, 05743
Phone: (802) 537-2468 (day) / (802) 537-2468 (evening)
Email: [email protected]

For Complete List of Vermont Fishing Tournaments Visit:
World Water Day Celebration and Contest
Celebrate World Water Day with the Champlain Basin Education Initiative!

Thursday, March 19, 2015
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Main St. Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, VT

4:30 Light Refreshments & Viewing of Student Work
5:00 Guest Speaker: Rachael Miller
Learn more
Vermont Hunting & Fishing Season Schedule
 Jan. 31: Vermont Free Fishing Day


 MAKE SURE TO CHECK:
Adirondack/Lake Champlain Fishing and Hunting Hotline
NYS DEC Region 5 -- For hunting & fishing information and news for northeastern New York State.  Click Hotline
 
Did you know there are two Lake Champlain newsletters? 
Looking for science and conservation news? Then check out LCI's other monthly email newsletter, 'The Straight Pipe!'
 
To subscribe to 'The Straight Pipe,' click here and enter your email address. Simply follow the directions to update your subscription!
 

____________________________________________ 

 

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

James Ehlers
Executive Director 

Eric LaMontagne
Outreach Director 
 
Liz Ehlers
Business Manager 

Wayne Laroche
Conservation Director

Cathy Pirie Merrill 
Let's Go Fishing Administrator

Meet the LCI Staff! 

 LCI Board of Directors

 
Shawn Bartlett
President    
 
James Ehlers

Jason Galipeau
Treasurer

Scott Goddard

Vice President

 

Mary Catherine Jones

 
Bob Qua

Scott Richardson
Secretary
 
Bob Shannon

Frank Stanley
 

 LCI Advisory Council 

 
Ed Adrian, Esq., M.S.E.L.

Aleksandra Drizo, Ph.D.

Jim Douglas, Governor (2003-2011)

Brian T. Fitzgerald, M.S.

Sally Flis, Ph.D.

Brian Grenon, Ph.D.

Gary Henry, M.S.

Janette Henry, M.S.

Anthony Iarrapino, Esq.

Scott Mapes, P.E., Esq.

Timothy B. Mihuc, Ph.D.

April Moulaert, M.S.
   

Elijah Stommel, M.D., Ph.D.
 

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!

Our primary fundraiser, the LCI Father's Day Derby presented by Yamaha, is one of the key reasons we are able to accomplish so much throughout the year.
This event would not be possible without support from our partners, including our Principal
and Major Sponsors.

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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.