Author Archives: Tom

Who Decides? New Buoys in Lake Champlain Roil Colchester Board

The Colchester Selectboard was in complete agreement on July 14. The four members gathered at the gleaming town office building all thought that a local…

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.sevendaysvt.com

What’s so worrisome about a couple dozen buoys?

Located just east of Porters Point, the buoys were to be installed in a boating thoroughfare. “Literally hundreds of boats park in that area on hot summer days,” said longtime selectboard member Marc Landry. At times, the aquatic traffic is so heavy that it leads to complaints from nearby lakefront residents.

See on Scoop.it – Lake Champlain Life

New York State Program Enhances Awareness Of Invasive Species

Program Enhances Awareness Of Invasive Species

Program Enhances Awareness Of Invasive Species

New York State recently completed its second Invasive Species Awareness Week. The effort to expand awareness about the spread and prevention of invasive

Sourced through Scoop.it from: wamc.org

New York State recently completed its second Invasive Species Awareness Week. The effort to expand awareness about the spread and prevention of invasive species

See on Scoop.it – Lake Champlain Life

Vermont Fish & Wildlife opening new conserved lands at Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area

Additions to the Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area make more public land available

Vermont Fish & Wildlife opening new conserved lands at Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area

Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area

More public land in western Addison County will soon be available, and protected for wildlife, as 330 acres are added to the Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area. The public is invited to attend a celebration atf the Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area in Cornwall on Tuesday, July 28, from 10 am to 12:30 pm.

The celebration will include a reception with refreshments and speakers, followed by a short tour of the lands.  Scheduled speakers include Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz and Fish & Wildlife Department Commissioner Louis Porter, among others.

The Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area is located in Cornwall and Bridport, Vermont and contains a slow-moving stream  meandering through wetlands, farm fields, and some very productive wildlife habitat. The additional 330 acres will bring the wildlife management area’s total acreage to 744 acres.

“These lands provide rich habitat for a variety of species, including deer, waterfowl, grassland birds, and the federally endangered Indiana bat. These additional parcels will provide new roadside access to this wildlife management area to allow bird-watchers, hunters and anglers the opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors.” ~ Louis Porter, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Commissioner

The lands were purchased for $325,000 in partnership with the U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Vermont Land Trust. The acquisition represents one of the largest single project investments of funds from the Vermont Duck Stamp Program.

In Vermont, waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a federal migratory waterfowl stamp and a Vermont duck stamp, but many non-hunters also choose to purchase a duck stamp in order to contribute to wildlife and wetland conservation.

Part of the funding for the purchase of these conserved lands also came from sales of the new Vermont Habitat Stamp.  Modeled after the success of the federal duck stamp, the Vermont Habitat Stamp is a voluntary purchase that raises funds for the conservation and management of lands throughout Vermont. It is available with the purchase of a hunting or fishing license, or directly from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

“This major expansion of the Lemon Fair Wildlife Management Area would not have been possible without the help of our many partners in conservation. We’d especially like to thank all of those Vermonters who pitched in to help contribute to our state’s conservation legacy.” ~ Louis Porter

This event is free and open to the public, and will be held at 1683 West Street, Cornwall, VT.  For more information, contact Jane Lazorchak with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department at 802-505-0561.

Other Lake Champlain News:

Sitting on the Dock Watching the Sun Set Over the Adirondacks

Sitting on the Dock Watching the Sun Set Over the Adirondacks (Photo by Betsy Dall)

 

Sitting on the dock in Grand Isle, Vermont watching the sun set over the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain on a beautiful calm summer evening.

 

 

 

More About the Lake Champlain Islands:

 

Toxic algae starts upstream! Pollution sources of toxic algae

Pollution sources that lead to toxic algae blooms

This weekend’s heavy rainfall and the ensuing excessive runoff show how easily home and municipal waste systems, agricultural practices and heavy runoff can exceed the ability of the land to carry the excess nutrients.

The following infographic shows the contributors to toxic algae blooms:

 

Toxic Algae Starts upstream

Toxic Algae Starts upstream
(Click on Image to Enlarge)
Infographic from ToxicAlgaeNews.com

Toxic algae starts upstream from these pollution sources:

  • Wastewater Systems – Wastewater treatment plants don’t remove all the excess nutrients that flow from homes and businesses.
  • Agricultural Practices – Livestock manure and excess fertilizer wash off the land and into waterways, making agriculture the biggest source of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the US.
  • Stormwater Runoff – Rainwater and snowmelt run off streets, rooftops and sidewalks into storm sewers that lead to local rivers and streams.
  • Homes – Aging septic tanks, garden fertilizers, pet waste and some soaps and detergents are all sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.
  • Fossil Fuels – Coal and gas-generated electricity, cars and airplanes are all sources of nitrogen pollution in the air and water.

Lakes, rivers and reservoirs become flooded with nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Algae, including cyanobacteria (also known as toxic algae blooms or outbreaks) feed upon this nutrient pollution and cloud the water with green, red or yellow scum, releasing noxious odors and sometimes killing fish, and sickening pets, livestock and people.

 

Toxic Algae Starts upstream with Runoff from Farm fields

Toxic algae starts upstream where unprotected farm fields yield topsoil as well as farm fertilizers and other potential pollutants when heavy rains occur.

 

What can be done to reduce pollution sources that lead to toxic algae?

 

  • Protect wetlands from development and agriculture to maintain a healthier environment for fish, wildlife & plants, and make it harder for toxic algae to take hold.
  • Toxic algae starts upstream. use 35 gallon rain barrel / planter to prevent runoff

    35 Gallon Rain Barrel / Planter
    24″ wide x 28″ high.
    Features built-in planter and shut off valve with hose hook-up. Collect runoff from the roof and store it for later use.
     Order Rain Barrel / Planter Here

    Plant farmland with cover crops between cash crops – protects soil from erosion and absorbs excess fertilizer, helping to keep nutrients out of nearby waterways.

  • Create and maintain natural buffers – using trees, shrubs and other plants between farmland, development and waterways helps to filter out excess nitrogen and phosphorus before they can reach the water.
  • Don’t “P” on the lawn. Excess phosphorus (P) in lawn fertilizers can wash right into waterways providing a ready food source for cyanobacteria.
  • Use a Rain Barrel, collect runoff from the roof, store it for later use and minimize erosion of topsoil at the same time.

More Articles About Lake Champlain and  Algae: