Category Archives: Ecology

Ecology of Lake Champlain and how to protect our lake.

Group Targets Vermont Dams For Removal

Nature Conservancy Lists Vermont Dams For Removal

The Nature Conservancy of Vermont, a nonprofit organization, is looking at about 200 ‘deadbeat dams’ with an ultimate goal of removing them. The Nature Conservancy and the State of Vermont have partnered and created a detailed, data-supported map, that ranks and prioritizes the most destructive dams.

 

Group Targets Vermont Dams For Removal

Swanton Dam on Missisquoi River

 

“We use things like the length of river that can be opened up for fish spawning, the presence of rare fish such as lake sturgeon and the conditions of river shore habitat to prioritize which dams, if removed, could have the most positive impact for our communities and for our rivers,” – Heather Furman, The Nature Conservancy of Vermont state director

 

‘Useless’ Dams Targeted For Removal

Vermont has more than 1,200 dams that hold up rivers, creeks and streams – some over 100 years old. There are additional dams that have not been inventoried, making the actual total even higher. At this time, only 80 of Vermont’s dams are actively used – either for hydro-power or flood control.

Many of the others no longer serve a purpose. It is these dams that no longer serve a useful purpose, that create legal and financial burdens for their owners, cause potential safety hazards and impact the ecology of the waterways – that have been targeted for removal and have been the focus of Vermont’s dam removal efforts. 

 

Useless derelict Vermont dams for removal

Before (left) and after (right) photos from of the Dufrense Dam on the Battenkill River| © Amy Singler

 

Critics say about 200 of these deadbeat dams are deteriorating and reducing habitat for fish as well as impeding recreational activities for humans. These derelict dams cost communities money for upkeep, and block water flow creating problems for fish and other aquatic species. The illustration below shows how a dam affects a river and the resulting problems for fish, especially migratory species.

 

 

Nature Conservancy Lists Vermont Dams For RemovalHow a Dam Affects a River

Building a dam can affect a river in many ways because it is a barrier that interrupts the river’s natural dynamics.

The impoundment formed behind the dam loses many of its riverine characteristics; this impacts species depending on river habitat for their survival.

 

“They don’t manage floodwaters,” Furman said, in speaking about these ‘useless’ dams. “They don’t produce any hydropower. And today these dams are posing safety hazards.”



Guns Over The Champlain Valley:
A Guide To Historic Military Sites And Battlefields (Paperback)
Author: Coffin, Howard

The Champlain Valley is one of the most historically rich regions of the country. Fort Ticonderoga, Saratoga, Fort William Henry, Crown Point, Plattsburgh, Bennington and Valcour Island all lie along the ancient warpath that is the Champlain Corridor.
In this lively and informative new travel guide to historic places and events, the author leads you to each venue, describing the events and their long-lasting impact.  Adventure awaits you with Guns over the Champlain Valley.
Order Today

 

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Rain Barrels Are Good for Lake Champlain

What is a Rain Barrel?

Toxic algae starts upstream. use 35 gallon rain barrel / planter to prevent runoff

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater that runs off from your roof. This water would otherwise be lost as runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams.

Usually rain barrels are made of a 35-55 gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, a screen grate to keep out debris and insects, and other easy-to-find items. Rain barrels are relatively easy and inexpensive to construct and can sit conveniently under your gutter’s downspout.

 

 

How Is a Rain Barrel Good For Lake Champlain?

The runoff That is diverted to storm drains and streams ultimately ends up in Lake Champlain. Along its path to the Lake the runoff will pick up soil and sediment, which often contain nutrients including phosphorus and nitrogen. These nutrients contribute to ‘feeding’ the blue-green algae blooms that contain toxin-producing cyanobacteria.

Runoff from Farm fields

Runoff yields topsoil as well as fertilizers, nutrients and other potential pollutants when heavy rains occur.

 

Using a rain barrel helps decrease the threat of algal blooms, and keeps sediment from the lake. Also, by decreasing runoff, rain barrels decrease the erosion of your and other people’s’ property.

 

What Are Other Advantages of Using a Rain Barrel?

Watering a lawn and garden can use almost 40% of total household water during the summer. Rain barrels collect water and store it for when you need it most – during drier periods. Water from your rain barrel can be used to water plants, wash your car, or even to top a swimming pool.

 

It provides an good supply of free “soft water” to homeowners, contains no chlorine, lime or calcium. This makes it ideal for watering gardens and flower pots. It’s also great for car and window washing.

Rain barrels collect rooftop runoff using a gutter / downspout system, and can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months. Saving water helps protect the environment and saves money and energy.

 

Rain barrels are an easy way to have a consistent supply of clean, fresh water for outdoor use, for free!

 

Where can I buy a ready-made rain barrel?

There are a number of companies that offer ready-made rain barrels for sale, including hardware stores and garden supply stores. In addition, local governments sometimes offer them for a reduced price as part of their environmental education programs. Below are a few sources:

 

54 Gallon Green Rain Barrel
54 Gallon Green Rain Barrel

Rain barrel available in 50 or 54 Gallon sizes. Made of durable UV-stabilized polyethylene.

Features removable debris screen, built-in 48″ hose with convenient thumb valve for quick flow (stores neatly in slot at top of the barrel), overflow tube to divert excess water away from surroundings.

Dimensions: 50 Gallon- Height 22″, Width: 32″, Depth: 16′. 54 Gallon- Height 24″, Width: 32″, Depth: 24′.

Click Here to Order Now

 

35 Gallon Rain Barrel

35 Gallon Rain Barrel

35 Gallon Rain Barrel / Planter features built-in planter and shut off valve with hose hook-up and screen to keep out debris and insects. Collect runoff from the roof and store it for later use.

Heavy duty rotational molded construction for long lifespan. Made in USA.

Capacity: 35 Gallons. Dimensions: Height: 28″, Width: 24″.

Click Here to Order Now

 

RainSaver 36″ Tall Rain Barrel
RainSaver 36" Tall Rain Barrel

Save water and enjoy great garden function with this durable, efficient and attractive rain barrel. Beautiful design is suitable for quality home and garden settings that demand character rather than castaway appearance. Features include solid brass spigot, aluminum intake screen, wood grain detailing and natural color choices.

Just one quarter inch of rain on a small 500 sq. ft roof will completely fill this 54 gallon water resource, saving precious water for many outdoor needs. Automatic overflow can direct excess collected rainwater to distant plant bed. Securely screened to prevent insect entry, this Rain Barrel arrives fully assembled for quick easy setup. Made in USA. Dimensions: 23″. Dia. x 36″.

Click Here to Order Now


 

 

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:

 

Lakes Appreciation Month

July 2015 is Lakes Appreciation Month

Vermont’s Governor Peter Shumlin signed a proclamation declaring July Lakes Appreciation Month. The proclamation states that lakes and reservoirs are “critical to Vermont’s environment and quality of life, providing sources of recreation, scenic beauty, and habitat for wildlife” and that ”maintaining the health of our lakes, ponds, and reservoirs is the responsibility of every citizen.”

Lakes Appreciation Month?

Vermont’s lakes are public waterways.

“… by signing this proclamation, I seek to recognize the tremendous and critical efforts of the many Vermont citizens, community leaders, volunteers, lake and watershed organizations to protect and restore the quality of our state’s many lakes and ponds.” ~  Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin

About Lakes Appreciation Month

Lakes Appreciation Month is a time to think about where you would be without water. It is also a time to think about the threats facing your lakes and reservoirs. Lakes Appreciation Month is an initiative started by the North American Lakes Management Society (NALMS). NALMS mission is to “forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs for today and tomorrow”.

Growing population, development, and invasive plants and animals put stress on these waterbodies. All life relies water. And as you know, we can no longer afford to take for granted that these water resources will always be there and always be usable.

 

Lake Appreciation Month in Vermont

Vermont has been a leader in the protection of water resources. Recently, 2014’s Shoreland Protection Act  and 2015’s landmark Vermont Clean Water Act, that addressed polluted stormwater runoff, continue that tradition of leadership. The three departments of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources: Fish & Wildlife, Forest Parks & Recreation, and Environmental Conservation all work to protect Vermonters’ ability to enjoy the state’s many lakes, reservoirs and ponds through education, outreach, oversight and maintaining access through boat launch areas and State Parks. Vermont’s citizens are instrumental in supporting the Agency through monitoring water quality, preventing the spread of invasive species, and educating the public about the importance of caring for the state’s waters.

Articles About Lake Champlain and Blue Green  Algae:

 

Scientists Claim Nitrogen as Bad as Phosphorus for Algae Blooms in Lake

Researchers Say Levels of Nitrogen as Bad as Phosphorus for Algae Blooms

Scientists Claim Nitrogen as Bad as Phosphorus for Algae Blooms in Lake

Blue green algae bloom

The common wisdom held that algae blooms could only be caused by high concentrations of phosphorus in freshwater lakes, but new research show increased levels of nitrogen as bad as phosphorus for algae blooms formation in lakes.

At its 2015 conference last May in Burlington, Vermont, the International Association for Great Lakes Research held a session on that topic. chaired by Dan Peckham coordinator of the Harmful Algal Blooms Workgroup of the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission.

Blue-green algae contains cyanobacteria, which produce the cyanotoxins that make seasonal blooms harmful, while green algae are harmless, according to Peckham. Blue-green algae is the source of the seasonal toxic blooms on portions of Lake Champlain.

“Usually the concentration of cyanotoxins is associated with biodegradable dissolved phosphorus, but some people have been hypothesizing more recently that high levels of nitrogen may also be responsible,” ~ Dan Peckham, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission

 

Runoff from Farm fields

Unprotected farm fields yield topsoil as well as
farm fertilizers and other potential pollutants when heavy rains occur.

Both nitrogen and phosphorus are needed to grow any kind of plant, including algae.

Nitrogen and phosphorus wash into water bodies and then release into the air. The chemicals come from stormwater, wastewater, fossil fuels, soaps and fertilizers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency website.

 

 

“Excessive amounts of growth are caused by high levels of both nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen is not worse than phosphorus, but both need to be reduced. The bottom line is that nitrogen input needs to be controlled along with what we already know about controlling phosphorus input… If we only reduce phosphorus we may not get there fast enough in terms of getting a lake or even a marine system back to what we would deem desirable.”  ~ Hans Paerl, Professor of marine and environmental sciences,University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

 

Paerl said freshwater researchers have developed tunnel vision by focusing on phosphorus for so long. The same protocols that keep phosphorus out of lakes and streams apply to nitrogen. he added.

 

Scientists Claim Nitrogen as Bad as Phosphorus for Algae Blooms in Lake

Nitrogen as Bad as Phosphorus for Algae Blooms in Lake

 

Nitrogen Levels Could Make Drinking Lake Water Unsafe

Elevated levels of nitrogen in drinking water are also known to cause health problems in young children, according to the Vermont Health Department. Last year algae blooms were responsible for contaminating drinking water supplies for several communities on Lake Erie.
Mike Winslow, a staff scientist at the Lake Champlain Committee, said he has never known of a time where blooms in Lake Champlain have affected the quality of drinking water in Vermont.

 

More Articles About Lake Champlain and Blue Green  Algae: