Tag Archives: Ecology

lake champlain ecology

Friends of Northern Lake Champlain Awarded CIG Grant

Friends of Northern Lake Champlain Wins $50,000 Grant

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded the Friends of Northern Lake Champlain (FNLC) a Conservation Innovations Grant (CIG) to develop and monitor a phosphorous removal system at the end of a subsurface drain on a Franklin, VT farm. The $50,000 grant will be used to design, monitor and evaluate two treatment systems using two different phosphorous filtering media for the next two years. Phosphorous loads will be calculated before and after treatment.

 

Friends of Northern Lake Champlain Wins $50,000 Grant

 

NRCS developed a new interim practice called Phosphorus Removal System for subsurface drainage to treat water coming out of tile drains. New research conducted in the Midwest shows that between 60-96% of the water that falls on a tile-drained field discharges from the tiles and at present there is no treatment for that water.

“Subsurface drains, otherwise known as tile drains, are nothing new. Farmers have been installing tiles for centuries. We used to support this practice because it was effective in reducing soil wetness and increasing crop production. Most of the tiles drain into ditches or streams off the farm fields without any treatment… Although the water looks clean from tile drains, we now know that dissolved phosphorous is coming out of the end. This project will allow us to monitor the water from 2 tile drains before and after treatment, providing us with more information about the water quality from tiles and how to best remove phosphorus from that water.” ~ Kip Potter, Water Quality Specialist for VT NRCS.

These will be the first of these systems in Vermont. Research in other parts of the country has focused on bioreactors for nitrogen removal on subsurface drainage, but no one has developed a system for phosphorous removal. According to Potter, “We have already started studying the effectiveness of different media at removing phosphorous with a group of students from UVM and some locally sourced materials are showing promising results. It is important that the material we used can be recycled into a crop management system, so there is incentive to install these systems. Flow data has already been collected and the project is underway”.

The systems will be installed in early spring of 2015.

 

More Articles About Lake Champlain Ecology and  Algae:

                               

 

Conservation Law Foundation Takes Vermont To Court Over Best Management Practices Ruling

Vermont’s Environmental Court will decide whether farmers will be required to adopt best management practices for water quality controls in an effort to reduce manure runoff in the Missisquoi Bay watershed.

Conservation Law Foundation Takes Vermont To Court Over Best Management Practices Ruling

Runoff from farms using manure as fertilizer is one of the biggest causes of blue-green algae blooms in Lake Champlain. The Conservation Law Foundation takes Vermont to Court to establish BMP’s and reduce phosphorus runoff

Last week the Conservation Law Foundation appealed the Vermont Agency of Agriculture’s November decision not to require farms to use best management practices to prevent manure from flowing into waterways. Earlier this year, the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) petitioned the state to enforce the new federal regulations.

Chris Kilian, vice president and Vermont director of the Conservation Law Foundation, speaking at a symposium at the ECHO Center in Burlington said farmers need to do their part to help clean up the lake.

“The time has come for mandatory best management practices on agricultural operations in Missisquoi watershed. The condition of the lake is horrific. This past summer was among the worst ever. The condition of Lake Carmi, also in that basin, is beyond description: it’s terrible. And that pollution is coming from farms.” ~ Chris Kilian, vice president and Vermont director of the Conservation Law Foundation

 

Vermont’s Plan for Lake Champlain Cleanup

Chuck Ross, the Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, rejected CLF’s petition because he said it conflicts with a process underway to work with the EPA to improve the lake’s water quality. Ross said the state is still committed to this plan, but added that the state does not have enough financial resources to help farmers implement the new best management practices.

The Environmental Protection Agency has required Vermont to develop a plan to restore Lake Champlain’s water quality. The state presented its plan in May, and a final ruling from the EPA is expected next spring. Part of the Vermont plan calls for new regulations on agricultural operations to reduce nutrient runoff.

Manure runoff from farms is the leading cause of phosphorus pollution in Lake Champlain. Missisquoi and St. Albans bays were among the sections of the lake hardest hit by last summer’s toxic algae blooms. Vermont is increasing enforcement in Franklin County. The state recently fined one farmer for washing equipment in a nearby brook.

Conservation Law Foundation Takes Vermont To Court Over Best Management Practices Ruling

Conservation Law Foundation Takes Vermont To Court In Attempt To Establish Farming Best Management Practices (BMP’s).
BMP’s Can Help Control Phosphorus Loading into Lake Champlain Due to Manure Runoff

“It is clear… that the state, CLF and many other stakeholders share the same goal for Lake Champlain and the waters of the state,” ~ Chuck Ross, the Vermont Secretary of Agriculture

Many farmers support improving water quality, but afraid that new regulations could be too costly without state financial assistance. Currently, all farmers are required to follow accepted agricultural practices, or AAP’s. Best Management Practices are required to address water quality problems on the farms. The state’s plan would require that small farms file a certificate of compliance with the AAPs; this is currently required for medium and large farms. The plan also increases the size of vegetative buffers and livestock exclusion, along with other water quality improvement efforts.

Kilian argues that farming is a private, for-profit industry that must do its part to help clean up the pollution caused by agricultural practices.

“The Clean Water Act is very clear: best management practices are required. And they are not required with a public bailout for farmers. There is no need for more resources. This isn’t about money.” ~ Chris Kilian, vice president and Vermont director of the Conservation Law Foundation

The CLF’s Position on Lake Cleanup

The CLF petition requires farmers to plant cover crops, prevent livestock from entering streams, plant grassed waterways and use other techniques to keep nutrients on farms and out of the waterways. The petition would require enforcement of best practices in places identified as “critical source areas,” in which phosphorus loading in streams is greatest.

Vermont Environmental Conservation Commissioner David Mears, said the state agrees with much of what CLF is requesting, but has a different procedure in mind. “It’s good news for the state of Vermont that most of us agree that these are problems that need to be addressed,” he said. “The questions start to arise when we dig deeper into what authorities and what timelines.”

The CLF has also petitioned the DEC to require commercial, industrial and institutional property owners to get permits that limit the amount of stormwater pollution flowing from their properties. Vermont has twice asked for an extension to respond to the petition.

 

More Articles About Lake Champlain Ecology and  Algae:

                               

 

Vermont Watershed Grants Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and Habitat

Vermont Watershed Grants Available to Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and Habitat

The 2015 Vermont Watershed Grants Program is now accepting applications for funding projects that help Vermonters protect, restore and enjoy the state’s watersheds. The applications are due no later than Friday, November 21.

Vermont Watershed Grants Available to Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and Habitat

“Watershed grants are available to municipalities, local or regional governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and water-related citizen groups, Many types of watershed projects are eligible, including those that protect or restore water quality, shorelines or fish and wildlife habitats. In light of the damage and lessons learned from Tropical Storm Irene and other recent Vermont floods plus our ongoing efforts to better manage runoff containing nutrients and sediment, we are very interested in projects that implement practical measures or involve education affecting stream habitat protection, restoration, flood resiliency and related topics.” ~ Rick Hopkins of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC).

Vermont Watershed Grants Available to Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and Habitat

The program, now in its 17th year, offers watershed groups and sporting clubs an opportunity to take on a project to help their local stream or lake. These projects can include planting trees, developing a watershed conservation plan or outreach program.

“We are blessed with many wonderful lakes and rivers in Vermont, and practices such as restoring vegetation along shorelines, removing old abandoned dams and improving storm runoff management can help improve their health and value for fish and wildlife.” ~ Rod Wentworth, of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

 

Vermont Watershed Grants Help Vermont Lakes, Rivers and HabitatVermont Watershed Grants Program is a joint project of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and VTDEC, and is funded by sales of Vermont Conservation License Plates. The program has funded almost 336 watershed projects statewide dating back to 1998. In 2015 the program has $100,000 available to fund three categories of projects. Those categories are: education and outreach ($7,500), planning, assessment, inventory, monitoring ($5,000) and on-the-ground implementation ($15,000).

“When Vermonters purchase a Conservation License Plate they’re helping protect healthy streams and lakes as well as conserving wildlife and important habitats for future generations. Proceeds from the sale of Conservation License Plates fund the Watershed Grants program and help support the Fish & Wildlife Department’s Nongame Wildlife Fund.” ~ Louis Porte, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner.

 

Watershed Grants application guides and application forms are available from the Watershed Management Division of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (802-828-1535), or from their website (www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/waterq/lakes/htm/lp_watershedgrants.htm).

Applications for the Vermont Conservation License Plate are available on the Fish & Wildlife website: www.vtfishandwildlife.com/support_plates.cfm, and at offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Other Lake Champlain Environmental Articles:

 

 


Volunteers Needed for Turtle Beach Clean Up Day

Vermont Fish & Wildlife is looking for volunteers to help with the annual spiny softshell turtle beach clean up day on Saturday, October 25.

Spiny softshell Turtle Beach Clean Up Day

Spiny softshell turtle

Spiny Softshell Turtle Beach Clean Up

The volunteers will remove vegetation from nesting beaches to prepare turtle nesting sites for next year. They might also find a few hatchlings that have remained in nests underground this late in the year. In addition to threatened spiny softshell turtles, these nest sites are also used by map turtles, painted turtles, and snapping turtles.

“This is a great way to help conserve a threatened species right here in Vermont, It’s also a fun way to learn more about the turtles and to see some recently hatched baby turtles. Last year we had nearly 50 participants, so we’re anticipating a strong turnout again this year.” ~  Steve Parren, Vermont Fish & Wildlife biologist.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife biologist Steve Parren will have hatchling spiny softshell turtles on hand and will talk about his long-term recovery efforts with the species. Some hatchling turtles will be raised in captivity by the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center while they are small and most vulnerable to predation. They will be released back into Lake Champlain next spring.

North Hero Turtle Beach Clean Up Day

What You’ll Need For The Beach Clean Up

Participants  for the Turtle Beach Clean Up Day should arrive at North Hero State Park between 10 and 11 AM., dress in layers of warm clothes, and bring work gloves, a leaf rake, short-handled tools such as trowels, and their own lunch. Families and kids are welcome. The cleanup may run until 4 PM.

How To Get To North Hero State Park

North Hero State Park is located in the Lake Champlain Islands. To get there: follow Route 2 north past Carry Bay in North Hero, turn right on Lakeview Drive (just before Route 2 swings west toward Alburgh), and follow Lakeview until you reach the North Hero State Park entrance sign on the left. Drive to the end of the road always bearing right.

 

Other Lake Champlain Wildlife Articles:

EPA Head in VT to Discuss Lake Champlain Clean-up Plans

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in Vermont

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy is in Vermont today to talk about plans for cleaning up Lake Champlain.

McCarthy, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is meeting Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin and other officials to begin a ‘Call To Action’ meeting with representatives of other federal agencies. The group will develop action plans to reduce pollution and harmful algae blooms in Lake Champlain.

Blue Green Algae & Lake Champlain clean-up

EPA Assistance for Lake Champlain Clean-up

McCarthy is expected to offer technical assistance from the EPA to help the city of Burlington take a more “integrated approach to stormwater and wastewater” projects.

“EPA is committed to helping communities meet their requirements and goals for water projects that benefit public health, the environment, and the local economy, Integrated planning provides the important flexibility that cities and towns need to address water challenges in an efficient and effective manner.” ~ Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator

Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator & Lake Champlain clean-up

Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator

Integrated planning lets communities sequence projects so they can begin the highest priority  ones first. EPA technical assistance will help recipients meet Clean Water Act requirements for water management in a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial way. In the past, EPA, states and municipalities focused on meeting each Clean Water Act requirement separately, an approach that might have kept communities from addressing the most serious water issues first.

Burlington, Vermont Selected for EPA Program

Burlington was one of five communities selected from around the country to participate in the project. The award to Burlington was based on its proposal to evaluate the financial capability to fund an integrated stormwater and wastewater program; to develop criteria for prioritizing community wastewater and stormwater needs based on social, economic and environmental factors; to develop a list of example projects that rank highly based on these criteria; and to evaluate innovative methods for pollutant reduction.

After a meeting at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center in Burlington, McCarthy is going to visit St. Albans Bay, which was particularly hard-struck by blue-green algae this past summer.

Read more info about the EPA technical assistance program.  

Further Reading:

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