Each summer LCC trains and oversees citizen monitors to report on algae conditions in their area. This program provides critical data on where and when blooms are happening and helps inform public health officials as to whether the water is safe for swimming. (LCC)
People interested in becoming monitors need weekly access to the same shoreline location and the ability to file reports online. We’ll teach them how to assess and categorize water conditions. (For scientific accuracy we encourage monitors to assess conditions at the same time and week day whenever possible.) The monitoring season begins the week of June 15 and runs through Labor Day although some people will submit reports through the end of September.
We have someone interested in monitoring from Whallons Bay but would like to have a monitor for Beggs Park as well. We are happy to have more sites along the Essex shoreline but like them to be spaced about a half mile apart for better geographic distribution.
Data from LCC-trained monitors gets compiled and added to an online data tracking system housed at the Vermont Department of Health and accessible to anyone with internet access. The online map allows people to see the condition of the lake at the time of the last monitoring report. You can check out sites throughout the lake. Over 90% of the data points on this map are provided by LCC and our volunteers!
The LCC program provides data on a critical lake issue and is relied upon by state and municipal public health, environmental and recreational agencies. The information gathered not only helps ensure public safety but is adding to our knowledge of what triggers blue-green algae blooms so we can reduce their frequency.
If you are interested in being a volunteer monitor or supporting this program, please fill out our blue-green algae training form or email or call the LCC office at (802) 658-1414.
Can’t be a monitor? Support LCC another way!
Upcoming Blue-Green Algae Monitoring Training Sessions
The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) training session is for people who want to become monitors but also for people who just want to better understand blue-green algae. We’ll cover what blooms look like, what are the health and environmental concerns with blue-green algae, where they are most likely to occur on Lake Champlain and why, what you should do if you see a bloom, and how you can help prevent them.
The training session in Essex, NY is today: Thursday, June 12 at 1 PM at the Essex Town office.
If you missed today’s, then perhaps you can make tomorrow’s: Friday, June 13, at 9:30 AM at Norton LaTourelle’s Studio, Route 73 in Shoreham, VT.
Pre-Register online for the Blue-Green Algae Monitoring Trailing or by phone (802-658-1414) to help ensure we have enough materials on hand. You can also contact LCC through one of these methods to learn more or see if there will be other training sessions you can attend.
Related articles
- LCC seeking volunteers to monitor the lake (vtdigger.org)
- Monitor Lake Champlain: Blue-Green Algae & Invasives (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Town of Essex Wins Excellence in Design Award (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Vintage Photo: A Bit of Shore at Whallons Bay (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Vintage Postcard: Essex, NY from Lake Champlain (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Vintage Photo: Essex Waterfront (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
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