The Lake Champlain Committee is dedicated to protecting Lake Champlain. They recently created a pledge to protect the Lake Champlain so you can learn how to protect the lake too! But you can do more than just take the pledge and practice environmentally safe actions; you can volunteer to help patrol the lake for the committee! Right now they are looking for more volunteers to help monitor the lake for blue-green algae and other problematic species this summer.

Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae can be damaging to human and animal health, so it must be monitored to ensure that contact is avoided. Each summer LCC trains and oversees volunteer monitors who will report on algae conditions in their area, so as to study the algae and determine areas that are safe for swimming.

We’re gearing up for the summer monitoring season and are looking for people who can regularly report on water conditions. Blue-green algae monitors receive training to assess water conditions, visit the same site throughout the season and file a weekly online report from mid-June through Labor Day. The program provides critical data on where and when blooms are happening and is relied on by public health and environmental agencies to assess whether the water is safe for recreation. It also adds to our knowledge about the triggers for blooms so we can reduce their frequency. Let us know if you have a lakeshore location you’d like to monitor. (Lake Champlain Committee)

Visit the Lake Champlain Committee website for more information and to find the full list of sites that need to be monitored.

Aquatic Invasive Species

Another summer protection project you could be involved in is patrolling the lake for aquatic invasive species. These non-native invaders can damage the already existing ecosystem of the lake because they may not have any natural controls (predators, water/weather conditions, competing species) and their populations could grow too large to sustain and/or push out native species.

LCC is partnering with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to get more people out on the water reporting about aquatic invasives. Early detection is key to controlling or eradicating new populations. Help protect the lake’s biodiversity by becoming a VIP – Vermont Invasive Patroller. Patrollers will be trained to identify and distinguish native species from invasive ones and to conduct systematic on-the-water surveys. VIPs need to participate in a half day informational workshop, have access to a boat, and submit two survey reports per year. (Lake Champlain Committee)

The Lake Champlain Committee organizes many volunteer events and activities. Please email Lake Champlain Committee at lcc@lakechamplaincommittee.org, fill out this online form, or call the LCC office at (802) 658-1414 if you’re interested in any of the Lake Champlain Committee’s volunteer opportunities.

Related articles

• Pledge to Protect Lake Champlain (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Lake Champlain Committee Needs Volunteers to Steward Paddlers’ Trails (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• The Art of Lake Champlain: Inspiring Landscape (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vermont Sail Freight Project 100% Funded (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)