2015 Blue-green Algae Monitor Training
Blue-green algae monitors provide weekly reports on lake conditions. Photo by Tim Etchells.
Help assess Lake Champlain water conditions around the lake as a blue-green algae monitor! Complete our blue-green algae monitor form if you're interested in monitoring during the 2015 season or want to attend a training session to learn more about the lake. Feel free to share this invite with other lake lovers.
Monitoring will begin the week of June 14 and run through at least Labor Day with as many monitors as possible continuing to collect data until the end of September. Both new and returning monitors need to receive annual training. Participants must have weekly access to the same shoreline location (either public or private) and be able to file online reports. The program provides critical data on where and when blooms are happening and is relied on by citizens as well as health, environmental and recreation agencies. It also adds to understanding on the trigger for blooms so we can reduce their frequency. Data from the monitoring program is regularly uploaded to the Lake Champlain blue-green algae data tracker map hosted by the Vermont Department of health and accessible to anyone with internet access.
The following monitor training sessions are free and open to the public but please pre-register to ensure we have enough space and materials. Presentations will last about an hour and provide background about blue-green algae, guidance on how to differentiate it from other lake phenomena, instructions for assessing water conditions, and actions to take to reduce blooms. Stay tuned for additional dates and locations of other upcoming training sessions. Contact us at lcc@lakechamplaincommittee.org or (802) 658-1414 if you have any questions or would like to help organize a training session for your community.
Tuesday, May 5 at 1:00 PM
Charlotte Town Hall
Charlotte, VT
Very limited space. RSVPs required.
Thursday, June 4 at 6:00 PM
<link about-lcc directions-to-lccs-office>Lake Champlain Committee Office
208 Flynn Avenue, Building 3, Studio 3F, Burlington, VT
Pizza and refreshments will be provided. RSVPs required.
Thursday, June 11 at 10:00 AM
<link about-lcc directions-to-lccs-office>Lake Champlain Committee Office
208 Flynn Avenue, Building 3, Studio 3F, Burlington, VT
Bagels and refreshments will be provided. RSVPs required.
Friday, June 12 at Noon
Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge
29 Tabor Road, Swanton, VT
Friday, June 12 at 2:30 PM
Lake Champlain Basin Program Office
54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, VT
Tuesday, June 16 at 3:30 PM
Crete Memorial Civic Center
Crete Center Road, Plattsburgh, NY
LCC's blue-green algae monitoring program is conducted in collaboration with New York and Vermont public health and environmental agencies and the Lake Champlain Basin Program. We are grateful for funding support from LCC members, the Vermont Department of Health and the Lake Champlain Basin Program for the 2015 season.
