LCBP Seeks Input on Lake Restoration Plan

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), the Congressionally-designated initiative to restore and protect Lake Champlain and its watershed, seeks comments on Opportunities for Action (OFA). OFA maps out a plan for coordinated action by federal, state and provincial jurisdictions.

While the states of New York and Vermont both have Total Maximum Daily Load plans (TMDLs) to guide phosphorus reduction and other water quality parameters from a regulatory perspective, LCBP focuses on regional non-regulatory education efforts, project implementation and scientific research with New York, Vermont and Quebec. The four primary goals of Opportunities for Action are to identify priorities that will help move Lake Champlain toward clean water, healthy ecosystems, thriving communities, and a better informed and involved public that understands Lake Champlain and its watershed.

"This is the fourth version of Opportunities for Action to be released since the LCBP's inception in 1991. We recognize there are many organizations working toward meeting common management goals for Lake Champlain. This draft plan is intended to highlight what will be the priorities of the LCBP in addressing management issues across the Lake Champlain watershed for the next five years," said Dr. Eric Howe, Director of the LCBP and Champlain National Valley Heritage Partnership. Howe continued, "The plan will focus LCBP efforts on data sharing, coordination of research programs across multiple organizations, restoration and protection of critical areas in our landscape, interpreting the rich history and cultural resources of the Champlain Valley, and working with partners to extend this information to the public to help guide public actions toward a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Lake Champlain."

Since 1991, Lake Champlain's ecosystem issues have changed over time including concerns with invasive species and cyanobacteria, but high phosphorus levels have remained a constant. Each iteration of Opportunities for Action has evolved as new concerns emerge. The Congressional legislation for the LCBP also highlights the regional connection to our unique cultural heritage and lake recreational opportunities and this, too, is reflected in the plan.

Click here to download a copy of the plan. Public comments will be accepted through March 6, 2017 via electronic mail to ofaonline@ lcbp.org or by mail to LCBP, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, Vermont 05458. LCBP is also coordinating with the New York, Vermont and Quebec Citizen Advisory Committees to review the priorities in the draft Plan. An informational meeting will be held on February 13 in Shelburne VT (see Upcoming Events below) and in Quebec later in the month. A New York meeting was held in late January.