2021 Lake STATE of the - Lake Champlain Basin Program
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2021
Lake
Champlain
STATE
of the
LAKE
and
Ecosystem
Indicators
Report
ABOUT THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM The Lake Champlain Basin
The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) coordinates and funds efforts
that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands,
wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. The program works in partner-
ship with federal agencies; state and provincial agencies from New York,
QU ÉB EC
Québec, and Vermont; local communities; businesses; and citizen groups. Sutton
Philipsburg
These partners lead collaborative actions to address water quality and
Richford
environmental challenges that cross political boundaries in a multinational
Chazy
watershed.
Saint Albans
The LCBP was created by the Lake Champlain Special Designation Act of LAKE
1990, which named Lake Champlain as a resource of national significance. Plattsburgh CHAMPLAIN
S
The LCBP was charged with developing and implementing a comprehen-
N
AI
sive and coordinated plan for protecting the Lake Champlain Basin. The
NT
N E W YORK
LCBP works closely with program partners to implement management
MOU
Keeseville Stowe
goals outlined in Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of Burlington
K
AC S
V ERM ONT
the Lake Champlain Basin. D
ON IN
GREEN
D I R N TA
The Lake Champlain Steering Committee guides the LCBP’s work. Its Lake Placid
A OU
Elizabethtown Montpelier
M
members include staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
several other U.S. federal agencies, state and provincial governments in
New York, Québec, and Vermont; local governments; and Lake Champlain Middlebury
Port Henry
Sea Grant. The chairpersons of the LCBP’s Technical Advisory Committee,
r
ve
Ri
c
Heritage Area Program Advisory Committee, Education and Outreach
e
r en
aw
iver
St
.L 0 10 20
R i chelieu R
Advisory Committee, and Citizen Advisory Committees also serve on the ONTARIO
QUÉBEC
Ticonderoga Miles
Steering Committee. LAKE
CHAMPLAIN
NEW YORK
VERMONT
The LCBP receives funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Rutland
the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and the U.S. National Park Service. NEW
NEIWPCC manages the LCBP’s financial, contractual, and human resources
HAMPSHIRE
Whitehall
business operations on behalf of the Lake Champlain Steering Committee.
LAKE
LCBP staff are employees of NEIWPCC. NEIWPCC is a regional commission GEORGE
that helps the states of the Northeast preserve and advance water quality.
Visit lcbp.org to learn more.
Cover photos: LCBP
Introduction....................................................................... 2
Table of Contents
Ecosystem Indicators Scorecard.......................................... 3
State of the Lake Summary.................................................. 4
Clean Water........................................................................ 6
Drinkable, Fishable, and Swimmable Water..........................................6
Pathogens............................................................................................8
Cyanobacteria................................................................................. 10
Nutrients...........................................................................................12
Contaminants....................................................................................16
Healthy Ecosystems.......................................................... 18
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function.................................................18
Aquatic Invasive Species....................................................................22
Thriving Communities...................................................... 27
Community Health.............................................................................27
Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership................................29
Informed and Involved Public........................................... 30
Education and Outreach.....................................................................30
Community Action.............................................................................32
Acknowledgments............................................................. 33
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 1
L
ake Champlain is a unique and invaluable and provides context on how pressures from This report also describes several ongoing
resource for residents and visitors to our human activities have led us to this point. challenges. The amount of nutrients deliv-
region. Thousands of people rely on the LCBP strives to do this through graphs of ered to the Lake from the Basin each year
Introduction
Lake for sustenance, inspiration, and rejuve- scientific measurements with clear scientific must be reduced to meet water quality goals,
nation. The Lake’s tributaries are the lifeblood interpretation and through an Ecosystem and warm weather cyanobacteria blooms
of the ecosystem, connecting communities Indicator scorecard, which provides the continue to impact recreation in many parts
and habitats in the farthest reaches of the status and long-term trends for several of the Lake. Despite several invasive species
watershed to the Lake itself. The Lake Cham- important issues at a glance. interceptions and prevention measures, the
plain Basin Program (LCBP) is committed to LCBP is pleased to include a new Ecosys- fishhook waterflea was discovered in the
protecting, restoring, and preserving Lake tem Indicator in this report—the first in Lake in 2018.
Champlain and its watershed through collab- nearly two decades—to help readers under- As the COVID-19 pandemic changed the
orative partnerships and through leveraging stand changes in how often the Lake freezes world in countless ways and severely limited
the strength of its communities. over and potential impacts of these warming public engagement in 2020, many outreach
LCBP and its partners manage the trends on the Lake’s ecosystem. The report and interpretation programs were postponed
Lake Champlain Basin with a “Pressure- also includes several new figures to illustrate or transitioned to virtual platforms. Many
State-Response” approach. In this model, changing chloride levels, the relationship of these new approaches to informing and
“pressures” represent challenges introduced between phosphorus and nitrogen and involving the public will be lasting and will
by human activities, the “state” is science- possible impacts on cyanobacteria (former- shape our future work to protect and restore
based evidence for the condition of the ly called “blue-green algae”) blooms, and the health of the Basin.
ecosystem, and the “response” is LCBP’s plan access for landlocked Atlantic salmon to LCBP is working with new and existing
to protect and restore Lake Champlain and their historical ranges in major rivers of the partners to include, amplify, and translate
its watershed. Every three years, the State Basin. A new map in the report highlights messaging to more communities in the Lake
of the Lake and Ecosystem Indicators Report conserved lands around the Basin and public Champlain Basin; to encourage projects and
documents the state of the Lake’s ecosystem beach locations on the Lake. Public access programs that look beyond traditional out-
is now more important than ever, since the reach; and to develop new approaches that
COVID-19 pandemic drove people to find will be more inclusive. This collaborative
recreation opportunities on conserved lands, approach by all users of the Lake will help
PR lakes, and public trail systems in new ways. the community to achieve its shared goals
E E Many stories shared in this report are for clean water, healthy ecosystems, thriving
encouraging. Fisheries managers are reduc- communities, and an informed and involved
SS
NS
ing the number of lake trout stocked by 33%, public.
UR
RESPO
a decision informed by the documented This document is complemented by the
E
success of wild lake trout reproduction over State of the Lake website, which contains addi-
several years. Surveys have shown that 60% tional content, a full French translation, and
of boaters take precautions to prevent the citations for the scientific literature and tech-
spread of invasive species, signaling aware- nical reports that inform the report. Learn
ness of individual responsibility in prevent- more at sol.lcbp.org.
ing invasive species introduction and spread.
New programs are connecting students and
STAT E adults to the history and heritage of the re-
gion and are bringing kids outside to experi-
ence and learn about their watershed.
2 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM
ECOSYSTEM INDICATORS
by LAKE SEGMENT
Introduction
MISSISQUOI NORTHEAST MALLETTS MAIN SOUTH
BAY ARM* BAY LAKE LAKE
Trend Start STATUS TREND STATUS TREND STATUS TREND STATUS TREND STATUS TREND
Phosphorus in Lake (p. 13) 1990 ~ ~ ~ ~
CLEAN
Phosphorus from rivers (p. 14) 1991 ~ ~ ~
Phosphorus from WWTFs† §(p. 15) 1995
WATER
Cyanobacteria blooms (p. 11) 2013 ~ ~ ~ ~
Fish consumption advisories† (p. 7) 2018 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sea lamprey wounding† (p. 24) 2003
HEALTHY New aquatic invasive species (p. 22) 2018
ECOSYSTEMS
Invasive water chestnut coverage (p. 26) 2018 ~ ~
CLIMATE IMPACTS Lake Champlain freeze-over (p. 21) 1906 Trend: Lake surface freezing over less frequently.
* Northeast Arm indicator statuses and trends for in-lake phosphorus concentra- § Wastewater treatment facilities
tions, tributary phosphorus loading to the Lake, and cyanobacteria blooms do
not include data from St. Albans Bay. Some trends may be impacted by year-to-year differences in data collection and reporting. This
is especially true for cyanobacteria bloom data, which is collected by a network of volunteer
† These lake-wide indicators are the same for all segments. community scientists.
U
sing the most current data acteristics. Responses from and and state, provincial, and federal STATUS
available, the 2021 Ecosys- management actions of LCBP and technical experts as the best means
GOOD
tem Indicators Scorecard its partners have improved some of characterizing progress, or the
describes the status and trends of of these indicators in many ways; lack of it, in areas where adequate FAIR
Lake Champlain’s five major seg- others will continue to improve as data exist. Detailed explanations of POOR
ments: Missisquoi Bay, Northeast LCBP works toward its mission. A each indicator and the criteria used
Arm, Malletts Bay, Main Lake, and new indicator was added for this re- to determine the scores are avail- NO STATUS DATA AVAILABLE
South Lake. Nine indicators have port: Lake Champlain freeze-over. able on the LCBP State of the Lake
traditionally been used to charac- Management activities likely will website (sol.lcbp.org). TREND
terize the current condition of Lake have little impact on this trend, but The State of the Lake Summary IMPROVING
Champlain. Many pressures influ- changes in ice cover may impact on pages 4 and 5 of this docu-
ence the indicators for each seg-
ment and affect the five segments
the Lake’s ecosystem and are worth
reporting.
ment highlights key issues for each
of these five major Lake segments.
~ NO TREND
DETERIORATING
differently, depending on their dis- Indicators were chosen with the
NO TREND DATA AVAILABLE
tinct physical and biological char- guidance of dozens of scientists
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 3
STATE OF THE LAKE SUMMARY
Introduction
Missisquoi Bay Northeast Arm Malletts Bay
This shallow bay spans Québec and Vermont Located entirely within the state of Vermont, A large, deep bay, Malletts Bay offers a mix
and is fed by the Missisquoi, Pike, and Rock the Northeast Arm holds about 13% of the of cold- and cool-water fishing and serves as
Rivers. The bay contains less than 1% of the Lake’s volume. This relatively deep Lake seg- a recreation hub for sailing and other boat-
Lake’s total volume but 7% of the Lake’s sur- ment is dotted with many islands, bays, and ing activities. Over the past 10 years, phos-
face area. Venise-en-Québec and other towns shallower areas, creating a favorite area for phorus concentrations in this Lake segment
on the bay rely heavily on the health of Missis- many boaters and anglers. St. Albans Bay, a have been just above the phosphorus limit,
quoi Bay for their tourism industry. Elevated large and productive bay, has frequent chal- and cyanobacteria blooms are infrequent.
nutrient concentrations and seasonal release lenges with cyanobacteria blooms. A small The bay is home to one of the busiest public
of legacy phosphorus from lake sediments population of invasive water chestnut is suc- launches on Lake Champlain, creating a need
contribute to frequent cyanobacteria blooms cessfully managed in this bay. for increased aquatic invasive species spread
in warm months, inhibiting recreation oppor- prevention work.
tunities and other uses of the Lake.
St. Albans
Bay
Burlington Shelburne
Missisquoi
Bay Bay
Bay
LAKE CHAMPLAIN
Main Lake
This is the largest segment of the Lake, con- Willsboro
Bay
taining about 85% of the Lake’s total volume. Cumberland
The water quality in this segment is gener- Bay South Lake
ally excellent, offering plentiful recreation The South Lake is narrow, shallow, and mark-
opportunities, angling for cold-, cool-, and edly different from the rest of Lake Cham-
warm-water fish, and a high quality drinking plain. This area is known for scenic views
water supply for many Lake Champlain Basin and biological diversity. A number of native
residents. Cyanobacteria blooms appear here mussel species are found here, and the Poult-
only occasionally. This segment also offers ney River system provides crucial habitat
many historic interpretation opportunities, and large wetland complexes along the river.
from shipwrecks in the Lake to historic forts Consistent support for invasive water chest-
on the hillsides. nut management in the South Lake continues
to yield gains in reducing stress on the aquatic
plant community and local recreation.
4 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM
Clean Water Healthy Ecosystems Thriving Communities
In most parts of Lake Champlain The Lake Champlain Basin provides Nearly 40% of the land area in the
water quality remains good, how- habitat for thousands of native Lake Champlain Basin is conserved
Introduction
ever the Lake does not meet Clean species, including more than 70 to some extent, providing ample
Water Act goals for all uses. Fortu- species of threatened and endan- recreational opportunities. The
nately, despite current water challenges the gered fish and wildlife. However, climate COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need for
Lake continues to provide quality drinking change, invasive species, and pressures from conserved lands and public spaces—pub-
water, and water-based recreation remains human activities all threaten the health of the lic trail systems, boat launches, and other
available to residents most of the time. Still, Basin’s ecosystem. Successful wild lake trout outdoor recreation spaces saw a significant
cyanobacteria blooms impact recreation reproduction has allowed for the reduction of increase in use, to the point where New
during the summer months, especially where stocking of this species to maintain a balance York State has enacted a system to address
phosphorus levels remain too high and in of predators and prey in the Lake. Aquatic overcrowding. LCBP and partners have been
other areas when warm weather persists. passage restoration has provided gains for working to ensure inclusion of traditionally
Some beaches are occasionally closed due to Atlantic salmon habitat, but many systems underserved and Indigenous communities in
too much bacteria, typically following large remain fragmented. Wounding of lake trout Lake-related programs across the Basin. The
storm events. Lake-wide, fish consumption by sea lamprey remains above targets, but LCBP acknowledges the history and culture of
advisories remain in place due to mercury, a Atlantic salmon are near target rates. Lake Indigenous people of the Basin and recogniz-
problem in lakes across the Northeast, and Champlain freezes over much less often than es that we are all stewards of our natural and
chloride levels are increasing but remain well it did in the recent past, causing ecosystem cultural resources.
below the point of impacting drinking water effects that are not fully understood. Efforts
quality. Municipalities are upgrading com- to reduce the introduction of new invasive
bined sewer systems to reduce the occurrence species have been successful, but established Informed and Involved Public
of overflows, which can send pathogens from populations continue to do harm, and new Watershed education efforts have
untreated waste into the Lake. threats require vigilance. Impacts from inva- reached many learners of all ages
sive water chestnut have decreased signifi- throughout the Lake Champlain
cantly following effective management. Basin, developing future stewards
of our water resources. During the 2018–
2020 time period, boat launch stewards
reached more than 192,000 boaters at public
Crown boat launches with messaging related to
N
Point
invasive species and other water quality
issues. The LCBP Resource Room connected
in person with more than 70,000 visitors
during this same period. New programs
target specific focus areas, such as residen-
tial lawn care for water quality or field trip
opportunities for students. The COVID-19
pandemic created new opportunities to
develop virtual programs, which allowed
for broader reach to wider audiences and
which will likely continue.
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 5
GOAL: Water in the
Clean Water
Lake Champlain
Basin’s lakes, ponds,
rivers, and streams
will sustain diverse
ecosystems, support
vibrant communities and
working landscapes, and
provide safe recreation
opportunities.
The rain and snow that fall on the
Lake Champlain watershed feed
DRINKABLE, FISHABLE, AND
14,700 miles of streams and rivers SWIMMABLE WATER
that deliver more than 2 trillion
gallons of water to the Lake each
Lake Champlain provides high-quality drinking water, including several microor-
year. Streams and rivers also carry
drinking water to more than 145,000 ganisms, disinfectants, disinfection by-prod-
vital nutrients, organic material, people. ucts, inorganic and organic contaminants,
and pollutants that each play a role and radionuclides. Drinking water from Lake
in the quality of Lake Champlain’s Lake Champlain is a safe and reliable source Champlain rarely exceeds limits for any of
of drinking water to approximately 24% of the these contaminants.
water for drinking, recreation, and Basin’s population. There are 100 public water
a functioning ecosystem with native suppliers in the Lake Champlain Basin that Lake Champlain fish can be safely
wildlife. Water quality in many regions pump, treat, and distribute water for use and enjoyed as part of a healthy diet when
of the Lake is excellent, though consumption. As is true throughout much of
consumption advisories are followed.
the world, consuming untreated water is con-
human activities in the past and
sidered unsafe and is not recommended. Fishing is an important way that communities
present create challenges for Lake All public water utilities are required to in the Basin connect with the Lake Champlain
Champlain’s future. monitor for 86 potential contaminants in ecosystem. New York, Vermont, and Québec
6 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM
have each determined safe fish consumption ticularly true from the 1990s until 2011, when Lake, and hundreds of river swimming holes.
levels for their jurisdictions to provide guid- mercury decreased in nearly all fish species For most of the swimming season, beaches in
ance to anglers. sampled (Figure 1). Between 2011 and 2017, most places on Lake Champlain are safe and
Clean Water
Mercury biomagnifies through the food however, the trend reversed, and mercury was open to the public. When considered togeth-
chain, which means that older, larger preda- found to have increased in all species sam- er, the 17 public beaches included in Figure
tory fish typically contain more mercury than pled. The reason for this reversal is unclear, 2 were open for swimming about 97% of the
smaller fish. Therefore, a small species such and research is underway to investigate poten- time from Memorial Day to Labor Day during
as yellow perch will generally contain lower tial causes for the change. the 2018–2020 timeframe. When a public
levels of mercury than lake trout, a larger beach is closed for health concerns, it is usu-
predatory fish. Because children and women ally a result of a cyanobacteria bloom, which
of childbearing age may be more susceptible The Lake Champlain Basin’s rivers and caused closures about 2% of the days during
to negative effects of mercury consumption, lakes are safe for swimming at most this time frame, or elevated levels of coliform
advisories are sometimes more restrictive for bacteria, which caused closures less than 1%
times.
these groups. of the days. Although several of these beaches
Local and national efforts have resulted in The Lake Champlain Basin provides count- had very few or no closures in 2018–2020, St.
decreases in mercury concentration in several less opportunities for swimming with its 587 Albans Bay Park was affected the most and
Lake Champlain fish species. This was par- miles of shoreline, 54 public beaches on the was open 87.5% of the time.
1.0
Average mercury concentration* (parts per million)
walleye lake smallmouth white yellow
0.9 trout bass perch perch
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5 U.S. EPA fish
tissue criterion
0.4 for mercury
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
2011
19 98–2 002
20 03–2 007
2017
pre-1997
Photo: Rachel Hamm Vaughan
Figure 1 | Mercury concentration in Lake Champlain fish tissue
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 7
Lake-Wide Beach Status Reports, 2018–2020
50
PATHOGENS
40
Number of reports
Clean Water
30
20
Concerns for pathogens can impact
10 recreation on Lake Champlain.
11
0 17 Harmful disease-causing organisms or viruses
Jun 1 Jul 1 Aug 1 Sept 1
known as pathogens can be transported from
the digestive tracts of animals to any lake or
Daily Status Reports by Beach 6
10 river, including those in the Lake Champlain
2018 2019 2020 Basin. These pathogens can be transported in
1 Ausable Point S.P. water that comes in contact with pet, wildlife,
2 Bayside Beach or livestock waste as it moves through the
3 Blanchard Beach
1
landscape or in untreated sewage water. Be-
4 Bulwagga Bay Beach 15 2 cause it is impractical to test lake or drinking
5 Charlotte Town Beach water for every waterborne pathogen, drink-
12
6 Cumberland Bay S.P. 7 ing water providers and public beach man-
8
7 Leddy Beach 3 agers instead test for cell counts of coliform
North Beach
9 bacteria—a group of mostly harmless bacteria
8
16 14 that are present in the digestive tract of all
9 Oakledge Park
5 animals, including humans. Elevated levels of
10 Plattsburgh Mun. Beach
coliform bacteria may indicate fecal contam-
11 Point Au Roche S.P.
ination and the possible presence of water-
12 Port Douglas Beach borne pathogens. Elevated coliform bacteria
13 Port Henry Mun. Beach levels in localized areas of Lake Champlain
14 Red Rocks Beach typically only occur following rainstorms that
15 Rossetti Natural Area wash bacteria, sediment, and pollutants into
16 Shelburne Town Beach the Lake.
17 St. Albans Bay Park
Combined sewer overflow events are
Jun 1
Jul 1
Aug 1
Sep 1
Jun 1
Jul 1
Aug 1
Sep 1
Jun 1
Jul 1
Aug 1
Sep 1
13
potential sources of pathogens and are a
Beach open Beach closed – Beach closed – 4 challenge to eliminate.
cyanobacteria coliform
To minimize the threat of waterborne patho-
NOTE: Non-water quality closures are not represented. Québec beaches are not gens and other pollutants, it is usually best
officially monitored for cyanobacteria. for cities and towns to maintain separate pipe
DATA SOURCES: Town Offices, VT ANR, UVM, NYS DOH, MELCC networks to transport stormwater and sani-
tary sewage independently. However, several
Figure 2 | Reported public beach closures on Lake Champlain municipalities in the Lake Champlain Basin
8 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAMClean Water
have “combined” systems, where stormwater stormwater systems by separating their sys-
and sanitary sewage flows are combined in tems, eliminating discharge points, upgrading
places into one piping network and conveyed their treatment facilities, and implementing
to a wastewater treatment facility. When green stormwater infrastructure projects to
heavy rainfall creates more stormwater runoff Combined
reduce stormwaterSewer
inputs.Overflows in the Lake Champlain Basin
than can be accommodated by a combined
system, a combined sewer overflow (CSO) mild weather event intense weather event
allows some of this water to be discharged to
a nearby waterway through overflow pipes
(Figure 3). During a CSO, untreated or partial-
ly treated sewage may then enter a stream or
river and eventually the Lake. Although CSOs storm storm
can be a primary cause of temporary localized drain drain
elevated coliform bacteria levels, their contri- sewage and sewage and
bution to Lake Champlain nutrient pollution stormwater stormwater
is insignificant compared to other sources.
Efforts are underway to better understand to treatment to treatment
and address the sources of coliform bacteria plant plant
in the Lake Champlain Basin’s waterways. The
City of Plattsburgh, for example, used DNA
bacteria from
tracking technology to determine the source
of coliform bacteria that led to public beach
0.04 annual phosphorus
input from CSOs CSOs can
closures along the city’s Lake Champlain shore- % close beaches
line. The study found that gulls and cows were
the most common sources of coliform bacteria
during dry weather conditions and after rain-
storms that did not result in CSOs. After storms $
that resulted in CSOs, the most common sourc- 64 87 2.1
es were gulls, humans, and dogs. % million
Substantial efforts have been made to 31
reduce the number of CSO events in the Lake discharge points recent average cost
Champlain Basin. Since 1990, the number of eliminated since per discharge point
CSO discharge points in the New York and 1990 2020 eliminated in VT
1990 in NY and VT
Vermont portions of the Basin has decreased
from 87 to 31. Municipalities throughout the
Basin are working to reduce pressure on their Figure 3 | Combined sewer overflows in the Lake Champlain Basin
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 9Recent cyanobacteria blooms have
impacted recreation opportunities for
CYANOBACTERIA residents and visitors. In the summer and
Clean Water
fall of 2020, extended periods of warm
and calm conditions caused cyanobacte-
Since 2013, 95% of routine visual nobacteria Monitoring Program. During the ria blooms and beach closures in many
assessments on Lake Champlain during warm months, more than 100 community sci- regions of Lake Champlain, including the
the recreational season reported entist volunteers report each week on water Burlington area. Unfortunately, climate
conditions along the shoreline. If a cyanobac- change may increase these periods of
conditions free of cyanobacteria
teria bloom is visible, an alert is posted online warm and calm conditions to make in-
blooms. Cyanobacteria conditions vary to the Lake Champlain CyanoTracker Map creasingly favorable conditions for blooms
significantly among lake segments, hosted by the Vermont Department of Health. in the future.
and warm weather blooms continue to If the bloom is at a public beach, it is recom-
present a challenge to recreation and mended that the beach is closed to swimming Cyanotoxins are rarely detected in
public health. as a precautionary measure, even if cyano- Lake Champlain, though it is best to
toxin concentrations are not known. In many
avoid areas with active cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria are a group of primitive bacte- cases, water samples are tested for cyanotox-
ria that are native to nearly every ecosystem ins to determine whether the beach is safe for
blooms.
on Earth. Several species of cyanobacteria swimming, and local authorities are notified Laboratory results from Lake Champlain
are found in Lake Champlain, and most of the if test results merit closure of the beach. water samples have shown that when
time they do not cause harm. Cyanobacteria Cyanobacteria blooms are not present most there is no cyanobacteria bloom visible,
can become harmful and impact recreation days in Lake Champlain, and over 95% of the cyanotoxins are very rarely detected and
when their growth is accelerated by calm, approximately 9,500 routine visual assessment have never been measured above recre-
warm weather and excessive levels of nutri- reports submitted since 2013 have reported ational thresholds for public safety. In ad-
ents such as nitrogen and phosphorus. “generally safe” conditions during the recre- dition, cyanotoxins are often not detected
A cyanobacteria bloom occurs when colo- ational season (Figure 4). Bloom frequency in water when cyanobacteria blooms are
nies of cyanobacteria become large enough and intensity varies drastically among Lake visible. During the 2018–2020 time period,
to see with the naked eye and form a surface regions; 98% of reports from Main Lake loca- cyanotoxins were detected in 12 of the
scum. These colonies often look like green tions since 2013 indicated “generally safe” con- 262 water samples tested, and all samples
pinhead-sized balls and can form a layer on ditions while that figure is 77% and 79% for St. were well below public safety recreational
the surface of the water that may resemble Albans and Missisquoi Bays, respectively. threshold levels.
thick pea soup or a paint spill. Cyanobacte-
ria blooms can sometimes produce toxins
(known as cyanotoxins) that can be harm-
ful if ingested by humans, pets, or wildlife.
Cyanobacteria blooms also can have other cyanobacteria blooms =
adverse effects on Lake Champlain, such as
reduced oxygen levels in the water and nox-
ious odors.
The LCBP works with the Lake Champlain
excessive
nutrients + calm
water + warm
water
Committee and Vermont and New York state
partners to support the Lake Champlain Cya-
10 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAMLake-Wide Reports Since 2015, the 22 Lake Champlain-sourced measure cyanotoxins in fish tissue, determine
100%
public water supply systems in Vermont whether cyanotoxins might aerosolize and
each have voluntarily tested raw and finished impact shoreline air quality, and determine
Clean Water
75 (treated) water for cyanotoxins during the public perception of cyanobacteria blooms in
warm months. Among over 1,300 samples their communities.
50 from these facilities in the summers of 2018– The LCBP and its partners are addressing
2020, there were no detections of cyanotoxins the root cause of cyanobacteria blooms in
25
avg. number of in finished drinking water samples and two Lake Champlain by working to limit the lev-
reports per year: 1,194 low-level detections of cyanotoxins in raw wa- els of nutrients available for their growth.
0
2014 2016 2018 2020 ter samples, which were not confirmed upon
repeated sampling.
Reports by Segment
MISSISQUOI BAY INLAND SEA
A recent study found no cyanotoxins in
100% Lake Champlain fish tissue.
75
The RPI Darrin Fresh Water Institute re-
50 cently collected Lake Champlain fish during
25 low- and high-severity cyanobacteria blooms
0
86 237 and analyzed fish tissues for three types of
cyanotoxins: microcystin, anatoxin-a, and
MAIN LAKE ST. ALBANS BAY
100%
cylindrospermopsin. None of these cyanotox-
ins were detected among the 5 species and
75
153 specimens sampled, suggesting that these
50 cyanotoxins did not accumulate in fish tissue
25 in Lake Champlain.
723 82
0
There is ongoing work to determine
SOUTH LAKE MALLETTS BAY
100% the potential impact of cyanobacteria
75 blooms and associated cyanotoxins on
50
water quality and public health. An aerial photo of a cyanobacteria bloom in progress. Photo:
University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Lab
25 avg. number of In addition to the Lake Champlain Cyanobac-
0
33 reports per year: 55 teria Monitoring Program, partners in the
2014 2016 2018 2020 2014 2016 2018 2020 Basin are pushing the envelope to inform our
understanding and management of cyanobac-
Generally safe Low alert High alert
teria blooms. The University of Vermont is at
the forefront of this research, with projects
DATA SOURCE: Lake Champlain Cyanobacteria Monitoring that will use drones to determine the extent of
Program (LCBP, LCC, VT ANR, NYSDEC, VTDOH )
cyanobacteria blooms and satellite images to
study the distribution and severity of cya-
Figure 4 | Cyanobacteria monitoring nobacteria blooms across Lake Champlain.
reports on Lake Champlain There are also studies that will continue to
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 11ments and are less impacted by year-to-year
changes in river loading. In the long term,
NUTRIENTS reducing tributary loading is the only way to
Clean Water
reduce nutrient levels in Lake Champlain.
Nutrients are essential for life but create may release more phosphorus, possibly can- Phosphorus is a key nutrient driving
problems for lakes when in excess. celing out some gains made through pollu- cyanobacteria blooms.
tion-reduction efforts.
Nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, Research has shown that the primary driv- Photosynthesizing plants, algae, and cyanobac-
are a natural part of all ecosystems, are essen- ers of annual in-lake nitrogen and phosphorus teria all require a supply of carbon, nitrogen,
tial for all forms of life, and have been deliv- levels differ for shallow and deep regions of phosphorus, and light in their environment to
ered to Lake Champlain by natural processes Lake Champlain. In deep regions, these nu- grow. Because other nutrients are generally
for millennia. In the post-industrial era, how- trient levels are driven by tributary inputs of plentiful in Lake Champlain, phosphorus is
ever, human activities have rapidly increased “dissolved” nitrogen and phosphorus—forms often the resource that limits growth of cya-
the rate of nitrogen and phosphorus delivery to that are not bound to larger sediments and nobacteria. In order to reduce the occurrence
Lake Champlain and to thousands of waterbod- that are small enough to be invisible in the and persistence of cyanobacteria blooms, lake
ies around the world, with profound effects on water. In shallow regions, nutrient levels are managers have set targeted limits on phospho-
freshwater systems. driven by internal processes such as biolog- rus concentrations for each segment of the
For every square mile on the surface of ical transformations of nitrogen and legacy Lake and work to reduce the loading of phos-
Lake Champlain, 18 square miles of land in phosphorus released from lake-bottom sedi- phorus to the Lake from tributaries.
the Lake Champlain Basin deliver water to
1%
the Lake and contribute sediment, nutrients, 4% 2%
and other potential pollutants. For the Great 6% metric tons per
Lakes, this ratio is much lower: there is only 18%
square mile
16%
1.5 to 3.4 times as much land as lake surface 38% 0.51
Total: Total:
area in those basins. Most nutrients come 921 8,234 0.25
from sources on the land (Figure 5), so the metric sq miles
tons* 0.08
relatively high land-to-lake area ratio for Lake
18%
Champlain poses a significant challenge in 73% 0.03
limiting nutrient pollution. 20%
Rivers are the pathways for water, sediment, load per land area†
annual load land area
and nutrients to move into Lake Champlain.
Each year, the Lake’s tributaries deliver about Wastewater
921 metric tons (roughly 2 million pounds) of Developed treatment Agriculture Wetlands Forest Streambank
land facilities
phosphorus. Annual changes in phosphorus
delivery to the Lake depend upon the amount * Estimated 2001–2010
of rain and runoff in the watershed; this vari- †
Does not include load from streambanks and wastewater treatment facilities
ability due to precipitation and temperature
may confound efforts to reduce phosphorus DATA SOURCES: Lake Champlain Long-Term Monitoring Program; 2016 Phosphorus TMDLs for Vermont
Segments of Lake Champlain
loading. While management practices may
help to reduce inputs, the increasingly intense
rainstorms associated with climate change Figure 5 | Annual phosphorus loading to Lake Champlain by land cover
12 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAMMISSISQUOI BAY
Many Lake segments have phosphorus
concentrations that are often near
or below targeted limits. However, 25
Clean Water
phosphorus concentrations in Lake
Champlain’s shallow bays are often ISLE LA MOTTE ST. ALBANS BAY
above these limits.
Excessive phosphorus has a significant impact
on a lake’s ecosystem and is a contributing 14 17
cause of cyanobacteria blooms. Phosphorus
concentration limits for 13 segments of Lake CUMBERLAND BAY NORTHEAST ARM
Champlain (Figure 6) were established in 1991,
and the LCBP has supported monitoring efforts
for phosphorus concentrations in the Lake
14 14
since 1990. From 1990 to 2020, most segments
did not show long-term trends in phosphorus
MAIN LAKE
concentration, though the Northeast Arm MALLETTS BAY
showed an increasing trend over this time
period. Annual average concentrations often
have been near or below targeted limits since 10 10
1990 in the Main Lake, Isle La Motte segment,
Cumberland Bay, Port Henry, South Lake B PORT HENRY BURLINGTON BAY
segment, Malletts Bay, Burlington Bay, and
Shelburne Bay, which together make up ap-
proximately 82% of Lake Champlain’s volume. 14 14
SOUTH LAKE A SHELBURNE BAY
LOAD
Total amount
delivered to the
25 No data
Lake in a period of
14
time, typically
reported as metric
tons* per year
SOUTH LAKE B Exceeds P limit OTTER CREEK
(mt/yr).
(micrograms/liter)
60
Phosphorus (P)
P limit
Concentration
54
40 Below P limit
No data
CONCENTRATION 20 14
The amount 0
measured in a unit 1990 2000 2010 2020
volume of water,
typically reported NOTE: Data for Isle La Motte includes two stations.
as micrograms per DATA SOURCES: Lake Champlain Long-Term Monitoring Program (LCBP, VT ANR, NYSDEC )
liter (µg/L).
*One metric ton = 2,205 lbs. Figure 6 | Annual average phosphorus concentration by Lake segment
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 13Phosphorus concentrations above limits; phosphorus loading to other seg- Many efforts are underway to reduce
established limits have been observed in the ments, such as Missisquoi Bay, has been well phosphorus loading and ultimately
shallow waters of Missisquoi and St. Albans above limits (Figure 7). Because nutrients reduce phosphorus concentrations in
Clean Water
Bays, the South Lake A segment, and also in and sediment are primarily transported to Lake Champlain.
the deeper Northeast Arm segment. Some the Lake during periods of high river flows,
of these areas have high phosphorus loads phosphorus loading is strongly influenced by Lake Champlain has been the focus of renewed
from their contributing sub-watersheds. annual differences in snowpack, rainfall, and investments in watershed management prac-
Also, shallow bays are more susceptible to periods of drought. This year-to-year variabil- tices by the U.S. federal government, state and
problems associated with excess phosphorus ity in loading is likely to continue and may provincial agencies, and municipalities. Recent
than the deeper bays and Main Lake because increase as a result of changing precipitation investments in wastewater treatment facilities
there is less water to dilute nutrients. patterns due to climate change. This means have driven significant reductions in phos-
Shallow bays are also more affected by that reducing the average annual phospho- phorus loading from these sources in all three
“legacy phosphorus” that is released from rus loading is critical for the future of Lake jurisdictions (Figure 8). In 2015, the Vermont
bottom sediments into the water column Champlain’s water quality. legislature passed the Clean Water Act (Act
during low-oxygen conditions. 64), which established several new rules and
established revenue requirements for the Ver-
Phosphorus loading to Lake Champlain mont Clean Water Fund to reduce the amount
Estimated loading
varies greatly from year to year and compared to limit: of phosphorus and other pollution entering
the state’s waterways. Vermont and Québec
generally needs to be reduced to meet 5 times greater
3 times greater adopted an agreement concerning phosphorus
water quality goals. reduction in Missisquoi Bay in 2002. The agree-
on track
Phosphorus loading has remained a challenge Main Lake
ment reaffirmed the phosphorus concentration
half
for Lake Champlain, and long-term trends limit for the bay and established a phosphorus
have not improved in most tributaries. Al- loading limit for the bay’s watershed. The two
though long-term decreases have been docu- jurisdictions recently renewed the agreement
mented in the Great Chazy, Salmon, Ausable, and shared common goals for the restoration
Little Ausable, LaPlatte, and Pike Rivers, Cumberland Bay of Missisquoi Bay.
long-term increases in phosphorus loading
have been documented in Lewis, Otter, and
Little Otter Creeks and in the Missisquoi and
Poultney Rivers. All other monitored tribu-
taries show no significant long-term trends in Missisquoi Bay
phosphorus loading. 1990 2000 2010 2020
In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency produced an updated Vermont Total NOTES: The vertical axis is log-transformed in order
to clearly show how phosphorus loading compares
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for phospho-
to limits. Three representative Lake segments are
rus loading into 12 Vermont segments of shown out of 13 in Lake Champlain.
Lake Champlain while New York continues DATA SOURCE: Lake Champlain Long-Term
to work toward the TMDL set in 2002 for New Monitoring Program (LCBP, VT ANR, NYSDEC )
York segments of the watershed. Phospho-
rus loading to some Lake segments, such as Figure 7 | Phosphorus loading to Lake
Cumberland Bay, has been at or below these segments compared to TMDL limits Sediment plume at the Missisquoi River Delta. Photo: LCBP
14 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAMFarmers, resource management agencies, The relative amounts of nitrogen and
and local watershed organizations have long phosphorus in lake water can influence
recognized that farms in the Basin play a sig- cyanobacteria blooms, and several
Clean Water
nificant role in nutrient pollution challenges. factors are changing the balance of
Several initiatives are underway to help the
agricultural sector in meeting targeted phos-
these nutrients in Lake Champlain.
phorus loading limits and ultimately reducing Although it usually is not the primary driver
e
in-lake phosphorus concentrations. Ongoing of cyanobacteria growth, nitrogen is another Div in
grant programs, wastewater treatment up- key nutrient that has important influence over What You Can Do
grades, agricultural support to implement ecosystems and can impact how cyanobacte-
best management practices, and outreach ria blooms are established. Many species of Test your soil. To reduce nutri- wh
at y can do
programs all contribute to the reduction of cyanobacteria have the remarkable ability to ent runoff from your property, test ou
phosphorus loading. capture their own nitrogen from the atmo- lawn and garden soil to determine the nutri-
sphere. This means that when the in-lake ents the soil needs to support your plants be-
fore using fertilizer. It may be possible to use
Number of Facilities less fertilizer than you think or none at all.
120
Foster healthy soil. Improve soil health in
Phosphorus load (metric tons per year)
your lawn and garden rather than relying on
lawn care products that import nutrients into
80 59 29 10 waterways. Adding compost and increasing
Missing Vermont New York Québec aeration can help build healthy soil.
data
Raise the blade. Set your lawn mower blade
to 3 inches, and leave grass clippings on the
40 NY limit
lawn. Tall grass is healthier and has deeper
VT limit roots that hold more water, reducing storm-
water runoff.
QC limit
Reduce runoff. Try simple ways to reduce
0 stormwater runoff around your home. Redi-
1976 1978 1990 2000 2010 2020
rect your gutter downspouts to a lawn, plant
a rain garden, or install a rain barrel.
Wastewater effluent P limit of Total P load Dishwasher detergent New P TMDL
0.8 mg/L adopted in VT limits with P banned in NY and established in VT Wash your car on the lawn. Wash your
established VT
Wastewater effluent P limit of vehicle on a lawn instead of a driveway to
1 mg/L adopted in QC and Dishwasher detergent prevent detergents from running into water-
laundry detergent with P with P banned in QC
banned in VT ways. Or use a car wash where the water is
Laundry detergent with P banned in NY treated after use.
Create natural buffers. Protect and plant
NOTE: The Québec target is an estimate based on the 2002 VT/QC agreement for Missisquoi Bay. The New York native vegetation, especially along shore-
target is based on the 2002 TMDL. The Vermont target is based on the 2016 TMDL. lines and riverbanks to hold soil in place and
DATA SOURCES: NYSDEC, VTDEC, QC MELCC
reduce erosion.
Figure 8 | Annual phosphorus load from wastewater treatment facilities by jurisdiction
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 15balance of nitrogen and phosphorus is tilted
toward relatively less nitrogen, cyanobacteria
can sometimes outcompete other phytoplank- CONTAMINANTS
Clean Water
ton growing in the water and may be more
likely to develop into bloom conditions.
There has been a Lake-wide decrease in ni- Some toxic substances and zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, amphibi-
trogen concentration since monitoring began contaminants are present in Lake ans, and fish communities.
in 1990, which is likely driven by decreases in Champlain and its tributaries, but their Although chloride concentrations found
nitrogen inputs from fossil fuel emissions fol- effects and prevalence are not well in Lake Champlain remain well below estab-
lowing the implementation of the U.S. Clean lished benchmark levels for drinking water
Air Act. This decline contributes to changes in
understood. and aquatic life toxicity (250 mg/L and 230
the relative balance of nitrogen and phospho- A number of pollutants are of potential mg/L, respectively), chloride concentration
rus in the Lake (Figure 9). concern in Lake Champlain; these include in the Lake is increasing (Figure 10). This
microplastics, pharmaceuticals, road salt, upward trend is driven by long-term increas-
pesticides, PCBs, mercury, and other bioac- ing trends of chloride loading from nearly all
80:1
cumulating toxic substances. Many of these Lake Champlain Basin rivers. For example,
deep sites substances are often not detected when the Winooski River alone delivered roughly
Ratio of nitrogen : phosphorus
70:1
tested for or are sometimes found at very low 20,000 metric tons of chloride per year when
60:1 lower ratio of nitrogen concentration levels. The long-term effects of monitoring began in the early 1990s; in recent
to phosphorus may
favor cyanobacteria low-concentration toxic substances on eco- years, it delivered approximately twice that
bloom establishment
50:1 system and human health are not well under- amount annually.
stood. Efforts to better understand the preva-
shallow sites lence of contaminants in Lake Champlain and
40:1 its tributaries are currently underway. 15 shallow sites
Long-term chloride concentration
Chloride concentration (mg/L)
30:1 increases in the Basin’s lakes and concentrations
1990 2000 2010 2020 10 deep sites are now
rivers are well documented and can be increasing
NOTE: The vertical axis is log-transformed in order to attributed to winter road deicing.
years
clearly show changes in this ratio. when
Deicing salts applied to road surfaces during
DATA SOURCE: Lake Champlain Long-Term Monitoring 5 trends
Program (LCBP, VT ANR, NYSDEC ) the winter contain chloride, which can be reversed
transported to the Lake throughout the year
Figure 9 | Annual average ratio of nitrogen by snowmelt or rain runoff and by groundwa-
to phosphorus in Lake Champlain ter inputs to rivers and streams. This makes
0
rivers and lakes saltier, a process known as 1990 2000 2010 2020
salinization. Recent human-caused saliniza-
tion of freshwater systems has been found DATA SOURCE: Lake Champlain Long-Term Monitoring
Program (LCBP, VT ANR, NYSDEC )
throughout the Lake Champlain region
and the world. Negative effects of low- and
high-level salinization can impact all levels of Figure 10 | Annual average chloride
an ecosystem, including primary producers, concentration in Lake Champlain
16 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAMe
LCBP partners and public works depart- litter and other human sources. These mate- Div in
ments across the Basin are taking initiatives rials often pass through wastewater treatment What You Can Do
to safely reduce winter deicing salt applica- systems. Research conducted by SUNY Platts-
Don’t trash toxics. Take toxic
Clean Water
tion and to educate individuals and property burgh found that between 10,000 and 15,000 wh
managers on best deicing practices to reduce microplastic particles were discharged every waste and hazardous items to at y can do
ou
impact to Lake Champlain and other water day at monitored treatment facilities in the designated waste drop-off centers.
bodies. Reducing the amount of deicing salt Lake Champlain Basin. This includes electronics, paint, pesticides,
applied to our parking lots and roadways Microplastics can be ingested by fish and herbicides, motor oil, and items that contain
should reduce the amount of chloride mea- other wildlife and can cause digestive block- mercury, such as non-digital thermometers
sured in the Lake. age and altered feeding behavior, which and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
can in turn affect reproduction and overall Check for leaks. Repair leaking cars, trucks,
Microplastics are present in Lake health. Harmful bioaccumulating chemicals boats, and other machinery to reduce oil and
Champlain, but their effects are not well have been found in microplastics around gas pollution.
the world; heavy metals and PCBs have been
understood. Properly dispose of unused medications.
found in microplastics in Lake Champlain.
Don’t flush medications. Instead, return
Microplastics, small pieces of plastic less than The SUNY Plattsburgh study found fibers to
them to a pharmacy or authorized drug
5 mm in diameter, are a growing concern in be the most common plastics ingested by the
collection site.
Lake Champlain. Microplastics come from bird and fish species upon which the re-
a variety of sources and come in different search focused. The study also found greater Reduce or eliminate pesticides and herbi-
forms; microbeads are found in some person- amounts of plastics in organisms higher in cides. Choose natural alternatives for pest
al care products, microfibers from synthetic the food chain, particularly cormorants, and weed control.
clothing, and eroded pieces of material from bowfin, and lake trout. Clean greener. Use less toxic household
cleaners. Toxic substances may not be re-
moved in the wastewater treatment process.
Avoid single-use plastics. Reduce plastic
pollution by investing in reusable coffee
mugs, water bottles, grocery bags, utensils,
straws, and takeout containers. Reduce
microplastics by choosing alternatives to
fleece and by using a microfiber catcher in
the laundry.
Hold the salt. The chloride compounds used
to deice sidewalks and driveways wash into
waterways, harming wildlife and plants. Use
as little salt as possible, and try alternatives
like sand for increased traction.
Scoop the poop. Rain and snowmelt wash
pet waste into waterways, creating public
health issues. Pet owners should always
The Ausable River Association is studying the impact of deicing salts used on roads and sidewalks in waterways in the Lake Placid area. carry a scoop bag and carry it out.
Photo: Ausable River Association
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 17GOAL: Ecosystems that
Healthy Ecosystems
provide clean water for
drinking and recreating,
and intact habitat that
is resilient to extreme
events and free of aquatic
invasive species where
diverse fish and wildlife
populations will flourish.
Each of the organisms found in the BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND
Lake Champlain Basin relies on a
balance of resources necessary ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION
for survival and reproduction,
including an intact and functioning The Lake Champlain Basin’s species reducing erosion, and providing shade and ref-
habitat and a climate that aligns and habitat diversity is rich, though uge that help keep these waterbodies cool and
with its evolutionary history. Although some habitats are fragmented and need habitable for fish, amphibians, and insects.
nearly 40% of the land in the Lake protection. Fragmented habitat and the pressures of cli-
mate change can put rare, threatened, and en-
Champlain Basin is conserved in some Native species rely on intact and functioning dangered species at risk. Habitat fragmenta-
way, many habitats are in need of habitats such as forests, floodplains, and wet- tion mostly comes from human development
restoration and protection. Native lands. These habitats also provide other invalu- and land use and can limit species’ ability to
species face a variety of pressures, able ecosystem functions, including nutrient reproduce, thrive, and move under natural
cycling, sediment retention, carbon storage, conditions. Native species’ habitat becomes
including from increased human and air and water purification. Vegetated lake stressed even further when intense rainfall
development, invasive species, and shorelines and riparian (river) buffers help creates disturbed areas that favor non-native
the changing climate. mitigate flood impacts by absorbing water, and invasive species.
18 LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAMAbout 40% of the Basin’s land area is con- Landlocked Atlantic salmon have Stream culverts at road crossings are often
served to some degree; this protects these more access to historic river habitat, undersized or damaged. These culverts can
lands from future exploitation such as surface and passage for all aquatic species be plugged with sediment and debris or are
Healthy Ecosystems
mining, waste dumping, and development. is being addressed through culvert “perched” from the streambed; thus, they make
Conservation efforts can increase the biodi- passage difficult for fish and other species.
versity, resilience, and functioning of ecosys-
replacements. Fisheries biologists are working to restore
tems and expand opportunities for human use When connected and well buffered, Lake fish passage in Lake Champlain’s tributaries,
and enjoyment of the Basin. Champlain’s river systems are home to many especially for landlocked Atlantic salmon
native species. They absorb flood waters, retain (Figure 11). Salmon have upstream access to
More research is needed to support sediment, and provide cool water habitat for most of their historic range in most major
the Basin’s rare, threatened, and species like trout and salmon. However, this tributaries, except the Saranac and Missisquoi
network has been disrupted by dams, develop- Rivers. More work is needed in these systems
endangered species.
ment, agriculture, industry, and road crossings. to restore salmon access to spawning grounds.
Fish and wildlife biologists are working hard
to better understand and protect the Basin’s Accessible historic range Richford
rare, threatened, and endangered species such Inaccessible historic range
Champlain HIGHGATE FALLS Jay
Not historic range
as the spiny softshell turtle, lake sturgeon, Natural barrier/falls Missisquoi Rive
r
r
Rive
Indiana bat, common tern, and mudpuppy. Dam
zy
Chazy
Removed dam
While some species like the bald eagle
Cha
St. Albans
and the common loon are making great
at
re
G
recoveries as a result of habitat protection,
KENT FALLS Plattsburgh
pollution reduction, and reintroduction r La m Riv
ve oille er
methods, more research is needed for the Ri
Cambridge
recovery of other species. The Vermont MILTON
Greensboro
Fish and Wildlife Department is relocating RAINBOW FALLS
ac
mudpuppies to an upper reach of the Keeseville Winooski
an
Trap and Truck program
Lamoille River and tracking their movement r
Sa r provides access to
Rive Burlington
non-historic range
to determine if a viable population may be Wilmington NATURAL Wino Cabot
oski
established in more protected habitat. Five e
BARRIER
bl UNKNOWN Willsboro Waterbury Riv
of the ten known native mussel species in Saranac er
sa
Au
Lake Montpelier
Lake Champlain are listed as threatened Lake WADHAMS
er
or endangered in Vermont. The Lake Placid Elizabethtown R iv Ferrisburgh Barre
Waitsfield
Champlain Committee studied the impacts Westport VERGENNES
et
of invasive zebra mussels on native mussel
qu
Bo
Ott
species and identified the Lamoille River r
e
delta as suitable refugia habitat from zebra
Cr.
Port
Middlebury
mussels. Protection of these areas will help Henry
endangered species thrive in the future.
DATA SOURCES: USFWS, VT FWD, NYSDEC
Figure 11 | Landlocked Atlantic salmon habitat access in Lake Champlain tributaries
2021 STATE OF THE LAKE 19You can also read
