Welcome to the Lake Champlain region’s only bi-state citizens’ organization solely dedicated to protecting the health of the lake and accessibility to its waters.
The Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) has a 48-year history of science-based advocacy, education and collaborative action. We take a whole-lake approach to issues that affect this natural treasure, which boasts nearly 600 miles of shoreline in New York, Vermont and Quebec.
No matter how you choose to enjoy Lake Champlain, we invite you to explore this Web site to learn more about the lake's health, current ecologic challenges, and ways to access its resources, including the Lake Champlain Paddlers' Trail. As you explore, we hope you'll consider how you can personally make a positive impact on the quality of its water and ecosystem.
Latest Updates ~ click on the titles for the full article
Irene Response Update
On November 15th at the Vermont statehouse, lawmakers discussed issues surrounding gravel extraction as a response to Tropical Storm Irene. They heard from academics and state regulators about how removing gravel can often exacerbate downstream flooding by increasing water flow and power. MORE
New York CAC Discusses Lake Levels, Stream Gages
Many USGS gages like this one on the Great Chazy River may be closed in March due to a loss of federal funding. On November 29, Staff Scientist Mike Winslow was asked to discuss regulation of Lake Champlain’s level with the New York Citizens’ Advisory Committee (NYCAC). MORE
Lake Champlain Bridge Opens
On November 7th the new bridge over Lake Champlain at Crown Point opened to the public. It replaced a structure built in 1929 under the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who was governor of New York at the time. That bridge was closed abruptly two years ago due to safety issues and destroyed in a controlled explosion in December 2009. MORE
Vermont Denies Mudpuppies Protection
The native mudpuppy, a large salamander that lives in rivers along Lake Champlain, was denied a spot on Vermont's Endangered Species List for the second time since 2002. The Endangered Species Committee and Natural Resource Secretary Deb Markowitz are in disagreement on whether sufficient data exists to warrant protection for the salamander. MORE
In Memory of Gary Cronin
Gary loved Lake Champlain. Binoculars at the ready, always a close eye on the level of the lake, concern for how the Winooski was affecting water clarity in a given summer, whether the storm rumbling above the Adirondacks would make it to Colchester Point. MORE
Welcome Jessica!
The Lake Champlain Committee staff got a boost this fall with the hiring of Office Manager Jessica Rossi. A graduate of Elon University with a degree in strategic communications and business administration, she previously worked for the Boy Scouts of America, The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. MORE
Nature Note - Mixing Begins
The twice annual mixing of the lake’s warm and cold layers begins in earnest once the water temperature dips below 40F. At that point, the lake water temperature and thus density becomes relatively uniform from top to bottom. When the lake reaches the uniform top to bottom temperature, wind and storms cause the water to turnover. This mixing helps oxygenate the deeper water and re-circulate nutrients up to the shallower waters. MORE
Thank You!
LCC’s work for a healthy, accessible lake depends upon the active involvement of many dedicated volunteers who lend heads, hands, and heart in a myriad of ways. As we close out 2011the LCC Board of Directors and staff extend our thanks to everyone who has supported our efforts in the field, on the water and out in the community. MORE
LCC Wish List of Goods and Volunteers
LCC is seeking the following items and help for our new office space and work on the water. If you have items or time to contribute, please contact LCC Executive Director Lori Fisher. MORE
