Main content:

Blue-Green Algae Monitors

Volunteer monitor, Sally Littlefield, taking a water sample in Shoreham, VT.

Each summer LCC trains and oversees citizen monitors to report on algae conditions in their area. This program provides critical data on where and when blooms are happening and helps inform public health officials as to whether the water is safe for swimming. 

Volunteer monitors commit to going out once per week from mid-June through Labor Day. Observations are submitted via an on-line form.  Repeatedly visiting the same site helps us know of not just the presence of blooms, but also their absence. LCC provides training in detecting blooms and distinguishing them from other floating phenomena. If you are interested in being a volunteer monitor or supporting this program, please fill out our online volunteer form or email or call the LCC office at (802) 658-1414

In 2011 the program received the Citizen Scientist Green Mountain Environmental Award. The awards were created by ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center and FreePressMedia to recognize environmental stewards and initiatives that have shaped, inspired, encouraged and supported successful and long-term leadership of Vermont’s rich and diverse natural environment.

2012 Monitoring Locations

Here is a partial list of monitoring locations for 2012:

        South of Crown Point Bridge

  1. Allen Bay, Orwell
  2. Marlena Bay, Shoreham
  3. Beadles Cove, Shoreham

    South Main Lake

  4. DAR State Park
  5. Oven Bay
  6. Button Bay Boat Launch
  7. Arnold Bay
  8. Kingsland Bay State Park
  9. Long Point, Ferrisburgh  
  10. Thompsons Point
  11. Charlotte Town Beach

    Burlington Area
  12. Leddy Park, Burlington
  13. North Beach, Burlington
  14. Blanchard Beach, Burlington
  15. Cliffside at Oakledge Park, Burlington
  16. Rock Shore at Oakledge Park, Burlington
  17. Red Rocks Park, South Burlington
  18. LaPlatte River at Shelburne Bay
  19. Shelburne Beach

    Inland Sea and Islands
  20. Maquam Bay boat launch, Swanton
  21. North Hero State Park
  22. Burton Island State Park
  23. Knight Point State Park
  24. Kill Kare State Park
  25. St. Albans Bay Park
  26. The Gut
  27. Carry Bay - Savage Point
  28. Pelots Bay
  29. Grand Isle State Park
  30. Folsom Harbor
  31. City Bay
  32. Eagle Mtn., Milton
  33. Sandbar State Park

    Missisquoi Bay
  34. Shipyard, Highgate Springs
  35. Chapman Bay, Alburgh
  36. Donaldson Point
  37. Phillipsburg, Quebec

    New York
  38. Westport boat launch
  39. Beggs Park Essex
  40. Willsboro boat launch
  41. Buena Vista Park, Willsboro
  42. Teddy Bear Point Cove, Willsboro, NY 
  43. Wilcox Dock, Plattsburgh
  44. Plattsburgh City Beach
  45. Oliver Bay
  46. Treadwells Bay, Beekmantown, NY
  47. Pt. Au Roche State Park, Beekmantown, NY
  48. Chazy boat launch
  49. Eagle Acres Rd, Chazy, NY
  50. Rouses Point - drinking water intake

    Mallets Bay
  51. Niquette Bay State Park