July 27, 2012

The week of July 23 was the Lake Champlain Committee's (LCC) fourth week of receiving blue-green algae monitoring reports by trained volunteers. We've had a terrific response from monitors to date with reports from 47 different sites this week. Thank you to everyone who submitted reports – please keep them coming! Below is a summary of the results along with a reminder of reporting requirements. We welcome observations from additional areas of the lake.

There were no reports of algae blooms from any of our monitors this week. Monitors did not note blue-green algae blooms this week. MissisquoiBay still shows some variability in reports. Blooms have been seen on the Quebec side of the bay and algae densities may have increased later in the week after visual reports.

The blooms from early in July seem to have abated. Still, anyone recreating on the lake should watch for and avoid any visible algae scums.

A reminder of reporting procedures:

  • The next monitoring period is Sunday, July 29 - Tuesday July 31. Please submit your reports using our online form by noon Tuesday.
  • Observations should be made after 10AM. We have received some reports that are taken before that time.
  • If you observe blooms outside of the reporting period, feel free to submit an online report.
  • Categorize the bloom intensity based on what you see in the water, not what you see on shore. Note any relevant observations about the shoreline, such as ponds of scummy water or algae dying and decaying on the sand, under “other details”.

We've heard from several monitors who are asking or fielding numerous questions about blue-green algae. LCC is willing to come to your community and provide an information session if it would be helpful. Thank you for your involvement with the Lake Champlain Committee volunteer program and your assistance this season. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions at 802 658-1414 or lcc@lakechamplaincommittee.org.

Sincerely,

Mike Winslow