The week of July 15 was the Lake Champlain Committee's (LCC) third week of receiving blue-green algae monitoring reports by trained volunteers. We've had a terrific response from monitors to date with 52 people reporting in from different sites! Thank you to everyone who submitted reports by our Tuesday noon deadline. Below is a summary of the results along with a reminder of reporting requirements. Even if you were unable to submit a report, you can still participate in the program. We welcome observations from additional areas of the lake.

Monitors did not note blue-green algae blooms this week. The only report of blooms was from one of three monitoring locations at Oakledge Park in Burlington from last Sunday, but conditions there were clear by Monday. The University of Vermont did report small amounts of potentially toxic blue-green algae species at the boat launch in St. AlbansBay and in MissisquoiBay, at levels below the need for further testing. Shoreline monitors in both areas reported clear conditions. All other sections of the lake appeared clear during our July 15 - 17 reporting period.

Last week's hot and calm conditions have given way to cooler temperatures. Still blooms can occur at any time. If you observe areas of the lake with green scum avoid them and report the conditions.

A few notes for reporting procedures:

• The next monitoring period is Sunday, July 22 - Tuesday July 24. Please submit your reports using our online form by noon Tuesday.

• 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”.

• Here are links for guidance on bloom categories and photographing algae blooms.

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 in getting this new monitoring approach off the ground. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions at 802 658-1414 or lcc@ lakechamplaincommittee.org.

Sincerely,

Mike Winslow
LCC Staff Scientist