LCC Lake Ripples - December 2011 E-news
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 on LCC's website
New York CAC Discusses Lake Levels, Stream Gages
Stream gages provide a fundamental early flood warning system that saves lives and protects roads, bridges, and personal property from flooding. 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 on LCC's website
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 on LCC's website
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 on LCC's website
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 on LCC's website
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 on LCC's website
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. More on LCC's website
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 on LCC's website
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 on LCC's website
Moving? Changing Email Addresses?
If you’ve had an address change recently, please send us an email so we can update your files and ensure you receive news on lake issues and LCC’s work. Our primary form of communication with members is through email. By mailing electronically we save time and resources and reinforce the stewardship ethic of our mission. We don’t give away or sell email addresses. To ensure that our email messages get through to your inbox, please add lcc@lakechamplaincommittee.org and the domain enews.lakechamplaincommittee.org to your safe/allowed list and address book. Thanks!
Lake Champlain Committee Board of Directors
Alan Booth (Plattsburgh, NY), Susan Coffey (Plattsburgh, NY), Gary Kjelleren (South Hero, VT), Sandy Montgomery (Montreal, QC), Sharon Murray (Bolton, VT), Ann Ruzow Holland (Willsboro, NY), Jim Schweithelm (Burlington, VT), Mary Van Vleck (Charlotte, VT).
Lake Champlain Advisory Council
Steven Kellogg (Essex, NY), Peter S. Paine, Jr. (Willsboro, NY), Mary Watzin (Burlington, VT).
Lake Champlain Committee Staff
Lori Fisher, Executive Director
Jessica Rossi, Office Manager
Mike Winslow, Staff Scientist
