Protecting Our Waters - A Look at Lake Champlain

Today's Daily Boater article was contributed by Ross Saxton. Ross is the Director of Conservation and Education for Lake Champlain International, Inc. (LCI). We invited Ross to share his view of one of the Northeast's greatest (non-Great) lakes and what his organization is doing to ensure the lake's longevity.

Lake Champlain from above. Photo courtesy of the LCI Facebook page

The perfect boating lake... it has something for every size and type of boat: shallows and deeps, bays and tributaries to hide in and explore, wide-open water for miles, abundant wildlife and fish, unique geological features, the safety of the Coast Guard around the corner, a mountain range on either side, and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

Lake Champlain!
Lake Champlain has all of this, but whose responsibility is it to protect such a treasure? Every lake needs strong public support behind an organization to ensure clean water in which to swim and boat that is free of pathogens and algae blooms and healthy fisheries to angle. Lake Champlain has Lake Champlain International (LCI)... and you.

LCI is a non-profit conservation organization based out of Colchester, VT, whose mission is to ensure a drinkable, swimmable, fishable Lake Champlain. Actively involved in fisheries and conservation issues, LCI also supports mentoring and education programs, firmly believing people are not the problem, but the solution. LCI’s programs reduce water pollution, encourage our youth to get outside, and restore Lake Champlain’s native fisheries. LCI provides opportunities for the public to take action that will positively affect Lake Champlain and its communities.

How can you help?
You can help improve and protect Lake Champlain's water and fisheries in some very simple, yet effective ways. Become an official LCI member or contribute a tax-deductible donation and you will support pollution reduction, youth outreach, and fisheries restoration programs. Sign the lamprey petition to help ensure that our fish are protected from invasive lamprey through regular treatments. Volunteer at an LCI event or through a program. Certify your property as BLUE® if you live within the Lake Champlain basin. Or simply stay informed by signing up for the monthly LCI newsletter. You can visit www.mychamplain.net for more information!

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