Heritage Area Workshops to be Held in April, 2009 [4/09/09]

A new source of funding, coordination and technical services for historic, cultural, agricultural and recreational sites and programs will be discussed at three public workshops on the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership. Upcoming workshops will be held in Vergennes, Plattsburgh and Lake George (details below).

The workshop will be led by Jim Brangan, the cultural heritage and recreation coordinator for the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Participants will learn about proposed implementation strategies for the recently designated Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP). The LCBP will present a framework for managing the CVNHP, which includes approaches for conservation, interpretation, and promotion of heritage resources. The workshop will conclude with a discussion on strategies, alternatives and outcomes.

Created by the U.S. Congress in 2006, the CVNHP was established to recognize the importance of the historical, cultural, and recreational resources of the Champlain Valley; to preserve, protect, and interpret those resources; enhance the tourism economy; and encourage partnerships among state/provincial and local governments, and non-profit organizations in New York, Vermont and Quebec. This workshop will help in the development of a draft plan for the CVNHP, which will be available for public review in August. Once a plan is approved, the CVNHP is eligible to receive $1 million per year.

• Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Vergennes Opera House in Vergennes, Vermont.
• Tuesday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m. in Plattsburgh, NY (Location TBA).
• Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 p.m. in Lake George, NY (Location TBA).

The events are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information and locations, contact the LCBP at 372-3213.

Lake Champlain Basin Program Awards $275,000 to Local Groups
Lake Champlain Quadricentennial Projects Reap Benefits [12/9/08]

Grand Isle, VT – Forty-six Vermont and New York local organizations will receive a combined $275,000 through local grants awarded by the Lake Champlain Basin Program this week. Grant recipients will implement cultural heritage and natural resources projects designed to improve the future of the Lake Champlain Basin. Projects range from cleaning-up public access areas, to removing invasive species along shorelines, to reducing stormwater runoff through low-cost landscaping techniques. (Download full list in PDF).

These appropriations, as well as other significant support for Lake Champlain stewardship, were obtained through the efforts of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (VT), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We continue to seek appropriations for the National Park Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies to benefit the Lake Champlain watershed. Our work with New York Congressman Maurice Hinchey to appropriate funds for the Quadricentennial Celebration will provide help to both Vermont and New York as we prepare for the commemoration of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration to Lake Champlain next year,” said Senator Leahy.

Twenty-three cultural heritage projects were chosen for funding, many of which will support the upcoming Quadricentennial and work towards long-term cultural heritage recognition for the region. Examples of approved projects include a celebration of Wabanaki Heritage, a Franco-American workshop and festival, and interpretive exhibits in many communities.

“More than $850,000 was requested through 121 applications this year,” noted Bill Howland, Program manager for the LCBP. Local groups often utilize community volunteers for specific tasks, or provide matching local funds which can stretch the federal dollars further. “Nearly every project was worthy of funding, making a challenging task for grant reviewers,” said Howland. Howland indicated that the local grants program is critical for helping local organizations and municipalities implement small, but important, steps of the overall management plan for Lake Champlain, Opportunities for Action. “We hope to offer another round of local implementation grants in 2009.”

Read the full listing of the grants (PDF file) chosen to receive funds or call the Lake Champlain Basin Program at (802) 372-3213 for more information.

When Alexa Euler, her son Isaac and his friend Eva Stoll walked into the Resource Room on Saturday, January 19th they were part of a big milestone for the Lake Champlain Basin Program—one of them was the 100,000th guest to visit the room since opening in May 2003. Since it wasn’t exactly clear who walked in first, the two children thoughtfully decided to share the mobile which was the “prize” for the lucky guest. The spirit of sharing and cooperation conveyed by the children echoes the longstanding partnership between the Lake Champlain Basin Program and ECHO for the Resource Room and other educational initiatives.

“Reaching more than 100,000 people with our message about caring for the Lake is a superb milestone for the Program,” said LCBP Manager Bill Howland. “Our thanks go out to the entire ECHO staff for their partnership and to Senator Leahy for his longstanding support of both ECHO and the LCBP.”

The LCBP also thanks our terrific staff at the Resource Room: Laura Hollowell, Cynthia Norman and Stephanie Larkin as well as our cadre of dedicated volunteers. Many repeat Resource Room guests visit not only for the exhibits and activities, but also to spend time with our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

We look forward to many more years working in partnership with ECHO and to welcoming the next 100,000 guests to the Room!

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) offers the Love the Lake speakers series in memory of our co-worker, Jane Potvin, who loved to bring locals together to talk about the Lake. On Thursdays from February 21 to March 13 at 6:30 p.m., the public is invited to join LCBP staff and these speakers for homemade desserts, tea, coffee and lively lake conversations. The LCBP office is in the stone house at 54 West Shore Road in Grand Isle, Vt – a short walk from the LCT ferry.
ALL EVENTS ARE FREE.

Thursday, February 21, 2008 6:30 p.m.
Shoreham Sloop: Discoveries from the South Lake’s Murky Waters
Adam Kane, Nautical Archaeologist, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
LCMM Nautical Archaeologist Adam Kane will present recent findings from the Maritime Museum’s excavations of the Shoreham Sloop. Investigations of this 1820s canal sloop between 2004 and 2007 have yielded fascinating new details about Lake Champlain’s commercial heyday. Do not miss this opportunity to get the latest scoop on this Lake Champlain shipwreck and view newly discovered artifacts.

Thursday, February 28, 2008 6:30 p.m.
Who Knew? The Coral Reef in Your Backyard
Dr. Char Mehrtens, Professor and Chair, University of Vermont Geology Department
The fossil reefs on Isle la Motte have received a lot of press in the past few years but do you actually know why they are so important to scientists and educators? Prof. Char Mehrtens will discuss the scientific significance of the fossil-bearing lime stones of Isle la Motte.

Thursday, March 6, 2008 6:30 p.m.
Preparing for Champlain 400: an Abenaki Perspective
Dr. Fred Wiseman, Professor, Johnson State College
Issues surrounding the commemoration and portrayal of the European discovery of Lake Champlain are quite complex. Prof. Fred Wiseman will summarize the ways that the Vermont Native community has been working with Vermont Quadricentennial Commission to accurately portray the role that the Native Nations of the Far Northeast played in bringing three Frenchmen from Quebec to an historic battle on the southern reaches of the Lake. The presentation will be illustrated with original and reproduction artifacts and video clips.

Thursday, March 13, 2008 6:30 p.m.
Nesting Turtles of Lake Champlain
Steve Parren, Rare Species Biologist, Vermont Nongame and Natural Heritage Program
Where do turtles hang out in the winter? What do their food requirements and how are they vulnerable to prey? As coordinator of the Nongame and Natural Heritage Program, Steve Parren will share terrific photos of hatchling and adult turtles, helping us to identify them as we travel through the watershed this summer. Some mounted turtle shells will be available to see firsthand. Many of these turtles, including snapping, map painted and spiny softshell turtles are also on exhibit at ECHO.

In 2009, Vermont, New York and southern Quebec will celebrate the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s first visit to the region and the exploration of the lake that now bears his name. Quebec City will celebrate in 2008, and many of their visitors will head south in 2009 to explore the Champlain Basin and experience our many attractions. The Lake Champlain Basin Program and the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to offer basic French classes this winter.

“These classes will give Islanders enhanced language skills in preparation for the Quadricentennial and for assisting visitors from north of the border,” said Ruth Wallman, Executive Director of the Chamber.

Instructor Michelle Josselyn has been teaching the introductory French class through Burlington College Continuing Education for 16 years. Born in Canada, Michelle moved to the states 42 years ago. She and her husband Horace have summered on the lake for many years. They have recently built a year round home on the shores of Keeler Bay on land that has been in the Josselyn family for almost 200 years.

“With Michelle’s enthusiasm and commitment to teaching the French language, she’ll have many Islanders trying to speak the ‘the language of love’ by springtime,” said Colleen Hickey of the LCBP.

Classes will be held on Monday evenings, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lake Champlain Basin Program offices in the Gordon-Center House located at 54 West Shore Road in Grand Isle. Classes will begin on February 4th and conclude on April 7th. Class size is limited to 15 students, so please register early. The class fee is $100 for 20 hours of classroom instruction plus a $25 fee for the workbook, French is Fun. Twenty hours of instruction time will include “French basics.” The workbook is user-friendly and will serve as a handy reference for further learning. Register by calling the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce at 372-8400. Checks should be made out to LCICC. The registration deadline is January 22, 2008.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) offers the Love the Lake Speaker Series in memory of our co-worker, Jane Potvin, who loved to bring locals together to talk about the Lake. On Thursdays from February 22 to March 22 at 6:30 pm, the public is invited to join LCBP staff and these speakers for homemade desserts, tea, coffee and lively lake conversation. The LCBP office is in the stone house at 54 West Shore Road in Grand Isle, VT—a short walk from the LCT ferry. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE!

February 22, 2007 - 6:30 pm                
Lake Champlain: A Broad Overview of Water Quality Issues
Angela Shambaugh, Aquatic Biologist, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
Lake Champlain monitors are on the water almost daily from May until early November, collecting water quality samples and biological data. Angela is one of the monitors who collect data for the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Angela will share her photographs from Whitehall to Missisquoi Bay and provide an overview of Lake Champlain’s current water quality issues.

March 1, 2007 - 6:30 pm  
History of Vermont’s Fishes
Rich Langdon, Aquatic Biologist, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
Vermont’s 77 native fishes, many of which are found in Lake Champlain, arrived when the glaciers melted over 10,000 years ago. Rich will discuss how and when various species arrived and explain current patterns of fish distribution in Vermont, including the impacts of nonnative fish. Rich is one of the author’s of the new book, History of Vermont Fishes.

March 8, 2007 - 6:30 pm  
Endangered Common Terns: New Steps to Restore the Island Populations
Mark LaBarr, Conservation Biologist, Audubon Vermont            
Common terns, an endangered species inhabiting a few small islands in northern Lake Champlain, have something in common with Maine coast puffins. For more than decade, Audubon Vermont has monitored common tern reproduction, tracked their movements, and developed citizen volunteer programs. Mark will discuss the biology these important birds, and explain how decoys and sound systems used for Maine’s Puffin Project may soon be replicated on Lake Champlain. 

March 15, 2007 - 6:30 pm  
Lake Champlain Shipwrecks and Underwater Reserve: Exploring with an ROV
Erick Tichonuck, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and Rachel Miller, Lake Champlain Shipwrecks
More than 300 shipwrecks lie on the bottom of Lake Champlain, but only a handful are part of the Underwater Historic Preserve.  Divers come from all over the world to explore the Lake’s unique wrecks, but now technology is allowing non-divers to get close without donning wet suits and air tanks. Erick and Rachel will show new footage of shipwrecks and discuss how remote operated vehicle (ROV) technology is helping students and adults explore the bottom of Lake Champlain.

March 22, 2007 - 6:30 pm  
Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island: History and Restoration
Roger and Linda Harwood, Clinton County Historical Association
First lit in 1874, Valcour Island’s Bluff Point Lighthouse was elaborately restored by local citizens and relit in November 2004. The lighthouse was built to aid ship navigation in the channel between Valcour Island and western shore of Lake Champlain. Learn about the woman who was “keeper” of the light and efforts to make sure this lighthouse remains accessible to the public. Roger and Linda’s presentation concludes with aerial images of all the Lake Champlain lighthouses.

For further information please contact the Lake Champlain Basin Program at 800-468-5227.

Celebrate our partnerships for Lake Champlain!

15th Anniversary Open House
Friday, October 20, 2006
1:00-4:00 pm

A short program highlighting accomplishments over the past 15 years will begin at two o’clock. Light refreshments to follow. Gordon Center House, Route 314, Grand Isle, VT. Directions here. We are a short walk from the ferry landing.

Casual attire. Please dress warmly for this indoor/outdoor event. RSVP if you plan to attend to kjarvis@lcbp.org or 802-372-3213.

The LCBP offers a free winter speaker series in memory of our former co-worker, Jane Potvin, who loved to bring people together to discuss Lake Champlain. Programs will be held at the LCBP offices, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, Vermont. New York residents can easily walk from the ferry. Coffee, tea and homemade desserts will be served. Please join us!

• Easy Hikes for Your Summer Visitors
  Peter Espenshade, Executive Director, Lake Champlain Land Trust
  February 16th 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  
• Icebergs and Whale Tales: How Did Belugas Come to Live in the Champlain Sea?
  Dr. Charlotte Mehrtens, UVM Professor and Chair, Dept of Geology
  February 23rd 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  
• Lake Champlain's Crab Island: A Journey through Time
  Jim Millard, Author/Publisher, America's Historic Lakes
  March 2nd 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  
• Diver Down: Valcour Artifacts Tell a Story
  Erick Tichonuk, Education Director, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
  March 9th 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  
• Alewives, Hydrilla, Nuisance Species, Oh My!
  Madeleine Lyttle, Wildlife Biologist, US Fish and Wildlife Service
  March 16th 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  
• Those Crazy Cormorants!
  Adam Duerr, UVM Wildlife Biologist
  March 23rd 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  

Click here to download a PDF poster for the series! (106 KB PDF)

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) is seeking award nominations for exemplary farms that are making steady progress toward reducing agricultural pollution to Lake Champlain. The LCBP will recognize three farms, one each from New York, Vermont and Quebec, especially for their private and voluntary contributions to watershed cleanup and environmental leadership within the farm community.

Nomination Process: Click here to download the nomination form (27 KB PDF), or contact the LCBP to be mailed a copy.

Deadline: The nomination must be received by Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. Nominations may be submitted by email to the LCBP office at chickey@lcbp.org or mailed to the LCBP, 54 West Shore Road, Grand Isle, Vermont 05458.

The Northern Lake Champlain Advisory Committee is hosting a public meeting to hear from experts and discuss Lake issues. The Keynote Speaker will be Governor Jim Douglas. Additional speakers include Bill Howland of the LCBP on the State of the Lake; Mary Watzin, LCBP Technical Advisory Committee Chair on blue-green algae; and VT Citizens Advisory Committee Chair, Buzz Hoerr. Tom Torti, Secretary of the ANR and Wayne Laroche, Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife will provide an update on the causeways. To view the complete agenda, click here.

When: Saturday, August 13th 2005
12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: North Hero Marina, Pelots Point Road, North Hero, VT

We've changed our look for 2005! The LCBP's new website design features everything from the old site, and some great new pages and improvements:

*Search engine & link to sitemap on every page.
*Improved website navigation--find what you need faster.
*NEW pages:

• Lake and Watershed Data Sources
• Program Partners
• Mercury
• Stormwater
• TMDL Program

In 2005, we expect to post even more user-friendly pages, including a searchable database of LCBP grants awarded and a searchable publications database. Please forward any questions and comments about the LCBP website to: Nicole Ballinger, LCBP Communications Coordinator & Webmaster.

Residents of the Missisquoi Bay watershed will have the opportunity to expand their role in the ongoing work to clean up the bay at a series of meetings in the area starting January 19, 2005. The meetings are part of the Missisquoi Bay watershed basin planning process by The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, the Agency of Agriculture and their partners. Members of the public are encouraged to attend at least one of the public forums, each of which will offer similar opportunities for input. For more information, please contact Barry Gruessner, Vermont DEC Watershed Coordinator, at 802/524-5958 or barry.gruessner@anr.state.vt.us. Visit the Missisquoi Bay Watershed Planning page of the VT DEC website to learn more.

• Enosburg Falls, Wednesday, January 19, 2005 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  Emergency Services Building, 83 Sampsonville Rd. (Route 105 - Across from McDonalds)
• Fairfield, Tuesday, January 25, 2005 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  Chester Arthur Room, Fairfield Town Hall (Route 36)
• North Troy, Thursday, January 27, 2005 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  Poulin Building, 160 Railroad Street
• Swanton, Wednesday, February 2, 2005 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  Municipal Complex (Route 78)
• Enosburg, Thursday, February 3, 2005 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  Emergency Services Building, 83 Sampsonville Rd./Route 105 (Across from McDonalds)
• Richford, Tuesday, February 8, 2005 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
  Town Hall (Main Street)