State of the Lake: Lake Champlain in 2005—A Snapshot for Citizens
Lake Champlain Basin Program, June 2005

Introduction

• What is the State of the Lake report?
• The LCBP Vision: Implementing the Lake Champlain Basin Management Plan

Water Quality and Human Health

• Can I swim in Lake Champlain?
• Do blue-green algae blooms pose a risk?
• Who notifies the public about blue-green algae risks?
• Can I drink the water?
• Can I eat the fish from Lake Champlain?
• Are phosphorus levels too high in the Lake?
• Has water clarity improved?
• How do increases in population and land use changes influence water quality?

State of the Lake by Location Map

• A look at Lake Champlain issues by geography.

Fish, Wildlife and Habitat

• Is it important to protect and restore wetlands and rivers?
• Is the biodiversity of Lake Champlain changing?
• Do cormorants have an affect on fish, birds and habitats?
• Are fish populations changing?

Aquatic Nuisance Species

• Do sea lamprey threaten salmon, trout and other fish?
• Do zebra mussels affect the ecosystem and human use?
• Does Eurasian watermilfoil impair the Lake?
• Is water chestnut still a problem?
• What aquatic nuisance species pose future threats?

Local Connections

• What are some cultural heritage and recreation opportunities in the Basin?
• Are educational efforts making a difference?
• Are local communities helping the cleanup?
• You can help the Lake.

State of the Lake:
Lake Champlain in 2005 – A Snapshot for Citizens
By the Lake Champlain Basin Program

Release date: Wednesday, June 22nd 11:00 a.m.
at ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
One College Street, Burlington, VT

On Wednesday, June 22, 2005, the Lake Champlain Basin Program will hold a press conference to release State of the Lake: Lake Champlain in 2005 - A Snapshot for Citizens. This 24-page report answers important questions frequently asked by the public about the Lake’s health. The LCBP has included scientific information on trends wherever possible to show changes in the Lake over time. We hope that the report will provide readers with a better understanding of the overall state of Lake Champlain and guide them to additional scientific resources for further detail.

Data collection for the report began when the LCBP posed similar questions to dozens of scientists and state, federal and provincial personnel during a March 2005 workshop held in Plattsburgh, NY.

Please note: The report is currently at the printers and will be released at the press conference on Wednesday morning. The report will also be posted online HERE after the press conference. The list of questions is also pasted below to inform the media about the scope of issues covered in the report.