Lake Champlain shares a geological history with the Great Lakes and, as part of the St. Lawrence drainage, also shares biological and ecological similarities. The complex bathymetry and extensive shoreline provide a variety of lacustrine habitats, from deep oligotrophic areas to shallow bays that are highly eutrophic. The large basin:lake ratio (19:1) makes Lake Champlain vulnerable to impacts associated with land use, and in some parts of the lake these impacts are further exacerbated by limited water exchange among lake segments due to both natural and anthropogenic barriers. Research in Lake Champlain and the surrounding basin has expanded considerably since the 1970s, with a particularly dramatic increase since the early 1990s. This special issue of the Journal of Great Lakes Research brings together 16 reports from recent research and monitoring efforts in Lake Champlain. The papers cover a variety of topics but primarily focus on lake hydrodynamics; historical and recent chemical changes in the lake; phosphorus loading; recent changes in populations of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fishes; impacts of invasive species; recreational use; and the challenges of management decision-making in a lake that falls within the legal jurisdictions of two U.S. states, one Canadian province, two national governments, and the International Joint Commission. The papers provide not only evaluations of progress on some critical management issues but also valuable reference points for future research.
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Environmental change in Lake Champlain revealed by long-term monitoring
The history and future of Lake Champlain’s fishes and fisheries
The eutrophication of Lake Champlain’s northeastern arm: Insights from paleolimnological analyses
Long-term patterns in Lake Champlain’s zooplankton: 1992–2010
Small-scale lacustrine drifts in Lake Champlain, Vermont
Energetic considerations for managing double-crested cormorants on Lake Champlain
Attitude strength and social acceptability of cormorant control programs on Lake Champlain
Indicators and standards of quality for paddling on Lake Champlain
Resource conditions and paddler standards for primitive campsites along Lake Champlain
Six flags over Champlain: Starting points for a comparative analysis