Key Functions & Management Themes

Key Functions

The LCBP’s enabling legislation and subsequent MOUs among participating jurisdictions identify a number of functions that the program should serve in order to achieve water quality and ecosystem protection goals.

Coordinate Programs and Implementation Activities

Coordination of the work conducted in multiple political jurisdictions by numerous federal and state resource agencies, regional and local governments, private-sector stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, residents, and visitors is critical to effective resource management .

Support Local Level Implementation and Involve the Public

On-the-ground work conducted at the local level by watershed groups, lake associations, conservation districts, and educational institution is the cornerstone of a successful restoration effort.

Measure and Monitor Success Relative to Benchmarks

Monitoring progress toward established goals is a critical component of watershed management.

Promote and Advise Partner Communications

Decisions concerning the management of the resources in
the Lake Champlain Basin must be made through a consensus-based, collaborative process that encourages the expression and understanding of diverse viewpoints.

Engage Partners in Action

OFA provides guidance to Steering Committee and Advisory Committee members in identifying the annual budget priorities and tasks for LCBP, including its function of collaborating with and coordinating the efforts of partners.

Conduct Sound Research

Research has been an important component of preparing and updating the plan and will continue to provide critical information as implementation evolves.

Regularly Update Plan Recommendations

Periodically review and update the plan to reflect changing environmental conditions.

Management Themes

Several common themes that define the LCBP’s approach to reaching the ecosystem targets are present in all four goals outlines in this management plan. These themes reflect a whole-watershed management approach that address current and future resilience to environmental, economic, and political change.

Holistic Watershed Approach

Land-use activities throughout the Basin have a tremendous impact
on the Lake and its ecosystems. Restoration or protection efforts based on watershed boundaries rather than political boundaries better address polluted or threatened areas.

Resilience to Climate Change

Planning for changes in climatic conditions at a watershed scale will create more resilient natural systems and human communities. Actions that address local and regional-level climate change adaptation are embedded in the strategies in each of the plan’s four goals.

Science-Driven Collaborative Management

Management of the Basin’s resources is based on consistent, high-quality data and current scientific knowledge that is developed by a diverse array of partners.

Integration of the Environment and the Economy

A healthy Lake Champlain is crucial to a strong regional economy, and a strong economy is good for the Lake. This plan strives to protect and restore ecological and cultural resources while maintaining vibrant local economies.

Measurable Progress

Progress toward the goals of the plan is tracked in the State of the Lake and Ecosystem Indicators Report, which tracks the status and trends of key indicators in phosphorus reductions, human health and toxins, and biodiversity and aquatic invasive species.