4A. The 1992 Fort Ticonderoga-Mount Independence Submerged Cultural Resource Survey. Executive Summary

The 1992 Fort Ticonderoga-Mount Independence Submerged Cultural Resource Survey. Executive Summary. Arthur Cohn. May 1995.

Threats from Zebra Mussels
As of this writing, the implications of the newly discovered infestation of Zebra mussels on these structures is not known. While no evidence of Zebra mussels was noted during the 1992 or 1993 surveys, it is predicted that they will soon cover the exposed portions of the historic sites located during the survey. The Museum recommends that efforts be undertaken to study the implications of Zebra mussels to submerged historic properties.
Submerged Site Monitoring
While there is minimal sport diving activity in this part of Lake Champlain, there is considerable surface boating activity including a daily seasonal tour boat operating from Larrabees Point, Vermont to Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence. Both the State of Vermont and the State of New York (or their designees) should formally brief boat owners and captains, as well as State marine patrols and the Coast Guard about the impor­tance of the locale’s submerged resources and applicable state laws and policies regarding diver visitation. Such efforts could also assist State agencies to monitor the condition of the Great Bridge by notifying them if additional bridge caisson timbers are observed to have come loose. Monitoring of submerged sites could also take place from Fort Ticonderoga which commands of view of much of the water in the survey area. When the Mount Independence Visitors Center is built and in operation, monitoring of submerged sites could become a regular activity of the Center.
Funding
Obtaining on-going, secure and appropriate funding for preserving, monitoring, documenting, interpreting, and managing the cultural resources of the Champlain Valley will continue to be a challenge. However, heritage tourism development of our uniquely historic Lake Champlain region provides great potential economic benefits. Linking the already existing historic sites and museums from Saratoga to Chambly is a program idea which has not only great economic potential, but also important humanities benefits. The addition of a Visitors Center at Mount Independence will significantly strengthen this network. It is hoped that the Mount Indepen­dence/Fort Ticonderoga Survey Project has demonstrated the extraordinary potential for scholarship and public benefit from this type of program.