Ah, the birds are singing, the sun is still shining at 4:30 pm, and open water is starting to peek out from the edges of our icy lakes and ponds. Despite the false start to spring in February, Old Man Winter made a u-turn and brought us a March full of snow. But now it truly … Continue reading
This past year, there were multiple stories in the media covering massive algal blooms in Lake Carmi, tons of phosphorus pouring into state surface waters, and the seemingly never-ending efforts to clean up Lake Champlain. These stories would leave many Vermonters to believe that Vermont’s lakes are in deep trouble. While these issues are very … Continue reading
On July 1, 2014, the Shoreland Protection Act went into effect. Earlier this month, the Lakes & Ponds Program celebrated the second anniversary of the Act. During that time, over 300 applications have been received and the rate at which new applications are coming in continues to climb. Under the Act, the creation of impervious … Continue reading
Vermont’s lakes and ponds are characterized by a plethora of biota. While boating on the south end of Lake Champlain (heading toward lock 12), my colleagues and I are greeted at the Lake’s Narrows by a juvenile bald eagle standing guard atop a white cedar. Moments later, squawks and screams erupt from a great blue … Continue reading
I have to admit, ice out caught me off guard this year. Every year we solicit ice out records when the first signs of spring appear. With help from observant individuals throughout Vermont, the Department of Environmental Conservation maintains ice out records for several lakes and ponds, some dating back decades. These records help us … Continue reading
If you are a member of an inland lake association or lake watershed association, you may wonder whether any lakes other than Champlain will be affected by the new Vermont Clean Water Act (Act 64). Since much media coverage focuses on the Lake Champlain TMDL Implementation Plan, it’s not surprising that other lake communities are … Continue reading
Hearing the highly anticipated trill of a red-wing blackbird for the first time each year is a harbinger of warmer days to come. However, seeing into the depths of open water after months of ice and snow-covered lakes, ponds, and rivers is a welcome sign that spring has surely arrived. Tracking the exact date, and … Continue reading
