Hello LSC.

The following commentary was written by the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds (FOVLAP) President, Pat Suozzi, and it was published in VTDigger on Monday, October 24th, 2022.

About the commentary

The budget cut discussed in this commentary will have a significant impact on the amount of funds the LSCA will receive from the DEC for Aquatic Species Control (AIS) which helps to fund our Boat Launch Greeter Program (keeping new invasive species out of LSC), and our Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting Program (DASH) as part of our Milfoil Control Program going forward. 

The LSCA continually searches and applies for grants to help fund our lake programs and initiatives. As you will read in this commentary, these funds continue to dwindle, and more lakes are applying for them. We are also working with other groups to sound the alarm with the State to let them know that more funding is needed to help support volunteer lake associations that are putting in the good work to preserve, protect, and maintain our lakes and ponds. 

Your membership support is crucial to support our lake programs and initiatives.

We hope that you can see the value in our efforts, and we can earn your support. You can learn more about becoming a member here: Become A Member.

About the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds

FOVLAP is a volunteer coalition of lake associations and individuals. From its inception in 1972 as an organization of lake associations in northern Vermont to its evolution into a statewide organization in 2001, the Federation remains dedicated to fostering water quality standards and preserving Vermont lakes, ponds, watersheds, and aquatic ecosystems for this and future generations.

The LSCA is a member of FOVLAP, and two LSCA Trustees are part of the board, one as a Director, and one as an auxiliary member.

Funding Cuts Jeopardize Vermont’s Lakes and Ponds - by Pat Suozzi

Vermont’s lakes and ponds are facing a serious and growing threat from the spread of aquatic invasive species. While Vermont can still boast some of the cleanest and most pristine surface waters in the country, our public waters are under increasing pressure from the spread of aquatic invasive species. In the summer of 2022, three lakes that formerly had no invasives, reported new infestations of Eurasian watermilfoil.

This is unfortunate news because these kinds of infestations are preventable. With a small amount of funding from the state’s Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-in-Aid program and a great deal of fundraising, volunteer lake associations around the state run greeter programs to inspect and clean boats entering and leaving lakes and to educate boaters and all lake users about the problem of invasive species. These funds are also used to control and reduce already existing infestations, helping to prevent transport to other lakes. Yet for 2023, the state is cutting these funds by over 30%.

Greeter and control programs are vital to invasive species spread prevention. As the damage invasives can cause to an ecosystem has become more evident, more lake associations have developed greeter programs, looking to the state Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant-in- Aid program for basic funding. Although the number of programs has grown, the Aquatic Nuisance Control funds have been level funded for nearly 20 years at $450,000. Now, when there is even greater pressure on our lakes from increased usage, when we should be creating more greeter programs, and when those already operating should increase their hours, the state is cutting the funds that support these programs to a mere $305,000.

The amount of this cut may seem small in a multi-billion-dollar budget but $145,000 can be the difference between clean water or an invasive infestation. While these funds were never truly adequate and volunteer lake associations have always been in the position of having to raise more funds, they still helped. They were often the seed that got a program off the ground. Nevertheless, of the 196 Vermont lakes with public boat or fishing accesses, only approximately 32 have active greeter programs and of these only 4 have hot water boat wash stations to clean boats (the best way to ensure no invasives are transported). The reason for these low numbers is simple – inadequate funding.

The spread of aquatic Invasive species is a human caused problem, spread by moving boats and other gear from infested water bodies to non-infested water bodies. The best and most cost-effective defense against spread is prevention. Once a waterbody is infested, reducing and controlling the infestation to maintain the health of the lake and to avoid degraded water quality is extremely expensive, far more expensive than prevention. For example, Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting to clear 1 acre of Eurasian watermilfoil can cost as much as $10,000 while running a greeter program for an entire summer season might cost $20,000 to $30,000.

Control and reduction of aquatic invasives is also part of prevention. The more that an infestation can be reduced, the less likely boats leaving that waterbody will carry the invasive to other waterbodies. Yet the indications are that this funding cut will all but eliminate funds for control programs.

This is not a trivial matter, aquatic invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, if left unchecked, can spread to form monocultures that will squeeze out the native plant species that are necessary to support native fish and other wildlife that depend on a healthy lake ecosystem. Other types of invasives, such as zebra mussels can clog water intakes, make beaches unusable, and damage boat engines. Invasive species can cause poor water quality and can adversely affect human health.

There is an economic cost, too. A dense infestation can lead to falling waterfront property values, meaning lower tax revenues for towns, as well as decreases in tourism, an important contributor to Vermont’s economy.

We are fortunate that many of our most beautiful and pristine lakes, such as Willioughby, Caspian, Maidstone, Seymour, Raponda still have no known invasives. However, without adequate funding, these and the other lakes and ponds still not infested are in real danger of infestation.

Our volunteer lake associations bear the burden of the work of prevention and control of aquatic invasive species in the state’s public waters. Each year our volunteers raise hundreds of thousands of dollars and contribute thousands of hours of unpaid labor to implement a variety of programs to monitor, collect data, prevent the spread of invasives, protect our lakes and ponds from pollutants, and educate the public about best practices to protect our public waters. We do this willingly, but we cannot do it without a reasonable amount of funding and support from the state. This funding cut suggests that the state is abdicating its responsibility to protect our public waters from aquatic invasive species.

Pat Suozzi, who lives in Hinesburg, is the President of the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds and also a member and past president of the board of directors of the Lake Iroquois Association.

Photo: VT Lake House

Hello LSC.

Back in May, as part of our Spring 2022 Newsletter, we noted that misinformation was being posted online and in newspaper commentaries related to the Lake Bomoseen Association applying for a permit to use the herbicide ProcellaCOR EC to control Eurasian Watermilfoil. This is the product that we have used for our milfoil spot treatments over the last 4 years as part of our Milfoil Control Program. As we mentioned then, and has continued to occur, some are even making things up and disparaging Lake St. Catherine, then using these false stories to voice their opposition.

We'd like to thank the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Watershed Management Division, Lakes and Ponds Management and Protection Program for publishing a new document entitled “Permitting Aquatic Herbicide Projects in Vermont”.

The Vermont DEC describes that the purpose of the document is to:

1. Provide background information about DEC’s Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) permitting program, with a specific focus on aquatic herbicide projects;

2. Identify some of the recent findings related to ProcellaCOR; and

3. Provide a Q&A section on this topic reflecting common questions that DEC receives about our ANC permitting program

The document details Vermont statutes, the permitting application and technical review process, and the departments and agencies involved in the permitting process.

It also discusses key findings on ProcellaCOR EC, including: a pre- and post-treatment statistical analysis of the aquatic plant survey data from Vermont waterbodies treated with ProcellaCOR, an Aquatic Toxicity Review memorandum performed by a DEC Environmental Scientist, a Macroinvertebrate Survey conducted by the New York DEC, a review memorandum performed by a Vermont State Toxicologist from the Vermont Department of Health detailing a review of ProcellaCOR’s confidential statement of formulation, an acknowledgement from the DEC’s Drinking Water & Groundwater Protection Division, and much more.

Finally, the document contains 16 frequently asked questions posed to the DEC about these topics with their answers.

This new document can be viewed here: Permitting Aquatic Herbicide Projects in Vermont

The LSCA has always employed evidenced-based decision making when evaluating lake related issues, and we continue to do so with our Milfoil Control Program. Working with the State and lake scientists & experts, following the science and the data, and evaluating the results of our efforts show that we are doing the right things for the long-term health of Lake St. Catherine. These efforts include numerous effective water quality programs for the Lake St. Catherine watershed including: outreach and education on lake issues, water testing, Lake Wise, the LSC Stormwater Master Plan, Milfoil Control, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention, and the upcoming Lake St. Catherine Watershed Action Plan.

To our members, and all who love Lake St. Catherine, if you ever have any questions or concerns, reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss this or any other lake related topic with you so we can address your questions or concerns, and provide you with factual information. We can always be reached at info@lakestcatherine.org.

Thank you.

Over the next few weeks, scientists from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and local nonprofit organizations will be hosting two meetings for the public to learn about the Basin 2 & 4 tactical plan and provide comments and suggestions.

October 27 – In-person meeting
- Wells Town Office, 1064 Vermont Route 30, Wells, VT 05774
- 5:30 - 7:00 pm.

November 3 – Virtual meeting
- Microsoft Teams Link, or call in: +1 802-828-7667, 234016973#
- 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Angie Allen, a watershed planner with the state of Vermont’s DEC, will be presenting information about the draft, and soliciting feedback from attendees. Angie works in several watersheds in southern Vermont, but these meetings will focus on the draft plan for Basin 2 (Poultney Mettowee) and Basin 4 (tributaries that drain directly to South Lake Champlain). Basin 2 also contains Lake St. Catherine, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Hortonia, Lake Beebe, Echo Lake, Sunrise and Sunset Lakes, Glenn Lake, and Burr Pond.

From the DEC's Tactical Basin Planning StoryMap website, a tactical basin plan is:

"Tactical Basin Plans (TBP) are strategic guidebooks for achieving watershed health. They identify surface waters that are in need of restoration and protection and outline a list of actions to achieve water quality goals. The plans also identify the partners and funding critical to implementing the actions."

The plan contains three key elements:

1. A health assessment of the rivers, lakes, and wetlands within the South Lake Champlain and Poultney-Mettowee River watersheds.
2. 62 strategies to improve water quality, including methods to decrease runoff from farms and roads, protect and restore water bodies, and limit overflows from wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Tips for landowners, watershed organizations, and towns interested in receiving funding and technical assistance to help protect and restore water resources.

You can read the draft plan here: 2022 South Lake Champlain Basin 2 & 4 Tactical Basin Plan Draft 

The Lake St. Catherine Association administers and partners on many effective water quality programs for the Lake St. Catherine watershed including: outreach and education on lake issues, water testing, Lake Wise, the LSC Stormwater Master Plan, Milfoil Control, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention, and the upcoming Lake St. Catherine Watershed Action Plan.

As a shoreline homeowner, or someone who cares about Lake St. Catherine, your participation in these meetings is very much appreciated!

We hope to see you at the in-person meeting at the Wells Town Hall on October 27th, or online on November 3rd.

We have some sad news to report this morning. Former Town Manager of Poultney Jonas Rosenthal has passed away.

LSCA Trustee Mary Jo Teetor remembered Jonas:

"We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Jonas Rosenthal.

Jonas, who had a long career of public service in the area, was a supporter of the LSCA. He knew the value of the lake as an economic engine, as well as a precious natural resource to the area. He was always supportive of the lake activities and helped the association secure funding, participated in meetings, as well as helping with grant writing to support the work we do managing the lake.

A workaholic and dedicated public servant, Jonas was happiest seeing projects through from conception to completion and beyond. It is hard to conceive of where we would be without the help and friendship he provided. Jonas is already sorely missed in the widespread communities he serviced.

With sincere condolences to his wife Jima and daughter Katie, we wish you the best in this difficult time."

A celebration of his life will be held at the American Legion in Poultney on Saturday, October 29 from 1 - 4 PM.

You can read more about Jonas in the Rutland Herald:

• Rutland County mourns Jonas Rosenthal

• Jonas H. Rosenthal Obituary

Check out this great new collection of Lake Wise Info Sheets from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

Topics include:

Living Shoreland

Beaches and Recreation Areas
Bioengineering
Conserve and Protect Lakeshores
Lakeshore Buffers
Lake-Friendly Yard Maintenance
Live Stakes and Fascines
Low Impact Lakeshore Development
Managing Invasive Plants
Restore Natural Plant Communities

Low Impact Lake Access

Infiltration Steps
Driveways and Lake Roads
Planning Pathways
Turn-outs & Rock Aprons
Water Bars & Open-Top Culverts

Upland Stormwater Management

Check Dams
Dry Wells
Filter Berms
Infiltration Trenches
Permeable Pavers
Rain Gardens
Downspout Disconnection & Rain Barrels
Vegetated Swales

These are great resources to show you how to implement best practices on your lakeshore property to make it lake-friendly by limiting stormwater from carrying phosphorus, sediments, and other pollutants into the lake.

They also illustrate the great work that our partner the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District (PMNRCD) performs around the lake as part of the Lake St. Catherine Lake Wise Program. Over the past 4 years, these projects have worked to limit stormwater runoff, and have also helped to beautify the shoreline.

If you are interested in participating in Lake Wise on LSC in 2023 (which will be our 5th year!), please email us at info@lakestcatherine.org to get on the list!

You can learn more about the Lake Wise Program here: https://lakestcatherine.org/lake-wise-program

Here's an example of page 1 of the Lakeshore Buffers Lake Wise Info Sheet:

The new sheets and lots of additional information on the Lake Wise Program from the Vermont DEC can be viewed here: https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/lakeshores-lake-wise/bmp

We have a very cool loon project to tell you about today. 

We've been working with Eric Hanson from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and Scott MacLachlan to come up with a form to log and record data about the loons visiting LSC. We are hoping that their increased visits to LSC will lead to a nesting pair!

If you attended the LSCA's Annual Meeting in July, Eric gave a fantastic presentation about loons. If you missed that, you can see his presentation here: https://youtu.be/iUrY1PqirzU. Scott also gave a great presentation on loons, arranged by the Rutland County Audubon Society, at the Poultney Public Library at the end of July.

The number of loons observed on LSC has been increasing over the past few years, as has the excitement and interest of the lake community. 

So, we've set up a form for you to be able to record your observations of loons on the lake!

There are 2 forms. One will allow you to upload photos or a short video of your loon observation, but it does require that you have a Google account. The other form does not require a Google account and will allow you to record your observation, but you will not be able to upload a photo or video.

On the form, you can add your name and email address (optional), the date, location, number of loons, a place to indicate if you see a subadult loon, and a description of their activity that you observe. 

Here are the forms:

• Loon observation form (With Photo): https://bit.ly/lsc-log-loon-photo (Google Account required)

• Loon observation form (No Photo): https://bit.ly/lsc-log-loon-no-photo

Bookmark them for quick access.

We've just entered the first entry into the form with this observation of an adult and subadult loon swimming and diving in Atwater Bay this afternoon:

These forms will be a great collection of data on the loons visiting LSC, and it should be fun logging our observations of them. 

We ask that you please DO NOT approach the loons. If you see them, observe them from your location, take a photo if you'd like, and then visit the form to log your observation and notes.

We'll keep you updated on the data as it comes in.

We also hope to launch a new loon program in the spring with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies by participating in their lead & monofilament fishing line collection initiative. You can read more about this program in our Fall newsletter here: https://www.lakestcatherine.org/resources/Documents/newsletters/Fall_2022-Digital.pdf

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@lakestcatherine.org.

Thank you - and have fun!

Hello LSC.

Here are some photos from the reception this afternoon at the Wells Village Library to unveil the new "Lake St. Catherine Collection" - a new section of the library devoted to lake conservation, protection, and stewardship.

The collection curated by librarian Gina Ellis includes books, activities, experiments, iPad apps, models, and science tools like dip nets and binoculars that can be borrowed. Materials to learn from are available for all ages.

Thank you to Gina for arranging this reception, to the attendees today, and to the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) and New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) for funding this collection via an Education and Outreach grant as part of the Libraries Love Lakes initiative!

So, stop in to the library to check out all the lake & stewardship themed materials. There is so much to learn from and enjoy!

On September 17th at noon, the Wells Village Library will hold a reception to unveil "The Lake St. Catherine Collection", a new section of the library.

From the press release:

The Lake St. Catherine Association (LSCA), the Lake St. Catherine Conservation Fund (LSCCF), and the library have joined forces to highlight and advance the inherent, environmental, historical and recreational significance of Lake St. Catherine.

“As part of our ongoing collaboration to provide educational, stewardship-based, hands-on, lake-related resources, we’ve acquired new on-topic literature, flora and fauna life-cycle models, borrowable binoculars, dip nets, and more,” explains librarian, Gina Ellis. “We are also providing access to related science applications through our iPad station, which is situated across from our new collection.”

To share details and garner feedback, the library will host a reception Saturday, September 17th from noon until 1:30. This is a free event and open to the public. “We want to hear folks’ thoughts on what we’ve thus far accomplished and how we can further contribute to and ensure a vibrant, healthful lake community,” adds Jerremy Jones, a trustee of the Lake St. Catherine Association.

The partnership between the library and lake groups originated through Libraries Love Lakes, which is a national outreach project that pairs school and public libraries with lake scientists to provide collaborative programming emphasizing the importance of lakes in our everyday lives. You can learn more by visiting www.librarieslovelakes.org.

The partners’ activities to date, including a successful lakeside event over the July 4th weekend and the library’s new specialized collection, have been possible through the LSCA’s successful proposal for an Education & Outreach grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) funded by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC).

Please join us at the reception!

Hello LSC.

A quick note to let you know that our Lake Safety Committee has been working on new marker buoys to replace the aging ones around the lake. These buoys will mark caution areas on the lake (like shallow water & water hazards), and are marked with a diamond. 

2 new buoys went in on Atwater Bay a few weeks ago, and have fared well. This is what they look like:

We will be producing at least 10 more to replace the aging markers around the lake.

We will also be updating the Lake St. Catherine buoys and markers map, which you can see on our Lake Safety page here: https://lakestcatherine.org/lake-safety

Hello LSC.

Our diver assisted suction harvesting (DASH) team was hard at work again this summer.

This season, Beck & Owen spent the majority of their time in North Bay, but also worked on a few sites outside of the bay.

In total, they hand pulled 252 buckets worth of milfoil from the lake (buckets are 17.5 gallons). The bucket totals from the last few years are - 2021: 146, 2020: 132, 2019: 1,293. They have also performed a quick survey of the lake, and have noted potential spots for attention in 2023.

In the next few weeks, a comprehensive 2-day aquatic plant survey which is performed yearly, will take place. This survey will result in a full report that will be posted to our website in late November.

Thank you to Owen & Beck for their great work again this season!

We also appreciate your efforts to Stop The Spread of milfoil in the lake. You've been using the drop off float in the Channel, and we've heard from you how you are removing milfoil from your dock and swimming areas, from your shorelines, from the the lake, and following other best practices. This is GREAT - let's all keep up the good work! Our collective efforts are making a significant and measurable difference in the milfoil level of Lake St. Catherine.

Finally, if you did not see it last week, here is a video taken by the DASH team showing the healthy and abundant native plants in Forest House Bay during an underwater survey earlier this month: