Clean Water

Lake Champlain Sea Grant engages in extension and outreach activities to support clean water in Lake Champlain and its tributaries. Phosphorus, plastic, and road salt are some of the main pollutants challenging Lake Champlain. Combined with increased flooding and warmer waters, these pollutants can create conditions in the lake that harm ecosystems, recreators, and can threaten human health. Learn more about specific programs and interest areas below.

Stormwater Management

Stormwater management is one of the most pressing issues for resource managers in the cold climate of the Lake Champlain basin. Runoff from developed lands can carry pollutants such as Phosphorus to our waterways and impact the health of aquatic ecosystems. Lake Champlain Sea Grant works with residents, homeowners, practitioners, and other community partners to support various stormwater management practices.

Raise the Blade

The "Raise the Blade" campaign encourages homeowners, businesses, and municipalities are encouraged to follow three simple lawn care practices that help reduce stormwater runoff:

• Allow grass clippings to decompose in place.
• Cut only about one-third of the height of the grass at each mowing.
• Mow grass no shorter than 3 inches.

Forestry for Water Quality

Riparian forest buffers are woodland areas next to streams, rivers, and wetlands. Healthy riparian ecosystems can provide a number of benefits for human and ecological communities alike. They can help intercept nutrients, sediment, and pesticides from nearby areas before they enter our waterways; assist in streambank stabilization; decrease the frequency and severity of flood events; keep streams cool for their resident aquatic organisms; store carbon as they grow; provide critical habitat for wildlife; and serve as the venue for myriad cultural and recreational benefits. Learn more about riparian buffers.

Green Infrastructure and BLUE

Green infrastructure (GI), which includes green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), is a cost-effective and resilient approach to managing stormwater impacts while also providing many co-benefits to communities. Green infrastructure uses nature-based solutions such as vegetation, soils, and other elements and practices to restore some of the natural processes required to manage water and create healthier human environments.

Road Salt

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Use of salt to prevent ice from forming on roads has likely saved thousands of lives, but it negatively impacts the environment, including our waterways, and degrades infrastructure, such as buildings and bridges. Lake Champlain Sea Grant partners with scientists, winter maintenance professionals, municipalities, businesses, and residents to maintain safety while reducing the amount of road salt we use. Learn about road salt and how we can reduce its use. Learn more about LCSG's road salt outreach work.

Cyanobacteria 

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Expansive areas of photosynthesizing bluish-green cyanobacteria in lakes are called blooms. These blooms can contain toxins that can be harmful to both human and other animals’ health. A variety of state, local, and regional organizations are engaged in efforts to monitor for the presence of blooms and to alert the public when they are present.

Lake Champlain Sea Grant’s focus has been to educate the public about how to keep humans and dogs safe from cyanobacteria toxins. A short video is available below to help people understand how to recognize cyanobacteria blooms, health concerns that result from exposure, and how to keep your dog safe if it is exposed to a bloom.

Oil Spill Prevention and Response 

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Lake Champlain Sea Grant partners with the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network and the Gulf of Mexico Sea Grant Network to host webinars and training related to safe practices for fuel transport. Lake Champlain Sea Grant also conducts and shares training and provides resources for marina owners and boat operators about oil spill prevention and response. Learn about Crude Oil transport and access resources regarding oil transport.

Resources for Boaters and Marinas

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Each year in early spring, the Vermont Boat and Marine Association, Lake Champlain Basin Program, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, and UVM Extension host an annual meeting of marina owners and operators. The event gives marina owners and operators a chance to reconnect after the winter and to learn about relevant policies, funding opportunities, and research and outreach activities. Get resources for boaters and marinas.