Research Webinar: Insights of Lake Champlain beachgoers about cyanobacteria blooms and beach closures

Cyanobacteria blooms and subsequent swimming area closures have become more common at Lake Champlain beaches in recent years. However, little is known about beachgoer knowledge to recognize blooms, to understand conditions that promote blooms, or about their response if a bloom is present. To address this gap in knowledge and to inform future outreach, Lake Champlain Sea Grant staff and interns carried out a survey of beachgoers at 22 Lake Champlain beaches in the summer of 2022. In this presentation, we will share findings from the survey and plans for outreach to address gaps in knowledge.

Kris Stepenuck is Associate Director and Extension Program Leader for Lake Champlain Sea Grant and Extension Associate Professor in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont.  Aude Lochet is Lake Champlain Sea Grant water resources extension specialist based at SUNY Plattsburgh. She conducts outreach, educational activities, and applied research about water resources and human use of Lake Champlain and its shoreline.

Participants should expect approximately 30 minutes of presentation, which will be recorded, followed by a facilitated, 30-minute Q&A period. This webinar is a part of the Lake Champlain Sea Grant Research Webinar Series.

Please register in advance for this webinar.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in any of these programs, please contact Lake Champlain Sea Grant / Anna Marchessault at 802-777-9130 or seagrant [at] uvm.edu no later than three weeks before your chosen date so we can assist you.