It seems someone is interested in telling people that Lake Champlain might not be the best place to visit. According to the Burlington Free Press, popular travel writer Peter Greenberg recently told travelers to “bring a haz-mat suit along” on visits to Lake Champlain. These insults have sparked arguments last Thursday between environmentalists and the Douglas administration.

A few particular environmental groups have accused Gov. Douglas for failing to stem the population that feeds toxic algae blooms in the northern parts of the lake and revisited their call for more action to restore and protect the lake environment and its tourist economy.

Perhaps Mr. Greenberg and his following may wish to invest some time in researching the large amount of progress made in the efforts to revitalize the lake environment, specifically the ongoing control of sea lamprey and their effects on the economy here on Lake Champlain. Various organizations such as Lake Champlain International, Trout Unlimited, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and both Gov. Douglas and Sen. Leahy’s administrations have dedicated thousands of hours to ensure that our fisheries be restored and are well protected against the detrimental effects the lamprey have had on our economy and environment. Over the past few years there have been multiple watersheds treated and the benefits are clearly being seen, as biologists and fishermen alike are noticing the increase in number and size of those fish affected.

In fact, Burlington Boatyard covered the press conference involving the above organizations that took place at this year’s 2009 Yankee Sportman’s Classic, and we invite you to watch these videos to learn more of the successes of these initiatives.

Lake Champlain International Sea Lamprey Press Conference Part 1

Lake Champlain International Sea Lamprey Press Conference Part 2

For more information on the Greenberg’s comments:
Read this article from the Burlington Free Press

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services issued a Finding of No Signifigant Impact (FONSI) and have approved a plan to expand sea lamprey control efforts on Lake Champlain.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) that was released in late July recommended lampricide treatments on two streams and the trapping and removal on another.  New lampricide treatments are authorized on the Lamollie River in Milton, Vt., and on Mill Brook in Port Henry, N.Y.  The trapping of lamprey during spawning migrations is authorized for Pond Brook in Colchester, Vt. as well.

Another stream lampricide treatment is scheduled to occur on Mill Brook in Port Henry, NY on Oct. 14, to be followed by a delta treatment on Oct. 15.  There is no lampricide treatment currently scheduled for the Lamoille River.

Sea lamprey are a parasitic fish that have had devastating impacts on the fishes of Lake Champlain.

For more information about the Lake Champlain sea lamprey control program:
Read this information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service