Our friends at the ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center are asking members of the Lake Champlain and Vermont communities to take some time completing their new survey . This survey is an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas about Lake Champlain and tell them a little about how you spend your time and how you use social media.

Burlington Boatyard is one many local lake stewards (LCI, LCSC, Outdoors Magazine to name a few) that understand the essential role social media plays in promoting environmental and ecological awareness in both our local lake community and other watersheds around the country. We ask that you take a moment to provide your insight, opinions, thoughts and concerns with ECHO via this survey, and appreciate your continued support for all of us who strive to make positive impacts on Lake Champlain and beyond.

Gerry Hartley, a friend of ours here at Burlington Boatyard and an avid Lake Champlain fisherman, has started his own blog about some great fishing experiences he shares with his wife Cathy and the many fishing friends he has made over the years.

His most recent story and pictures describe his time out on the UVM research vessel Melosira, where many are learning valuable information about the health and issues of Lake Champlain water quality and its fishery.

Please consider reading more from Gerry on his blog, here.

Please take a moment to visit the blog of our friends at Lake Champlain International to read more on recent findings of Blue-Green Algae Bloom in the Missisquoi Bay:

Blue-Green Algae Bloom Detected in Missisquoi Bay

All those who are taking part in outdoor activities in and around the area should read more about the precautions to take while doing so.

Enjoy your weekend!

-The BBY Crew

Please consider taking part in this workshop, as it has kindly been passed along to us by our friends at the Vermont Boat & Marine Association.

- The Burlington Boatyard Crew

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2009
Contact: Julie Moore (802-241-3687)

** For Your Calendars **

Workshop seeks public input on Lake Champlain water quality efforts

WATERBURY – The Center for Clean and Clear at the Agency of Natural Resources is seeking public input as it evaluates current and potential phosphorus control strategies to improve water quality in Lake Champlain.

A public workshop is scheduled for July 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Shelburne Town Offices, 5420 Shelburne Road.

Working at the direction of the Vermont Legislature, the Agency is revising the implementation plan for the Lake Champlain phosphorus TMDL.

The workshop is geared toward watershed and environmental interest groups, town conservation commissions, and other groups or individuals who are interested in efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution and improve water quality in Lake Champlain.

To ensure enough seating and materials, please RSVP to Julie Moore by calling 802-241-3687 or email her at julie.moore@state.vt.us.

For those passionate about Lake Champlain and the issues surrounding its well being, we suggest you visit the Voices For The Lake Blog. The VFL project, spearheaded by Bridget Butler and our friends over at the ECHO Center in Burlington, utilize social media technology to foster stewardship and awareness throughout the lake community. This fresh approach taken by the folks at ECHO blends the “old with the new” by tackling timeless issues of conservation and preservation through their use of YouTube, RSS Feeds and Twitter.

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