My boats and dock are out of the water, so I think it is time for some reflection on the state of the Lake this year. I’m going to try keeping the politics and the programs out of it and focus on the water and water quality.
All in all, 2009 was not a bad year for water quality in the Bay.
First, the weather was on the side of a clean Bay. The rain came early and often and resulted in a high water level though most of the summer. We didn’t get a hot spell until late August, so by that time the peak growing season for algae was already gone. Algae require a very particular water temperature and water level. If either factor is outside what the algae needs, growth will be stunted. This year the water was colder and higher than is optimum for the algae growth, a perfect combination for keeping the growth to a minimum.
There have been a number of man-made short term changes that have helped out water quality. This summer, two farms with barns close to delicate impaired waterways were without cows. No one knows long term how the current economic difficulties our farmers face will impact agriculture in our county or how this will the impact water quality. In the short term, though, getting cows out of these barns and out of our watershed will help the water quality. Also impacting water quality is that our farmers continue to implement practices that will reduce runoff. Franklin County contains the state’s number one farm for acreage in the CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program).
No one knows what factor was the most important in the relatively good water quality this year. My view is that the key factor is the weather, but we need to continue our efforts in the man-made arena.
The Town Bay Park saw more use than recent memory. The water quality was generally good; few days had odor coming from the water. I saw swimmers at the Park late in August, something I don’t remember seeing for a decade. Increased use of the Bay Park is a good indicator of success of the cleanup efforts and one of our key goals.
The Watershed Association purchased and operated a weed harvester this summer. While it does not address the root causes of excess algae growth, it can turn unusable weed infested shoreline into useable beach. In addition, the experts tell me that if weeds are harvested regularly over a number of years it can change growing patterns of algae. Just as algae needs a certain temperature and water level, if its growing patterns are disrupted for long enough it will start to retreat.
Looking forward, it has finally become clear to the State that their current path will not result in a clean lake. In addition, budget cuts area harmful to the cleanup, both short and long term. The bright side though, is that there finally is recognition by the State that the restoration of Lake Champlain will require the assistance of the Federal Government. The State now agrees that they need to put forward a comprehensive plan with a price tag for a Lake Champlain restoration. We need to present and support this plan, and lobby for resources similar to those dedicated to the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake Bay. The fact that this plan has not yet been put forth is somewhere between astounding and embarrassing, but somehow better late than never.
Personally, I am thankful that I have the Lake to enjoy and be a part of my life. The work to restore it to its full beauty is important and satisfying work. I invite all to take a more active role in cleaning up the Bay. Please join us in these efforts at the Saint Albans Area Watershed Association. Visit us at www.saintalbanswatershed.org.

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