For the preservation, protection, and maintenance of Lake St. Catherine
Hello LSC. Back in May, as part of our Spring 2022 Newsletter, we noted that misinformation was being posted online and in newspaper commentaries related to the Lake Bomoseen Association applying for a permit to use the herbicide ProcellaCOR EC to control Eurasian Watermilfoil. This is the product that we have used for our milfoil spot treatments over the last 4 years as part of our Milfoil Control Program. As we mentioned then, and has continued to occur, some are even making things up and disparaging Lake St. Catherine, then using these false stories to voice their opposition.
We'd like to thank the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Watershed Management Division, Lakes and Ponds Management and Protection Program for publishing a new document entitled “Permitting Aquatic Herbicide Projects in Vermont”.
The Vermont DEC describes that the purpose of the document is to: 1. Provide background information about DEC’s Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) permitting program, with a specific focus on aquatic herbicide projects; 2. Identify some of the recent findings related to ProcellaCOR; and 3. Provide a Q&A section on this topic reflecting common questions that DEC receives about our ANC permitting program
The Vermont DEC describes that the purpose of the document is to:
1. Provide background information about DEC’s Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) permitting program, with a specific focus on aquatic herbicide projects;
2. Identify some of the recent findings related to ProcellaCOR; and
3. Provide a Q&A section on this topic reflecting common questions that DEC receives about our ANC permitting program
The document details Vermont statutes, the permitting application and technical review process, and the departments and agencies involved in the permitting process.
It also discusses key findings on ProcellaCOR EC, including: a pre- and post-treatment statistical analysis of the aquatic plant survey data from Vermont waterbodies treated with ProcellaCOR, an Aquatic Toxicity Review memorandum performed by a DEC Environmental Scientist, a Macroinvertebrate Survey conducted by the New York DEC, a review memorandum performed by a Vermont State Toxicologist from the Vermont Department of Health detailing a review of ProcellaCOR’s confidential statement of formulation, an acknowledgement from the DEC’s Drinking Water & Groundwater Protection Division, and much more.
Finally, the document contains 16 frequently asked questions posed to the DEC about these topics with their answers.
This new document can be viewed here: Permitting Aquatic Herbicide Projects in Vermont
The LSCA has always employed evidenced-based decision making when evaluating lake related issues, and we continue to do so with our Milfoil Control Program. Working with the State and lake scientists & experts, following the science and the data, and evaluating the results of our efforts show that we are doing the right things for the long-term health of Lake St. Catherine. These efforts include numerous effective water quality programs for the Lake St. Catherine watershed including: outreach and education on lake issues, water testing, Lake Wise, the LSC Stormwater Master Plan, Milfoil Control, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention, and the upcoming Lake St. Catherine Watershed Action Plan.
To our members, and all who love Lake St. Catherine, if you ever have any questions or concerns, reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss this or any other lake related topic with you so we can address your questions or concerns, and provide you with factual information. We can always be reached at info@lakestcatherine.org.
Thank you.
Over the next few weeks, scientists from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and local nonprofit organizations will be hosting two meetings for the public to learn about the Basin 2 & 4 tactical plan and provide comments and suggestions.
October 27 – In-person meeting - Wells Town Office, 1064 Vermont Route 30, Wells, VT 05774 - 5:30 - 7:00 pm.
November 3 – Virtual meeting - Microsoft Teams Link, or call in: +1 802-828-7667, 234016973# - 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Angie Allen, a watershed planner with the state of Vermont’s DEC, will be presenting information about the draft, and soliciting feedback from attendees. Angie works in several watersheds in southern Vermont, but these meetings will focus on the draft plan for Basin 2 (Poultney Mettowee) and Basin 4 (tributaries that drain directly to South Lake Champlain). Basin 2 also contains Lake St. Catherine, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Hortonia, Lake Beebe, Echo Lake, Sunrise and Sunset Lakes, Glenn Lake, and Burr Pond.
From the DEC's Tactical Basin Planning StoryMap website, a tactical basin plan is:
"Tactical Basin Plans (TBP) are strategic guidebooks for achieving watershed health. They identify surface waters that are in need of restoration and protection and outline a list of actions to achieve water quality goals. The plans also identify the partners and funding critical to implementing the actions."
The plan contains three key elements:
You can read the draft plan here: 2022 South Lake Champlain Basin 2 & 4 Tactical Basin Plan Draft
The Lake St. Catherine Association administers and partners on many effective water quality programs for the Lake St. Catherine watershed including: outreach and education on lake issues, water testing, Lake Wise, the LSC Stormwater Master Plan, Milfoil Control, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention, and the upcoming Lake St. Catherine Watershed Action Plan.
As a shoreline homeowner, or someone who cares about Lake St. Catherine, your participation in these meetings is very much appreciated!
We hope to see you at the in-person meeting at the Wells Town Hall on October 27th, or online on November 3rd.
We have some sad news to report this morning. Former Town Manager of Poultney Jonas Rosenthal has passed away.
LSCA Trustee Mary Jo Teetor remembered Jonas:
"We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Jonas Rosenthal. Jonas, who had a long career of public service in the area, was a supporter of the LSCA. He knew the value of the lake as an economic engine, as well as a precious natural resource to the area. He was always supportive of the lake activities and helped the association secure funding, participated in meetings, as well as helping with grant writing to support the work we do managing the lake. A workaholic and dedicated public servant, Jonas was happiest seeing projects through from conception to completion and beyond. It is hard to conceive of where we would be without the help and friendship he provided. Jonas is already sorely missed in the widespread communities he serviced. With sincere condolences to his wife Jima and daughter Katie, we wish you the best in this difficult time."
"We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Jonas Rosenthal.
Jonas, who had a long career of public service in the area, was a supporter of the LSCA. He knew the value of the lake as an economic engine, as well as a precious natural resource to the area. He was always supportive of the lake activities and helped the association secure funding, participated in meetings, as well as helping with grant writing to support the work we do managing the lake.
A workaholic and dedicated public servant, Jonas was happiest seeing projects through from conception to completion and beyond. It is hard to conceive of where we would be without the help and friendship he provided. Jonas is already sorely missed in the widespread communities he serviced.
With sincere condolences to his wife Jima and daughter Katie, we wish you the best in this difficult time."
A celebration of his life will be held at the American Legion in Poultney on Saturday, October 29 from 1 - 4 PM.
You can read more about Jonas in the Rutland Herald:
• Rutland County mourns Jonas Rosenthal
• Jonas H. Rosenthal Obituary
Check out this great new collection of Lake Wise Info Sheets from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
Topics include:
Living Shoreland
Beaches and Recreation Areas Bioengineering Conserve and Protect Lakeshores Lakeshore Buffers Lake-Friendly Yard Maintenance Live Stakes and Fascines Low Impact Lakeshore Development Managing Invasive Plants Restore Natural Plant Communities
Low Impact Lake Access
Infiltration Steps Driveways and Lake Roads Planning Pathways Turn-outs & Rock Aprons Water Bars & Open-Top Culverts
Upland Stormwater Management
Check Dams Dry Wells Filter Berms Infiltration Trenches Permeable Pavers Rain Gardens Downspout Disconnection & Rain Barrels Vegetated Swales
These are great resources to show you how to implement best practices on your lakeshore property to make it lake-friendly by limiting stormwater from carrying phosphorus, sediments, and other pollutants into the lake.
They also illustrate the great work that our partner the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resource Conservation District (PMNRCD) performs around the lake as part of the Lake St. Catherine Lake Wise Program. Over the past 4 years, these projects have worked to limit stormwater runoff, and have also helped to beautify the shoreline.
If you are interested in participating in Lake Wise on LSC in 2023 (which will be our 5th year!), please email us at info@lakestcatherine.org to get on the list!
You can learn more about the Lake Wise Program here: https://lakestcatherine.org/lake-wise-program
Here's an example of page 1 of the Lakeshore Buffers Lake Wise Info Sheet:
The new sheets and lots of additional information on the Lake Wise Program from the Vermont DEC can be viewed here: https://dec.vermont.gov/watershed/lakes-ponds/lakeshores-lake-wise/bmp
We have a very cool loon project to tell you about today.
We've been working with Eric Hanson from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and Scott MacLachlan to come up with a form to log and record data about the loons visiting LSC. We are hoping that their increased visits to LSC will lead to a nesting pair!
If you attended the LSCA's Annual Meeting in July, Eric gave a fantastic presentation about loons. If you missed that, you can see his presentation here: https://youtu.be/iUrY1PqirzU. Scott also gave a great presentation on loons, arranged by the Rutland County Audubon Society, at the Poultney Public Library at the end of July.
The number of loons observed on LSC has been increasing over the past few years, as has the excitement and interest of the lake community.
So, we've set up a form for you to be able to record your observations of loons on the lake!
There are 2 forms. One will allow you to upload photos or a short video of your loon observation, but it does require that you have a Google account. The other form does not require a Google account and will allow you to record your observation, but you will not be able to upload a photo or video.
On the form, you can add your name and email address (optional), the date, location, number of loons, a place to indicate if you see a subadult loon, and a description of their activity that you observe.
Here are the forms: • Loon observation form (With Photo): https://bit.ly/lsc-log-loon-photo (Google Account required)
• Loon observation form (No Photo): https://bit.ly/lsc-log-loon-no-photo
Bookmark them for quick access.
We've just entered the first entry into the form with this observation of an adult and subadult loon swimming and diving in Atwater Bay this afternoon:
These forms will be a great collection of data on the loons visiting LSC, and it should be fun logging our observations of them.
We ask that you please DO NOT approach the loons. If you see them, observe them from your location, take a photo if you'd like, and then visit the form to log your observation and notes.
We'll keep you updated on the data as it comes in.
We also hope to launch a new loon program in the spring with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies by participating in their lead & monofilament fishing line collection initiative. You can read more about this program in our Fall newsletter here: https://www.lakestcatherine.org/resources/Documents/newsletters/Fall_2022-Digital.pdf
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@lakestcatherine.org.
Thank you - and have fun!
Hello LSC.
Here are some photos from the reception this afternoon at the Wells Village Library to unveil the new "Lake St. Catherine Collection" - a new section of the library devoted to lake conservation, protection, and stewardship.
The collection curated by librarian Gina Ellis includes books, activities, experiments, iPad apps, models, and science tools like dip nets and binoculars that can be borrowed. Materials to learn from are available for all ages.
Thank you to Gina for arranging this reception, to the attendees today, and to the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) and New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) for funding this collection via an Education and Outreach grant as part of the Libraries Love Lakes initiative!
So, stop in to the library to check out all the lake & stewardship themed materials. There is so much to learn from and enjoy!
On September 17th at noon, the Wells Village Library will hold a reception to unveil "The Lake St. Catherine Collection", a new section of the library.
From the press release:
The Lake St. Catherine Association (LSCA), the Lake St. Catherine Conservation Fund (LSCCF), and the library have joined forces to highlight and advance the inherent, environmental, historical and recreational significance of Lake St. Catherine. “As part of our ongoing collaboration to provide educational, stewardship-based, hands-on, lake-related resources, we’ve acquired new on-topic literature, flora and fauna life-cycle models, borrowable binoculars, dip nets, and more,” explains librarian, Gina Ellis. “We are also providing access to related science applications through our iPad station, which is situated across from our new collection.” To share details and garner feedback, the library will host a reception Saturday, September 17th from noon until 1:30. This is a free event and open to the public. “We want to hear folks’ thoughts on what we’ve thus far accomplished and how we can further contribute to and ensure a vibrant, healthful lake community,” adds Jerremy Jones, a trustee of the Lake St. Catherine Association. The partnership between the library and lake groups originated through Libraries Love Lakes, which is a national outreach project that pairs school and public libraries with lake scientists to provide collaborative programming emphasizing the importance of lakes in our everyday lives. You can learn more by visiting www.librarieslovelakes.org. The partners’ activities to date, including a successful lakeside event over the July 4th weekend and the library’s new specialized collection, have been possible through the LSCA’s successful proposal for an Education & Outreach grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) funded by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC).
The Lake St. Catherine Association (LSCA), the Lake St. Catherine Conservation Fund (LSCCF), and the library have joined forces to highlight and advance the inherent, environmental, historical and recreational significance of Lake St. Catherine.
“As part of our ongoing collaboration to provide educational, stewardship-based, hands-on, lake-related resources, we’ve acquired new on-topic literature, flora and fauna life-cycle models, borrowable binoculars, dip nets, and more,” explains librarian, Gina Ellis. “We are also providing access to related science applications through our iPad station, which is situated across from our new collection.”
To share details and garner feedback, the library will host a reception Saturday, September 17th from noon until 1:30. This is a free event and open to the public. “We want to hear folks’ thoughts on what we’ve thus far accomplished and how we can further contribute to and ensure a vibrant, healthful lake community,” adds Jerremy Jones, a trustee of the Lake St. Catherine Association.
The partnership between the library and lake groups originated through Libraries Love Lakes, which is a national outreach project that pairs school and public libraries with lake scientists to provide collaborative programming emphasizing the importance of lakes in our everyday lives. You can learn more by visiting www.librarieslovelakes.org.
The partners’ activities to date, including a successful lakeside event over the July 4th weekend and the library’s new specialized collection, have been possible through the LSCA’s successful proposal for an Education & Outreach grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) funded by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC).
Please join us at the reception!
Hello LSC. A quick note to let you know that our Lake Safety Committee has been working on new marker buoys to replace the aging ones around the lake. These buoys will mark caution areas on the lake (like shallow water & water hazards), and are marked with a diamond. 2 new buoys went in on Atwater Bay a few weeks ago, and have fared well. This is what they look like:
We will be producing at least 10 more to replace the aging markers around the lake. We will also be updating the Lake St. Catherine buoys and markers map, which you can see on our Lake Safety page here: https://lakestcatherine.org/lake-safety
Our diver assisted suction harvesting (DASH) team was hard at work again this summer.
This season, Beck & Owen spent the majority of their time in North Bay, but also worked on a few sites outside of the bay.
In total, they hand pulled 252 buckets worth of milfoil from the lake (buckets are 17.5 gallons). The bucket totals from the last few years are - 2021: 146, 2020: 132, 2019: 1,293. They have also performed a quick survey of the lake, and have noted potential spots for attention in 2023.
In the next few weeks, a comprehensive 2-day aquatic plant survey which is performed yearly, will take place. This survey will result in a full report that will be posted to our website in late November.
Thank you to Owen & Beck for their great work again this season!
We also appreciate your efforts to Stop The Spread of milfoil in the lake. You've been using the drop off float in the Channel, and we've heard from you how you are removing milfoil from your dock and swimming areas, from your shorelines, from the the lake, and following other best practices. This is GREAT - let's all keep up the good work! Our collective efforts are making a significant and measurable difference in the milfoil level of Lake St. Catherine.
Finally, if you did not see it last week, here is a video taken by the DASH team showing the healthy and abundant native plants in Forest House Bay during an underwater survey earlier this month:
You may have recently seen a news story about fresh water mussels in Vermont, specifically the Brook floater (which is not in LSC) on WCAX. The link is included below. This is a good opportunity to talk about the fresh water mussel that we do have in Lake St. Catherine called the Eastern Elliptio (which is briefly mentioned in the story). The Eastern Elliptio is abundant in LSC, and you have probably seen the discarded shells left by muskrats near the shoreline. This native mussel is very beneficial to the lake!
Photo: Eastern Elliptio, Vermont Center for Ecostudies As noted by the Chesapeake Bay Program and NH F&G, the Eastern Elliptio needs relatively clean water to survive, so its presence is a good indicator of environmental health, an adult mussel can filter and clean about 10 gallons of water each day, it has an important role in filtering water and nutrient cycling and therefore water quality, and because of its abundance and important role as both prey and water filtration, it is among the most valuable benthic organisms to local ecosystems. The Eastern Elliptio should not be confused with the much smaller, and invasive zebra mussel (which are in nearby lakes). Our Greeter Program at the boat launch checks incoming vessels for this invasive mussel, and other aquatic invasive species (AIS) to make sure they do not get introduced into LSC. This image shows a native mussel with multiple zebra mussels attached:
Photo: Mussel with Zebra Mussels attached, University of Minnesota Extension As noted by Vermont F&W, zebra mussels have many ecological and economic impacts in waters they have invaded. They reproduce quickly, form dense colonies, and can completely coat lake bottoms in densities of more than 10,000 per square meter, reducing available food resources for native species that rely on plankton and can impact native mussel populations in particular. You can read more about the Eastern Elliptio on this page from Vermont Center for Ecostudies: https://val.vtecostudies.org/projects/vermont-freshwater-mussel-atlas/elliptio-complanata/ The WCAX Brook floater story: https://www.wcax.com/2022/08/16/wildlife-watch-brook-floater/?fbclid=IwAR0PNGgebopxnmZz5r_9SuS4OkMq0YXnLZS3kKfacwDPHcffWfM8cVA2arg
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