Summer after summer, Lake Champlain is plagued with toxic cyanobacteria outbreaks, also known as blue-green algae. The perfect storm of warm water, light, and excess phosphorus pollution running off from roads, rooftops, and farm fields causes these toxic blooms, which can cause skin irritation, liver damage, and have been linked to neurological disease. These toxic algae outbreaks harm our quality of life as well: if we don’t take bold action, the next generation of Vermonters may not be able to enjoy spending time on Lake Champlain in the summer the way that their grandparents did.
The good news is that our legislature finally took important steps to address our clean water obligations with funding for solutions to curb the pollution plaguing Lake Champlain and other waters across the state. But even with this additional funding, our work is far from done. We must stay vigilant and make sure Vermonters and visitors understand the serious threats facing our iconic lake.
That’s why we created this graphic story – please, help us spread the word by sharing it with your networks. Together, we can ensure that Lake Champlain and all of Vermont’s waters are clean and healthy today and for generations to come.
You Can Help Save Lake Champlain
- Learn more about threats to Lake Champlain. Our iconic lake is under threat because of unchecked pollution.
- Email your senators and representatives. Tell your legislators that clean water is important to you — and ask what they are doing to clean up Lake Champlain.
- Join our Activist Network. Keep up with our clean water advocacy in Vermont.
- Write an op-ed to your local paper. Pick a threat to clean water and write about your concerns. Consider including the need for more funding for clean water.
- Visit the State House. Visit the Senate and House Natural Resource Committees or meet with your legislators and let them know how important clean water is to you.
- Become a CLF member. Join us to be a part of our continuing advocacy to clean up Vermont’s waterways.
