Federal Agencies Work Group
Opportunities for Federal Action:
Managing Recreation Resources
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Federal Agencies Work Group
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Manage Lake Champlain, its shorelines and its tributaries for a diversity of recreational uses, while protecting its natural and cultural resources.
KEY FEDERAL ACTIONS National Park Service Through multi-year technical assistance programs and various grants, the National Park Service (NPS) has supported planning and implementing of recreational projects such as an American Disability Act (ADA) approved trail at Mount Independence, the Paddlers’ Trail, and the Lake Champlain Bikeways trail system, which includes signage and thematic loops. The NPS serves on the Cultural Heritage and Recreation Advisory Committee, providing program assistance and coordination. |
GARY RANDORF  Cyclists cruise along the Champlain Bikeway in Essex County, New York. |
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
With facilities at Pittsford National Fish Hatchery and staff outreach from the other programs in the Lake Champlain Basin, the Service is supporting a major recreational fishery in the Lake Champlain Basin, which generates over $200 million dollars annually. The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge annually provides environmental education and recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors. Uses include waterfowl, upland game and big game hunting; fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, photography, canoeing and kayaking; and the use of walking trails through lakeside habitats. Guided walks and boat rides address the refuge's protection and management missions, as well as natural and cultural history.
U.S. Geological Survey
The USGS operates a network of 49 streamflow, lake, and reservoir gaging stations in the Lake Champlain Basin that transmit near real-time data via satellite to its computer web site. Data are updated at intervals of four hours or less. This information supports enhanced recreational use of the Lake and tributary streams and reservoirs by providing data to boaters, canoeists, kayakers, fishermen and others to plan safe outings and match the conditions of the water to their own abilities or skill levels.
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA funds allowed the LCBP to help facilitate the creation of a reciprocal fishing license agreement between Vermont and New York, which allows anglers from either state to fish on both sides of most of Lake Champlain without buying an additional license. Other LCBP grants supported the development of a bilingual boating publication, information about non-motorized tourism in the region, and expansion of the underwater park system.
OTHER FEDERAL ACTIONS
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Sea Grant), through its aquatic resources and coastal communities programs including Clean Marina, Clean Boating and recreational fisheries extension activities, supports the sustainable management of the coastal and aquatic recreational resources. Sea Grant Fisheries Leadership activities strengthened local angler understanding of fisheries management and how they could more effectively participate in the management of this economically important resource. LCSG developed a module on voluntary marina best management practices that are an integral component of the Cornell Extension LEAPE Training program for local officials in New York.
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