Vermont Lakes in a Changing Climate: From Issues to Actions
On June 3rd, 2022, the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds and the Vermont DEC held held our Annual Lake Seminar.
The 2022 Lake Seminar highlighted the Clean Water Act, explored the present climate-related challenges to water quality, and
described actions that can mitigate the associated risks to our lakes. The Clean Water Act was passed fifty years ago in response
to the increase in the discharge of pollutants into US surface waters. Driving improvements in wastewater and stormwater
management, the act improved surface water quality nationwide. However, with climate change we are facing new challenges to
water quality in Vermont’s lakes. These challenges are complex, and many are amplified by the expected impacts from the
changing climate.
Topics included:
- Vermont’s Climate Action Plan
- Increased risk of harmful algae blooms from climate change
- 50 years of the Clean Water Act and Vermont lakes
- Climate impact on loons, and request for help in lead reduction
- Vermont Lay Monitor recognition, and discussion of the Robert Arnold Award
- Current research on climate related risks to Vermont lakes
- Trends of lake ice cover dates in Vermont
- Future challenges in lake management and available solutions
The full agenda can be viewed here.
The meeting was recorded and can be viewed here, and on YouTube.
2022 Lake Seminar: