Balanced Lake Champlain Ecosystem
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Author:
n/a -
Send To:
Governor of Vermont, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary, and Vermont Commissioners of the Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Health and Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Sponsored By:
Lake Champlain Anglers -
More Info at:
We, the Undersigned, fully support a comprehensive, permanent sea lamprey control program in the Lake Champlain basin of the State of Vermont, including chemical lampricide applications when deemed necessary by objective science.
We consider sea lamprey control measures necessary to balance the needs of all aquatic species found in the Lake Champlain basin with the human community that depends on them. The hypothetical needs of any one species should not be balanced on the demonstrable "back" of another. We believe, therefore, that sea lamprey populations in Lake Champlain are socially and economically unacceptable. Furthermore, their numbers within native ecosystem of the Lake Champlain basin are scientifically unjustifiable.
Based on past and present research regarding the safety and efficacy of lampricide treatments, and based on proven sea lamprey control successes previously achieved by historical chemical applications, we encourage resumption of continued, timely applications of lampricide in all waters where sea lamprey ammocetes are known to be present, including, and especially, the infested Lamoille River.
While vocal detractors of sea lamprey control inflate lampricides alleged effects on non-target aquatic species, repeated and objective tests show current application levels an insignificant threat to ecological integrity. Alternatively, sea lamprey depredation is causing severe suffering to, and declines in populations and distribution of, [of] other aquatic organisms. This cannot be allowed to continue as it is in the best interest of neither endangered lake sturgeon, nor prized game fish such as lake trout, to delay or reduce Lake Champlain sea lamprey control implementation.
Therefore, lampricide treatments must go forward in the Lamoille River and elsewhere in the Lake Champlain basin, in the best interest of the people of the State of Vermont, the people of the State of New York, and all others who enjoy and depend on a healthy Lake Champlain. These treatments are necessary to restore a much-needed balance in the Lake Champlain ecosystem, and must continue on an effective, systematic basis until more efficient or effective methods of control have been perfected and can be implemented.
As Senator Leahy has said, "The harm done by sea lamprey on the Lake Champlain fishery is substantial and poses real threats to recreational fishing, to the overall health of our fish population, and to our regions tourism economy." According to the Opportunities for Action Plan produced by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, anglers annually spend $205 million fishing Lake Champlain, patronizing 98 fishing-related businesses within ten miles of the lake.
We strongly encourage the State of Vermont, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Jonathan Wood and Department of Health Commissioner Sharon Moffat, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Laura Pelosi and Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche to move forward in controlling this destructive, nuisance parasite. We strongly support continued, safe usage of lampricide while other effective means are explored, and strongly support an environmental philosophy inclusive, not exclusive, of human interest and values.
Populations of various nuisance species reaching epidemic levels are routinely controlled using pesticides and herbicides to reduce economic losses to agricultural production, to protect human health, to protect habitat, to aid in restoration of endangered species, and even to bring greater comfort to humans. To consider the sea lamprey epidemic currently extant in the Lake Champlain basin as merely a nuisance is a gross under-representation of biological truth.
Please approve the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife's lampricide application permits for the Lamoille River expeditiously.
Thank you.
We consider sea lamprey control measures necessary to balance the needs of all aquatic species found in the Lake Champlain basin with the human community that depends on them. The hypothetical needs of any one species should not be balanced on the demonstrable "back" of another. We believe, therefore, that sea lamprey populations in Lake Champlain are socially and economically unacceptable. Furthermore, their numbers within native ecosystem of the Lake Champlain basin are scientifically unjustifiable.
Based on past and present research regarding the safety and efficacy of lampricide treatments, and based on proven sea lamprey control successes previously achieved by historical chemical applications, we encourage resumption of continued, timely applications of lampricide in all waters where sea lamprey ammocetes are known to be present, including, and especially, the infested Lamoille River.
While vocal detractors of sea lamprey control inflate lampricides alleged effects on non-target aquatic species, repeated and objective tests show current application levels an insignificant threat to ecological integrity. Alternatively, sea lamprey depredation is causing severe suffering to, and declines in populations and distribution of, [of] other aquatic organisms. This cannot be allowed to continue as it is in the best interest of neither endangered lake sturgeon, nor prized game fish such as lake trout, to delay or reduce Lake Champlain sea lamprey control implementation.
Therefore, lampricide treatments must go forward in the Lamoille River and elsewhere in the Lake Champlain basin, in the best interest of the people of the State of Vermont, the people of the State of New York, and all others who enjoy and depend on a healthy Lake Champlain. These treatments are necessary to restore a much-needed balance in the Lake Champlain ecosystem, and must continue on an effective, systematic basis until more efficient or effective methods of control have been perfected and can be implemented.
As Senator Leahy has said, "The harm done by sea lamprey on the Lake Champlain fishery is substantial and poses real threats to recreational fishing, to the overall health of our fish population, and to our regions tourism economy." According to the Opportunities for Action Plan produced by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, anglers annually spend $205 million fishing Lake Champlain, patronizing 98 fishing-related businesses within ten miles of the lake.
We strongly encourage the State of Vermont, Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Jonathan Wood and Department of Health Commissioner Sharon Moffat, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Laura Pelosi and Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche to move forward in controlling this destructive, nuisance parasite. We strongly support continued, safe usage of lampricide while other effective means are explored, and strongly support an environmental philosophy inclusive, not exclusive, of human interest and values.
Populations of various nuisance species reaching epidemic levels are routinely controlled using pesticides and herbicides to reduce economic losses to agricultural production, to protect human health, to protect habitat, to aid in restoration of endangered species, and even to bring greater comfort to humans. To consider the sea lamprey epidemic currently extant in the Lake Champlain basin as merely a nuisance is a gross under-representation of biological truth.
Please approve the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife's lampricide application permits for the Lamoille River expeditiously.
Thank you.
1229 Signatures
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James Ehlers
- Comments
- Thank you for honoring our past petitions and successfully treating the Winooski and Missisquoi Rivers in 2008.
- Town, State
- Colchester, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
- Name of organization if applicable
- Lake Champlain International, Inc.
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Christopher Baker
- Town, State
- Essex Junction, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Kyle Scanlon
- Town, State
- Essex, VT.
- On behalf of organization?
- No
- Name of organization if applicable
- Outdoors Magazine
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Gary Murdock
- Town, State
- Shoreham Vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
James Austin
- Town, State
- Colchester
- On behalf of organization?
- No
- Name of organization if applicable
- Outdoors Magazine
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Donald T. Myers
- Town, State
- Ferrisburgh
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Eugene Kalinowski
- Town, State
- Rutland,Vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
David Kirby
- Town, State
- Bristol, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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james s white
- Town, State
- shaftsbury, vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Samuel Shultis
- Town, State
- West Rutland
- On behalf of organization?
- No
- Name of organization if applicable
- Vermont Federation of Sportsman's Clubs
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Richard Bayer
- Town, State
- Alburgh, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Michael W. Guernsey
- Town, State
- South Hero, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Jeff Saylor
- Comments
- I was a VT resident for 20 years. The last time we went fishing for lakers, we pulled off my lamprays than fish!
- Town, State
- South Windsor, CT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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harold sheldon
- Town, State
- hoosick falls, n.y.
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
David Knight
- Town, State
- Jeffersonville, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Donald A. Linscott
- Town, State
- Alburgh VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Donald Marcelino
- Town, State
- Colchester,Vt 05446
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Rick Jean
- Town, State
- Essex Jct., VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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david brown
- Town, State
- walden, vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Michael Chenette
- Town, State
- Jericho, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
William E. Samuelson
- Town, State
- Franklin, Vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Meg Carlson
- Town, State
- Grand Rapids, MN
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Martin T. Mc Donnell
- Town, State
- 73 Abbey Court, Brooklyn, NY
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Loomis Bean
- Town, State
- Grand Isle
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Ruth Wallman
- Town, State
- North Hero, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
- Name of organization if applicable
- Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce
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Gloria Zela
- Town, State
- Hooksett NH
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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BRYAN DESCHAMPS
- Comments
- ANYTHING TO SAVE OUR LAKES
- Town, State
- ACUSHNET, MA
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Donald R White
- Comments
- I think this is a very good idea
- Town, State
- Montpelier Vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
- Name of organization if applicable
- LCI
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Ken Dattilio
- Town, State
- South Burlington, Vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
cory getty
- Town, State
- CAMBRIDGE, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Guy Mitrano
- Comments
- Thank you for the hard work last year, and we look forward to making even more progress as this moves forward.
- Town, State
- Burlington, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
- Name of organization if applicable
- Burlington Boatyard, LLC
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Mike Shellito
- Comments
- The state is moving in the right direction, let's keep it going. Thanks for your hard work.
- Town, State
- South Burlington, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Steven Jewell
- Town, State
- Westford, Vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Rob Thorne
- Comments
- The lake is finally starting to show real progress!!! Lets stay on point and keep it going.
- Town, State
- Milton Vt.
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Robert Martin Jr
- Town, State
- St. Albans Vt. 05478
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Robin Knox
- Town, State
- Evergreen, CO
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Joe Gold
- Town, State
- Schenectady , NY
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
George M. Garner
- Town, State
- Wells, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Jim Burbo
- Town, State
- Grand Isle Vermont
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Kevin Rooney
- Town, State
- Ferrisburgh, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Norman Arseneault
- Town, State
- Granville, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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michael g. olden
- Town, State
- morgan, vt
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Phil Pyrzenski
- Comments
- Keep up the program .This lake is a national treasure and should be fully restored.
- Town, State
- Willisboro NY
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Paul Beaudry
- Town, State
- Swanton
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Dan Lovell
- Town, State
- Milton, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Leo Valliere
- Town, State
- Barre, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
peter spader
- Town, State
- scarsdale, ny 10583
- On behalf of organization?
- No
-
Randall Strong
- Town, State
- Shoreham Vt.
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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Bill Lowell
- Comments
- Please continue the Sea Lamprey treatments. The results have been positive.
- Town, State
- Burlington, VT
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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michael ryan
- Town, State
- grand isle,vt 05458
- On behalf of organization?
- No
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1229
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