We’re looking to learn more about conditions on Vermont’s lakes – You can help!
Cyanobacteria are common in water around the world and we expect them to be in Vermont lakes. Because contact with large amounts of cyanobacteria can lead to illness (for more information see our factsheet), we are collecting information on these organisms around the state. Reports are shared with the public through the Department of Health’s CyanoTracker and added to our long-term records. Staff at the VT DEC and the Department of Health work together with volunteers recruited and trained by the Lake Champlain Committee or the VT DEC to monitor on lakes around the state, including Lake Champlain.
We ask volunteers to
- Take an annual training to learn about cyanobacteria and how to monitor for them.
- Provide weekly reports during the summer from a lake location.
- We typically monitor from the second week of June through the first week of September.
- Upload the weekly report to the Department of Health’s CyanoTracker
- Take photos if high levels of cyanobacteria are observed.
Interested in becoming a monitor?
Email Peter Isles at Peter.Isles@vermont.gov. Thanks!
