| Popis: |
This paper presents an overview of Lake Champlain and Missisquoi Bay environmental issues as well as perspectives on cooperative agreements among the States of Vermont, New York, and the province of Quebec in protecting these water bodies. While Lake Champlain is primarily confined within the United States, seven percent of its watershed lies within the Province of Quebec and drains into the shallow Missisquoi Bay that is bordered by Vermont. In certain areas of Lake Champlain, such as Missisquoi Bay, excessive phosphorus loads have caused algal blooms and excessive growth of other aquatic plants, which were, and still are, detrimental to a myriad of activities associated with the use of these waters. In August 26, 2002, a formal agreement between Quebec and Vermont was reached on reducing phosphorus loads into Missisquoi Bay based on a 1991 apportionment of 60% (Vermont) and 40% (Quebec). This management plan focuses on agricultural non-point sources of phosphorus, by promoting best management practices (BMPs) of soil and water resources. |
