Lake Champlain looks to expand sea-lamprey control program

June 29, 2008 05:10 am

— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife (collectively, The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative) has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to expand the ongoing sea lamprey control program.
The expansion would include tributaries that support newly found populations of sea lamprey larvae.
Sea lamprey are parasitic fish that have had devastating impacts on the fishes of Lake Champlain. The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative currently implements an integrated program of sea lamprey control on 15 tributaries of Lake Champlain using lampricides to kill stream-resident larvae as well as barriers and trapping to reduce spawning success in tributaries. New lampricide treatments are being proposed on the Lamoille River in Milton, Vt., and on Mill Brook in Port Henry, N.Y.
Trapping of lamprey during spawning migrations is being proposed for Pond Brook in Colchester, Vt. Sea lamprey control on Otter Creek in Vergennes, Vt., is also being considered.
Recent surveys conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have identified significant populations of sea lamprey larvae in the Lamoille River and Mill Brook.
Trapping to assess lamprey movements in Pond Brook during past spawning runs indicates that continued control activities may prove successful against sea lamprey in this small stream.
The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative will hold two meetings to provide the public with information and to solicit comments on the proposal.
Alternately, written comments may be submitted by mail to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ATTN: Wayne Bouffard, at the address above or via e-mail to wayne_bouffard@fws.gov. The Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative will accept comments on the proposal to expand sea lamprey control on these three tributaries for the next 30 days. An electronic copy of the draft EA and supporting documentation can be obtained by contacting one of the individuals listed above or by visiting the following Web site www.fws.gov/r5lcfwro/lamprey.htm.
Following the public comment period a final version of the EA will be published and provided to interested parties. A record of decision is expected by August.
Meeting locations
and dates
Port Henry Village Office
4303 Main St.
Port Henry, NY 12974
July 9, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Milton High School
17 Rebecca Lander Dr
Milton, VT 05468
July 10, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.
For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.