August 12, 2009

The Bulletin -- August 12, 2009 (#1003)

Program: Mike Winslow, Lake Champlain—Natural History

LAKE CHAMPLAIN COMMITTEE STAFF SCIENTIST, MIKE WINSLOW, DISCUSSED ISSUES FACING LAKE CHAMPLAIN. THE TWO MAIN PROBLEMS ARE INVASIVE SPECIES AND INCREASING PHOSPHORUS LEVEL

The history of Lake Champlain is rich and truly a resource worth caring for. Mike Winslow, author of “Lake Champlain; A Natural History” and Staff Scientist for the Lake Champlain Committee, began by mapping out the Lake.
One hundred twenty miles long, Lake Champlain is divided in to five main sections: the southern section (shallow and more river-like), Missisquoi Bay, Inland Sea, the Main Lake, and Mallets Bay. Due to their unique characteristics each section has its own set of issues. For example, South Lake is the entry point for invasive species.

Mike discussed two main concerns effecting the Lake: phosphorous levels and invasive species. The Lake has issues with water chestnut, milfoil, alewives and zebra mussels. The zebra mussels contribute to the increased clarity of the Lake. While this may be aesthetically pleasing, it allows the sunlight to filter into deeper waters where new plants are beginning to grow.

“The best way to combat invasive species,” says Mike, “is to prevent their movement into the Lake through the canal in the first place.” His other suggestion is to prevent the establishment of new populations.

Phosphorous levels are a major concern as well. Phosphorus is a nutrient used largely in agriculture. When it erodes into the Lake, it provides nutrients to unwanted weeds and algae. While erosion from fertilized fields contributes significantly to the problem, it is actually storm runoff from urban developments that is the largest source of phosphorus.

Again, the best way to attack the phosphorous problem is to prevent it from getting in at all. This is easier said than done, though many efforts have been made to remove phosphorus from household detergents such as laundry soap and automatic dishwashing liquids.
The Lake Champlain Committee has created the Lake Champlain Pledge, which is a list of every day things people can do to minimize the amount of phosphorus they use. A promise to do simple tasks such as cleaning up after dogs, using 20-0-15 fertilizer containing no phosphorous, and washing vehicles on grass rather than on cement where the water runs directly to the sewer, can all make a big impact when done collectively.

“It is difficult to measure success,” Mike explains, “but easy to measure failure.” We all need to do our part to keep Lake Champlain clean and beautiful.

Q: On the whole, is the Lake progressing or getting better?
A: All lakes age with time. Our efforts would be best spent focusing on slowing the aging process. That’s what we’ve been doing.
Q: Is Lake Champlain getting it’s fair share of federal funding?
A: We have strong support because of Senator Patrick Leahy (VT). We actually get more of our fair share at this point.
Q: How are the three governments working together?
A: The Lake Champlain Basin Project is federally funded and it brings New York, Vermont and Canada together to deal with the Lake.
Q: Since the Committee’s development in 1963, the drainage basin has doubled. What planes can we put in place to neutralize this impact?
A: Growth itself is never going to be beneficial to the Lake. The best we can do is to build up, not out.
Q: How is the sewage treatment plant doing in Plattsburgh?
A: Interestingly, New York has the smallest number of people but its plants put out twice as much prosperous as Vermont.
Q: If the invasive species are coming through the canal, would it not behoove us to implement boat cleaning regulations or filters?
A: Those running the canal are much more receptive to preventive measures, but it’s costly and nothing is going to be 100% effective.
Q: Do recreational vehicles such as boats and jet skis effect the Lake?
A: The new four-stroke engines don’t discharge the amount of pollution older engines did which is good. Boat wake contributes to erosion, but recreational vehicles are not nearly as problematic to the Lake as phosphorous and invasive species.

Seasoned Member Talk: Keith Tyo

Keith was raised in Winthrop, NY, a small town near Massina. He received his BA in Communications at SUNY Otswego and began a diverse career path ranging from radio and television to politics. After graduating from college Keith spent four years as a radio announcer in Potsdam. He was a true disc jockey (who spun vinyl) and Assistant News Director. In 1983, he moved into politics working for Assemblyman John O'Neil's District Office where he drafted legislation, news releases and worked on several election campaigns. Keith moved onto the university scene in 1990, as Director of Public Relations at Paul Smith’s College. In 1995, he made a final career move to SUNY Plattsburgh where he was the Director of Communications until 2004 when he moved to the President’s office as Executive Assistant to the President. Keith has been married for 29 years and has three grown children in college. He has spent four years in our Rotary Club and enjoys the involvement. Keith’s modesty prevented him from saying that he won Rotarian of the Year in 2008 and is a Paul Harris Fellow.

This Week:

Welcome back President Bonnie.
Ellen Bouchard announced an upcoming Roducky Derby committee meeting before the next scheduled Rotary meeting (08/19 at 11:30). Duck sales are beginning and she has secured a day in front of Wal-Mart for additional promotion.
Jody Carpenter is passing around a shirt sign up sheet. The cost is $27

Visiting Rotarians: Don Lazario (Venice, FL)

Guests: Mary Anne Pavone (Kit Booth), Don Sorenson and his son, Patrick Sorenson (Marsha Cook)

Announcements:
Monday, Aug 17: Board Meeting - CCC Dining Hall (PARC), 12:15pm.
Wednesday, Aug 26: District Governor’s visit. Member attendance is appreciated.

Bonnie’s Bucks:

Ronna Bosko is taking a position at SUNY Geneseo and will be leaving the area very soon. She is sorry to leave the club but is looking forward to her future.
Kevin Killeen announced the upcoming YMCA golf tournament (08/26) at the Barracks. They are still accepting teams so see Kevin if you are interested.
Sara Rowden asked the club to attend the unveiling of the new mosaic created by local students at the Clinton County Government Center tonight (8/12) at 5:30pm.
Kit Booth is celebrating 58 years of marriage to his wife Sally. Congratulations!
John Sorenson was proud to say his daughter was married in the Plattsburgh Elk’s Lodge over the weekend.
Bob Miller has had a busy few weeks. He recently returned from a wedding in Utah to learn of his brother-in-law’s death. He just returned from Maine where he was celebrating the birthday’s of two grandchildren.
Past Pres. Chuck Paepke thanked the club for their kind thoughts and prayers. He’s happy to be back.
Cathy Forget said the store will be open after today’s meeting (8/12). She recommended members buy a pin boasting both the American and Canadian Flags.
Past Pres. Marty Mannix welcomed President Bonnie back from Nicaragua and Past Pres. Chuck Paepke back into good health.
John Seiden reiterated what Sara Rowden announced saying everyone should “change their schedules and get their butts to the unveiling of the mosaic.” Also, it was four years ago today he became a Rotarian.

50/50: The pot climbed to $1420 this week, and Bob Donlan picked the 4 of spades. There are 37 cards now remaining.

Another Candle Burning For: Ewa Jankowska (8/17)
Make-ups: On line: V. Marking (7/22), MaryAnne Bukolt Ryder, J. Kerley (7/29), P. Connelly (7/29); Free Pass: Jack Dee (7/29)

Trivia Fun Facts:

The first Rotary club banner (from the Houston Space Center) to orbit the moon was carried by astronaut Frank Borman, a member of that club.

Trivia from 8/12: The question: Who invented the four-way system? No one answered the question so it will be asked again next week.

Upcoming Programs: Go to Membership Duties List