Maddy Brumberg, Kelly Donovan, Duncan Pogue The Effect of Recreation on the Lake Champlain Basin

Goal  Determine and quantify impacts of recreation on soil, vegetation, wildlife, and water quality within the Lake Champlain Basin.

Why recreation is important  “The Lake Champlain Basin's rich recreation and cultural resources provide innumerable benefits to those who live within and visit the Basin.” - Lake Champlain Basin Program  $3.8 billion annual revenue  Growing popularity of LCB  LCBP wants to increase ecotourism opportunities

LCB recreational activities Motorboating, camping, swimming, wildlife watching, scuba diving, cross country skiing, fishing, biking, extreme water sports, off road vehicles, snowmobiling, picnicking water fun, skydiving, horseback riding, ice fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, extreme sports, golfing, frisbee, canoeing, sailing, kite boarding, wind surfing, cowtipping, hunting …

Soil Compaction  Loss of litter and humus layers  Increase of soil density  Decrease infiltration/soil moisture  Change is soil structure and stability  Increased runoff and erosion  Biology and chemistry alterations

Impacts on Vegetation  High initial mortality rates  Decrease in reproductive capacity  Soil compaction inhibits root penetration  Mechanical damage  Alteration of species composition

Impacts on Wildlife  Habitat modification  Population dynamics  Species Composition  Animal disturbance and harassment  Alterations of behavior  Species displacement

Impacts on Aquatic Environments  Motor-Boating Pollution Engines Paints Habitat Disruption Physical Impacts on Vegetation Invasives Transport Shallow Water Plants  Fishing -Fishing Derbies

STRESSOR (RECREATION) Aquatic -Non- motor boating -Motor-boating -Swimming -Scuba Diving -Fishing -X-treme sports Riparian -Swimming -Fishing -Lake access areas -Camping -Biking (bike path) -Hiking (trails) -Park activities -Horseback Riding Terrestrial -Hiking/climbing -Skiing/Boarding -Snow shoeing/ X-country skiing -Off-road vehicles/ snowmobiling -Biking -X-treme sports -Park activities -Horsebackriding HABITATS Developed Forest Herbaceous Agriculture Wetlands Open Water LC <6’ LC >6’ Ponds/Lakes Rivers/Streams Agriculture Urban Water Treatment Plants Barriers Roads Hatcheries Marinas Forested Areas SOURCES Industria l Parks External

Recreation to Habitats Link/Importance Open WaterPonds/LakesRivers/Streams ShallowDeep Aquatic Riparian Terrestrial Overall DevelopedForestHerbaciousWetlands Aquatic Riparian Terrestrial Overall

Recommendations  Recreational Management in LCB  Base on recreational carrying capacity  Incorporate site selection, zoning and design  Citizen outreach and education  Class Suggestions  Change recreation as a stressor Select major recreational activities to focus category

Questions?