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Lake Iroquois Association outlines work to curb nutrients and invasive milfoil
Summary
At the Nov. 1 CCRPC Clean Water Advisory Committee meeting, Pat Suozzi of the Lake Iroquois Association described efforts to reduce phosphorus, control Eurasian watermilfoil and expand outreach; she said LIA is petitioning the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources about wake-boat use.
Pat Suozzi, board chair of the Lake Iroquois Association, told the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Clean Water Advisory Committee on Nov. 1 that the lake has faced long-standing nutrient and invasive-plant problems and that local volunteers and projects are producing measurable improvements.
Suozzi said the lake, created by a dam in 1867, has a maximum depth of 36 feet and 92 lakefront properties. She described two primary issues: high nutrient inputs and sediment washing into the lake, and a large, spreading Eurasian watermilfoil infestation. LIA, founded in 2007, has led outreach, education and hands-on projects to reduce phosphorus and limit invasive spread.
Results Suozzi highlighted include a “great increase from 2019 thru 2022 in number of boats using hotwash” to reduce transport of invasives, successful loon nesting from 2018–2022, 14 of 92 lakefront properties certified as Lake Wise, reduced milfoil following herbicide treatment, and declines in phosphorus levels. She listed outreach resources and the association’s management plan on its website.
Looking ahead, Suozzi described upcoming activities: the third annual Ice-Out Challenge, partner work on a watershed action plan with the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District and Lewis Creek Association, and fundraising and grant applications to match design funds for the Beebe Lane Stormwater Improvement Project in partnership with the four-town Lake Iroquois Recreation District. In response to a question, she said the Lake Iroquois Association is petitioning the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources to address wake-boat use on the lake. Suozzi provided a contact email for follow-up.
