By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-982750.mp3
Montpelier, VT – Lake Champlain was above flood stage for two months this spring. It outflows into the Richelieu River in Quebec, which also experienced record flooding. Governor Shumlin and Premier Charest want state, provincial and federal officials and scientists to gather later this year in Burlington to discuss changes in infrastructure that could limit the impacts of future flooding. The Lake Champlain Basin Program has been tasked with organizing the conference. Program Manager Bill Howland.
Howland says one way to mitigate damage is to find ways to reduce the amount of water that flows into the lake.
Governor Schumlin is pointing to studies indicating that climate change will bring more wet weather in the future and he says the region needs to be prepared. Lake Champlain Lakekeeper Louis Porter finds it encouraging that the Governor and Premier are considering the impact of climate change on Lake Champlain.
New York officials would also be invited to the conference which is expected to be scheduled sometime in November or December.