Features

While adult zebra mussels can now be found along much of Lake Champlain's shoreline, they have yet to be found in Missisquoi Bay of the Northeast Arm.

his summer, researchers found that adult zebra mussels expanded to many new locations within Lake Champlain and in greater densities on previously infested surfaces. Residents also found the impact of zebra mussels to be quite severe. Lakeshore residents who draw water from Lake Champlain have experienced problems with their water pumps and or foot valves due to zebra mussel shells fragments. Many more have reported adult mussels attached to their water intake lines, boats, docks, and other structures. In October, adult zebra mussels were reported for the first time in outer Malletts Bay near Robinson's Point.

Cathi Eliopoulus, Coordinator of the Lakewide Monitoring Program for the VT Department of Environmental Conservation and the Lake Champlain Basin Program reports that the zebra mussel reproduction is higher than last year in may parts of the Lake. "Veliger (larvae) densities are still the greatest in southern portions of the Lake where adult populations are believed to be the oldest, but densities in other parts of the Lake have increased significantly," state Eliopoulus, Veliger densities in the Broad Lake have reached 17,177 veligers per cubic meter of water this year compared to last year's peak of 723 veligers. Likewise, densities near Point Au Roche in the northwestern part of the Lake reached 10,487 veligers this year compared to the 618 veligers in 1995. For the first time, veligers are also being detected in the Northeast Arm of the Lake, although at low densities. A new Lake high of 93,798 was recorded near Crown Point Bridge in 1996 in the South Lake.

Rick Levey of the VT DEC also reports that Lake Champlain's native mussels continue to be heavily impacted by zebra mussels. "In August, surveys conducted by SCUBA divers near Chimney Point, VT revealed that four of the less common native mussel species found in that area were experiencing mortality rates of 70-100% due to heavy coverage from zebra mussels," stated Levey. "The fifth and more common species at the site also have heavy coverage but appears to be more resilient." Levey noted that it, too, will probably suffer heavy mortality by nest spring.

Erik Tichonuk of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum reports that zebra mussels have been found on several historic shipwrecks for the first time this summer. Coverage on wrecks that were infested last year have also increased significantly. "Some surfaces such as the steel support structures of the old oil dolphins near Oakledge Park in Burlington, VT are completely covered by a two inch mat of zebra mussels," reported Tichonuk. The Maritime Museum is continuing its effort to locate the document previously undiscovered historic artifacts before they are covered by zebra mussels.

Zebra mussels are beginning to show up in other areas near Lake Champlain. Last fall, adult zebra mussels were discovered in Glen Lake, NY, which is just south of Lake George and within the Lake Champlain Basin. This summer they were also found in Saratoga Lake, NY just south of the Basin. Reports of veligers in Lake George have yet to be substantiated. Zebra mussels have not been found in any inland waterbodies in Vermont, however, they have been found in the LaPlatte River about a quarter mile upstream from Lake Champlain. While adult zebra mussels can now be found along much of Lake Champlain's shoreline, they have yet to be found in Missisquoi Bay of the Northeast Arm.

This summer, a sub-committee of the Lake Champlain Basin Zebra Mussel Task Force held two workshops for lakeshore residents to learn about zebra mussel control options. the full task Force met in May and October to share updates on zebra mussel activities in the Basin. For addition information on zebra mussels, contact Michael Hauser at the VT DEC 800.241.3777.

Credit: Lake Champlain Basin Program publication "Casin' the Basin" vol iv number 5

For more information on Zebra Mussels check out these links. Be sure to make a Harbor watch bookmark before you go!

Mussel Slide Show

uring a recent trip to Dallas on our approach to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport we had a spectacular view of several marinas just north of Chicago. They are protected by a breakwater to the east and condominiums to the west. Star shaped mooring clusters replace conventional mooring fields. An eight lane highway stretching from Chicago to Milwaukee, connects the Chicago waterfront to heartland of the United States. The shear number of boats was impressive, and frightening.

Look out any window at O’Hare International and chances are all you will see are airplanes. Contrast that to the view of the Green Mountian at the Burlington Airport. A quick look at a Lake Michigan near Chicago reveals hundreds of miles of shorline without a single natural harbor. Imagine if Willsboro Bay was an arm of Lake Michigan near Chicago .......depressing.

As we were chasing our connection to Dallas we made the decision to visit Willsboro Bay for the last cruise of the summer. The contrast between Chicago and Burlington, Lake Michigan and Lake Champlain added to the desire to get away. Located at the bottom of Willsboro Bay, Willsboro Bay Marina bordered by the Adiorondacks to the west and Willsboro point to the east. Willsboro Bay is unquestionably one of the most beautiful bays on Lake Champlain. The marina serves an international clientele with customers divided equally between US and Canadian boaters. Their strongest feature, isolation, is also their weakest link. Many of their loyal customers travel from as far as Montreal, Albany, New Jersey, western New York and Ontario to enjoy the beauty of Willsboro Bay.

WBM is more than just a marina. Bob and Phyllis Klein attend personally to their customers, meeting and greeting them on a first name basis. There is a genuine “we are your friends” between the Klines and the members of the WBM fleet. You can see this in the way the fleet interacts, with little of the “Canadian-US” tensions that commonly prevail on the lake.

Four large stable docks provide for the needs of the fleet. A full eight feet wide, the docks supply water and power for each finger dock. Like separate clubs the docks have their own individuality. Members come together on the dock during the evening to discuss the days activities. French and English intermix in the dockside discussions. Although the dock socializing goes on well into the evening, it never seems to get loud and unruly; a sense of respect of others prevails.

As we sailed into the lower end of the bay we met old friends Alice and Jim Conners, our competitors in the racing scene for many years. They recently purchased a 1992 Hunter 37.5 and were eager to share with us it’s virtues. According to Jim, “We got tired of trying to find crew and supporting a sailmaker so we bought the Hunter from Phillys and Bob. This is the best place to keep a boat on the lake!” Hard to disagree with.

WBM is a full service marina including a modern bathhouse open year-round, full ship’s store, gas, diesel, pumpout, complete dive shop & instruction, fiberglass repair, rigging work complete engine repair and year around storage. They are also the dealers for Hunter & Catalina Sailboats, Bayliner powerbows and Weeres Pontoon boats. Their indoor show room has both power and sail on display year ‘round.

Their brokerage department has a unique feature. An elevated dry dock enables customers to view a variety of power and sailboats without climbing numerous ladders. Maintained summer and winter it presents a convenient way for potential owners to view a variety of boats.

Launching and hauling is very convenient at WBM. The yard is large and well graded and the launch area is high and dry, even during the spring of the year, permitting early season launching. Transients will enjoy the facilities at WBM. The bathhouse is one the best on the lake! Registered dock guests will appreciate the time and effort that goes into maintaining year ‘round facilities. Nothing beats a great hot shower after three or four days on the water.

Finally, but far from least is the WBM restaurant “Octopus Garden”. The restaurant is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is operated by Heidi and Michael Iten - Revsser. The “Octopus Garden” features a formally served dinner in a casual setting with the choise of dining insde or on the deck overlooking the marina and bay. Our 1830 reservations was appropriately timed with the 1930 sunset. Sitting on the deck facing west, watching the sun slowly set behind the mountains will remain one of the highlights of our summer.

We began our meal with an asparagus and artichoke salad. Served with a sweet salad dressing the asparagus was tender and combined with the artichoke hearts for a very mellow flavor. Our twelve year old son’s tomato and cheese salad with a valsamic vinegar dressing was as equally well done.

For our main course Lynn and I chose sole stuffed with crabmeat and shrimp served with a mellow mixture of rice and vegetables while Bretton ordered bratwurst and dumplings. Prepared to perfection, the sole and shrimp was outstanding. Bretton’s bratwurst was special by itself. Light in texture it had all of the flavor but none of the grease so often associated with sausage.

Lynn enjoyed a dry white wine while I chose my favorite Pennsylvania beer, Rolling Rock (I ain’t got no class ‘cordin’ to Lynn). The Octopus Garden has an excellent choice of wines and premiere beers to choose from.

We finished our meal with homemade blueberry pie and two “snowballs” (Vanilla ice-cream rolled in toasted coconut, topped with hot fudge and whipped cream). While sipping our coffee and enjoying the evening on the deck, we had to admit that the only thing better than our dinner was it’s location. Without a doubt, one of our nicest evenings out ths summer.

How friendly is WBM? We met Tom Mitchell Saturday evening after Mandy (the golden retriever that lets us live in her house) decided she wanted duck for dinner and dove into the water to satisfy that urge. Needless to say, she doesn’t fly and her attempt at securing dinner was, albeit entertaining, unsuccessful. After observing Mandy’s episode Tom came over to introduce himself. Having owned a “Mandy” for 12 years, he jumped at the opportunity to dog sit while we went to dinner. Those of you who know Mandy (or any "Golden" for that matter) will appreciate his gesture.