The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) and the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) have announced that Dr. Eric A. Howe has accepted the position of program director of the LCBP, replacing Dr. William (Bill) Howland who retired in June after seventeen years. Howe has worked on water quality and watershed management issues in the Lake Champlain basin for nearly 20 years; for the past seven years he has served as Technical Coordinator for LCBP.

As the program director for LCBP, Howe is expected to work to administer a federally-funded program designed to protect and preserve Lake Champlain and its bi-state and bi-national watershed through partnerships that conserve and restore natural resources, promote the use of sound science to support management decisions, enhance water quality, and promote community involvement and stewardship. Howe will also serve as director of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, a federally recognized Heritage Program and subprogram of LCBP whose focus is to increase knowledge and appreciation of the area’s cultural heritage, outdoor recreational opportunities, and historic landmarks. » Continue Reading.

The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) is seeking proposals for local grants to support the implementation of the long term management plan for Lake Champlain, Opportunities for Action.

The LCBP anticipates awarding up to 80 grants totaling over $1 million dollars. Funding for these LCBP awards originates from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the National Park Service through agreements with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. » Continue Reading.