Vermont government and cleaning up Lake Champlain

Gov.Peter Shumlin can start by asking counties and municipalities within them to stop the clearing of forests and the subsequent conversion of that land to crap like parking lots, driveways and even lawns, all of which contribute a hell of a lot of nutrient pollution to Lake Champlain via its tributaries (Winooski River, Otter Creek, Mississquoi River, Lamoille River, etc.). Then, having declared that water quality means more than a developer's bankroll, we can all start restoring the natural landscape - the landscape that's critical toward filtering surface waters and, ultimately, to cleaning up the big lake's water. So, come on,folks. Let's get going on this. Here's Vermont Public Radio's take on the governor and the lake.

Bill setting lake shore protections near passage in Vermont Senate

This is a positive step forward, both for fish and wildlife habitat and water quality. I note the reporter's placement of words from "opponents" of the legislation; as if the conservation goal of the legislation is anti-people and property rights. Hogwash - again.

Oil spill and Lake Champlain pollution source

This, of course, is just one of a million-plus oil spills in the Lake Champlain watershed. I shot this pix in a local warehouse "park" yesterday. This is exactly the sort of non-point-source pollution that bedevils any and all efforts to clean up the water quality of this big lake and basins like Chesapeake Bay, too.

Bill introduced to protect water quality and salmon in Ore.

In 20-plus years living in Pa., I never saw something like this from a Keystone State legislator. And there is no question that many, many, many waters in that state would benefit from the kind of thinking evident in this Oregon legislation.