Governor Peter Shumlin today signed a proclamation declaring July 2015 as “Lakes Appreciation Month.” The proclamation states that lakes and reservoirs are “critical to Vermont’s environment and quality of life, providing sources of recreation, scenic beauty, and habitat for wildlife” and that ”maintaining the health of our lakes, ponds, and reservoirs is the responsibility of every citizen.”
“By signing this proclamation, I seek to recognize the tremendous and critical efforts of the many Vermont citizens, community leaders, volunteers, lake and watershed organizations to protect and restore the quality of our state’s many lakes and ponds,” Gov. Shumlin stated.
In recent years, Vermont has established itself as a leader among states in the protection of water resources, passing a Shorelands Protection law in 2014 and the landmark 2015 Vermont Clean Water Act addressing polluted stormwater runoff. The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and its three departments, Fish and Wildlife, Forest Parks and Recreation, and Environmental Conservation all contribute to protecting Vermonters’ ability to enjoy the state’s many lakes, reservoirs and ponds through education, outreach, oversight and maintaining access at boat launch areas and State Parks. Vermont’s citizens play a key role in supporting the Agency by monitoring water quality, preventing the spread of invasive species, and educating the public about the importance of taking care of our state’s waters.
Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz noted, “Our state’s quality of life and our prosperity is tied to the natural beauty and health of our lakes which provide Vermonters opportunities to enjoy clean water for fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing, and drinking. so I am pleased that the Governor has signed this proclamation recognizing the importance of this vital resource.”
“On behalf of our members and the citizens of Vermont, the North American Lake Management Society thanks Governor Shumlin for recognizing lakes and reservoirs as a key element of a healthy environment, healthy community, and healthy economy,” stated Society President Reed Green in a letter to the governor.
The North American Lake Management Society’s focus is on lake management for a wide variety of uses. This organization’s primary function is educational, guided by the mission to forge partnerships among citizens, scientists, and professionals to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs for today and tomorrow.
The complete text of the proclamation is provided below.
WHEREAS, Vermont’s landscape is home to more than 800 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs; and
WHEREAS, these lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are critical to Vermont’s environment and quality of life, providing sources of recreation, scenic beauty, and habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, these lakes, ponds, and reservoirs are valuable economic resources for Vermont’s businesses, tourism, and municipal governments, with uses ranging from transportation, to energy production, to drinking water supply; and
WHEREAS, maintaining the health of our lakes, ponds, and reservoirs is the responsibility of every citizen, Vermont recognizes the work of many community volunteers who monitor and improve the water quality of our lakes with support from lake associations, watershed associations, local municipalities, and statewide organizations; and
WHEREAS, in conjunction with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, our State commemorates the Clean Water Act and recognizes its importance to the safety and quality of Vermont’s waterbodies and watersheds; and
WHEREAS, Vermont protects and restores lake water quality through provisions of the 2014 Shoreland Protection Act and the 2015 Vermont Clean Water Act;
THEREFORE, in special recognition of the vital role our lakes, ponds and reservoirs play in our environment and the well-being of our state, I, Peter Shumlin, Governor of the State of Vermont, do hereby proclaim July 2015 as LAKES APPRECIATION MONTH. I encourage my fellow citizens to participate in recreational activities and enjoy the benefits and scenic beauty of our lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.