Eagle Bay Added to Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program

Protecting the waters that surround Rock Point is a huge component of Rock Point Commons' vision for the future. That is why we are proud to announce that we have joined with The Lake Champlain Committee to add Eagle Bay to their Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program. This Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program, which was founded in 2004, enlists and trains citizen monitors who collect regular water samples at designated locations on Lake Champlain.

Cyanobacteria, also commonly called "Blue Green Algae" is a naturally-occurring algae that has existed in lakes around the world for millions of years. Under the right conditions (shallow, calm water and warm water temperatures), cyanobacteria can form large accumulations near and on the surface of the water called "blooms." These blooms can contain levels of bacteria that are potentially harmful to humans and animals. When a cyanobacteria bloom is identified, humans and pets should stay out of the water.

Cyanobacteria bloom on Eagle Bay, 2020

Rock Point has always kept an eye on our beaches to inform campers or program participants when it is unsafe to swim. This new partnership, however, brings us into the fold with researchers and community activists who aim to raise awareness of the Cyanobacteria issues on Lake Champlain. Increasing water temperatures due to climate change, combined with nutrient loading from heavy storms that wash surface water into the Lake, are making blooms more common. It is important to pay attention to changing trends to understand how we might be able to contribute to solutions to this issue.

We are proud to add this partnership with the Lake Champlain Committee to our growing list of environmental initiatives to protect Lake Champlain. To learn more about Cyanobacteria, how to identify it and help prevent it, please visit the Lake Champlain Committee's website. You can also contact them if you are interested in being a volunteer!

Please note: Swimming at Rock Point is only allowed for campers, lodging guests, and staff. Our waterfront is not monitored by safety staff, nor do we regularly monitor water conditions other than the locations used by our programs. Our beaches are also not large enough to accommodate safe public access. Please see our trail use guidelines.