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Sea Lamprey Control in Poultney and Hubbardton Rivers Rescheduled
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Waterbury, Vermont -- The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department announces a sea lamprey control treatment of the Poultney River and its tributary, the Hubbardton River in West Haven, is tentatively scheduled for November 7th.

Sea lamprey control is an essential component of the Lake Champlain fisheries restoration program jointly administered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"Sea lampreys have caused devastating impacts on fishery restoration efforts in Lake Champlain," said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche. "The Poultney River system is currently one of the largest sources of parasitic sea lamprey in Lake Champlain. This treatment will be a critical contribution to reducing the damage caused by sea lamprey on the Lake's landlocked salmon, lake trout, and walleye populations, as well as the endangered lake sturgeon."

The treatment, originally scheduled for October 17, was postponed due to low river flows and a request by Fish & Wildlife to modify parts of the Aquatic Nuisance Control and Endangered and Threatened Species Permits issued in early October. The scheduled treatment date is subject to change contingent on the outcome of the request to modify the permits and river conditions.

Temporary water use advisories will be in effect in specific areas during and following the treatment to minimize public exposure to the treatment compound. The Department of Health recommends that the treated river and lake water not be used for drinking, swimming, fishing, irrigation, or livestock watering for the short period the lamprey control chemical is present.

All river and lake water users residing within the advisory areas will be personally notified prior to the treatment, and drinking water and water for agricultural and household uses will also be delivered free of charge to affected people upon request. Areas affected by the advisories include: the Hubbardton River from the falls off River Road in West Haven downstream 2 miles to its mouth; the Poultney River from the Carvers Falls dam downstream 10.5 miles to its mouth; and in Lake Champlain northward to the Ticonderoga Ferry crossing.

The treatment and water use advisories will have no effect on most residents in the Champlain basin, and no municipal water supply systems will be affected. An extensive series of mailings has already been initiated by Fish & Wildlife to notify landowners and renters who may be affected by the treatment, and to determine their water supply needs, if any, during treatment. Local TV and radio stations and daily newspapers will announce the dates when advisories begin and expire at specific locations.

Fish & Wildlife has set up a toll free number (1-800-640-3714) for the public to obtain updates on the treatment and water use advisories.

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